Patient Handouts

Get Screened: Schedule a Colonoscopy

It's easy with direct access appointments

Expedited scheduling, no office visit required and no additional co-pay when you meet medical criteria.

What is a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows the doctor to examine the entire length of the large intestine. Colonoscopy can assist in identifying problems with the colon, such as early signs of cancer, inflamed tissue, ulcers, and bleeding. Colonoscopy is also used to screen for colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. and the fourth most common cancer in men and women.An endoscope, which is a long, flexible, lighted tube (also called a colonoscope), is inserted through the rectum into the colon. In addition to allowing visualization of the internal colon, the colonoscope enables the doctor to irrigate, suction, inject carbon dioxide (air), and access the bowel with surgical instruments. During a colonoscopy, the doctor may remove tissue and/or polyps for further examination and possibly treat any problems that are discovered.

Who Should Have a Colonoscopy?

Everyone age 45 or older should have some form of colon cancer screening. Those with a strong family history of colon cancer may need screening earlier than 45. Colonoscopy is a form of colon cancer screening that has the advantage of finding tumors and potential tumors the earliest. Early tumors can also be removed during a colonoscopy. If your colonoscopy is normal and you have no family history, then you will not need another exam for 10 years.

To learn about other options for colorectal cancer screening read What You Need to Know: Colorectal Cancer

Who Performs Colonoscopies?

Specialists called gastroenterologists perform endoscopy procedures, as well as some general surgeons and surgeons who specialize in colon and rectal surgery.

Meet the specialists who perform Direct Access Colonoscopies at Valley Medical Center.

7 Reasons to Get Screened for Colon Cancer

7 Reasons to get Screened for Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the second largest cancer killer
Colon cancer is more common in men and women over age 45
Testing can find pre-cancerous colon polyps when they can be easily removed. Polyps are small growths that may turn into cancer if not removed
Testing can find colon cancer early, when it's easily cured
You are at higher risk for colon cancer if you have a personal history of polyps, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or a family history of colon cancer or polyps
If you have a family history of other cancers (breast, ovarian, or uterine), you are at higher risk for colon cancer
If you have any signs or symptoms such as rectal bleeding, a screening should be done immediately

Direct Access Screening

If you're healthy and meet the medical guidelines, you can call direct to schedule a screening colonoscopy, after your provider submits your referral to our office . We've made scheduling easier so you do not need to first schedule an office visit with a gastroenterologist. Many patients appreciate this option as they save on co-pay and time away from work.

Are you eligible to schedule a Direct Access Colonoscopy?

You meet one of the following criteria:

None of the following apply to you:

Age 45 to 75 years for average risk.
Family history of colon cancer or adenomatous polyp in first degree relative—starting at age 40 or 10 years before the age at which first degree relative was diagnosed with colon cancer (whichever is earlier)
Prior personal history of polyps requiring follow-up
- Advanced or multiple (>3) adenomas: screening recommended every 3 years
- 1 or 2 small (<1 cm) adenomas: screening recommended every 5 to 10 years

Colon cancer (personal history)
Kidney disease
COPD/Emphysema, or oxygen use at home
Sleep apnea with BMI >40
Insulin dependent diabetes or diabetes with A1C >9
Abdominal (bowel) surgery within the last 6 months
Gastrointestinal symptoms requiring diagnostic evaluation, such as diverticulitis
Use of prescription blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs (other than aspirin), or a bleeding disorder
Major heart issues or surgeries (such as pacemaker, defibrillator, coronary disease, stents, congestive heart failure, or valvular heart disease)
Liver disease (decompensated)
Stroke within the last 6 months
Mobility issues such as an inability to ambulate (move yourself) or transfer independently, or require total care assistance
Significant health issues that affect sedation or recovery
Current drug/alcohol abuse
Anemia

If you meet the medical eligibility requirements above:

Step 1: Ask your primary care provider to refer you for a colonoscopy (the fax number is 425.690.9088).

Step 2: Once you have received approval, call 425.690.3488, to schedule a colonoscopy appointment (lead time is generally 4 weeks). When you call and hear the recorded prompts, press option 1.

Step 3: Within one week, you should receive your colonoscopy appointment confirmation and your over-the-counter prep instructions. If a prescription for Trilyte (or other bowel prep solution) is recommended, get your prescription filled.

Step 4: Find someone to drive you home (or if taking a taxi, to escort you home) as this is a sedated procedure. Give your escort Pick up Instructions.

Step 5: Carefully read and follow the instructions given to you by your provider.

Step 6: On the day of your procedure, check-in at the Endoscopy Center 45 minutes prior to your appointment time. Get directions to VMC.

If you do not meet the medical eligibility requirements:

You are not eligible for a direct access screening and will be scheduled for a GI consult prior to scheduling you for a colonoscopy.

DocTalk: Colorectal Cancer Prevention with Greta Bernier, MD

Dr. Bernier addresses the questions below in this video:

1. How does colorectal cancer screening save lives?
2. What are the new screening guidelines and age recommendations?
3. What are the options for screening including the stool card and colonoscopy and how do they work?
4. What are some considerations and limitations with each of the tests?
5. So what’s the big deal about the bowel prep for a colonoscopy?
6. What are polyps and why would they be removed during a colonoscopy? 7. What lifestyle changes can we make to reduce our risk of colorectal cancer?
8. What are the signs & symptoms of colorectal cancer?
9. How can a patient get referred for screening at Valley?