HOUSTON (March 12, 2010) – Patients at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic who have a primary care physician can now directly schedule appointments for a colonoscopy in the Ambulatory Service Center rather than being referred through a gastroenterologist prior to their procedure.
"The Direct Access Colonoscopy Program allows qualified Kelsey-Seybold patients to fast-track the colonoscopy procedure," said John I. Hughes, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.G. with the Gastroenterology Department at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. "This program provides a welcomed relief to a procedure that can often be thought of as inconvenient and worrisome for our patients."
The Direct Access Colonoscopy Program at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic eliminates the need for healthy patients to meet with a Kelsey-Seybold gastroenterologist for a pre-consultation appointment. To qualify, patients must have a Kelsey-Seybold primary care physician, be between the ages of 50-70 years, be in good health and never had a colon screening in the past. These inclusions are assessed during a telephone interview with the patient and nurse.
Scheduling a colonoscopy has never been easier.
Watch our video to find out what Gastroenterologist Dr. John Hughes has to say about Kelsey-Seybold's Direct Access Colonoscopy Program.
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States in men and women combined. Kelsey-Seybold gastroenterologists consider colonoscopy the preferred screening technique to help diagnose this disorder. A colonoscopy should be performed beginning at age 50, and every 10 years thereafter or as prescribed by the patient's physician.
Joseph Sloan, a Kelsey-Seybold patient, said "I found the program very convenient and appreciated the ability to streamline the scheduling process due to my busy schedule. My tests were completed the week after seeing my primary care physician."
Any patient with outstanding or pending referrals to cardiology or pulmonary physicians, who requires supplemental oxygen therapy or has been diagnosed with advanced renal disease, CAD, CHF, COPD or chronic lung disease needs
To schedule an appointment, contact your Kelsey-Seybold primary care physician or call 713-442-0000.
