Gastroenterologists diagnose and manage conditions of the digestive system — the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Common reasons for referral include persistent reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), liver disease, and colonoscopy for screening or investigation. A GP referral is required to claim a Medicare rebate.
Search gastroenterologists & digestive health near youEndoscopy and colonoscopy
A large part of gastroenterology involves procedures — gastroscopy (a camera passed via the mouth to examine the oesophagus and stomach) and colonoscopy (via the bowel) — usually performed under sedation in a day hospital setting. These are billed separately from the consultation and involve their own set of costs: the proceduralist’s fee, an anaesthetist for the sedation, and a facility fee, each with a Medicare rebate and, where relevant, an insurance gap.
Bowel cancer screening
Australia runs a National Bowel Cancer Screening Program that mails a free at-home test kit to eligible people at set ages. A positive result on that test leads to a GP referral for a colonoscopy, which is the diagnostic follow-up step — the mail-in kit itself is not a substitute for colonoscopy where one is indicated, only a screening tool to identify who needs one.
Referral and Medicare
A GP referral lasts 12 months by default, often extended for chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease that need ongoing specialist monitoring. Where a colonoscopy is being organised as a procedure rather than just a consultation, ask for the total cost across proceduralist, anaesthetist and facility fees together, since these are quoted separately by different providers and the combined total is what matters for your budget.
What to bring
Bring your referral, a clear timeline of symptoms, and details of your diet and any triggers you’ve noticed. If a procedure is booked, follow the bowel preparation instructions exactly as given — an inadequately prepared bowel is one of the most common reasons a colonoscopy has to be repeated, at further cost and inconvenience.
Questions worth asking
- Is a procedure needed, or can this be investigated without one first?
- What is the total cost across proceduralist, anaesthetist and facility?
- How should I prepare beforehand, and what can I eat or drink?
- When and how will I get the results?
- How soon after a colonoscopy can I drive or return to work?
This page explains how to navigate the system — who these practitioners are, how referrals and billing work, and what to take to an appointment. It is not medical advice and cannot tell you whether you need to see anyone. That is a conversation for your GP. In an emergency call 000.
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