Direct Access Endoscopy Eligibility Guidelines
Reminder: Please insure that all referrals for direct access endoscopy procedures have been seen by a Primary Care Physicians within the last 90 days. For questions or to schedule, please contact one of our Clinical Coordinators:
Amanda Autin, RN: 504-988-0978
Rebecca Bentel, RN: 504-988-0979
Fax Orders/H&Ps: 504-988-0980
Indications for colonoscopy:
- Colorectal Cancer Screening in average risk patients ages 50 – 75 years of age
- 45 years for African American patients
- Positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or rectal bleeding in a patient < 75 years of age with no prior colonoscopy
- Iron deficiency anemia in patients < 75 years of age with no prior colonoscopy
- Family history of colorectal cancer – patients who have a first degree relative diagnosed with colon cancer or an adenomatous colon polyp at age 60 or less—these patients should start screening at age 40 or 10 years younger than the age at which their relative was diagnosed (whichever is earlier)
- Personal history of adenomatous polyps in a patient aged 50 to 75 years whose last colonoscopy was at least 3 years prior to referral
- Colonic mass lesion or abnormality (i.e. colonic thickening) seen on imaging (CT scan, barium enema, etc.)
Indications for EGD:
- GERD symptoms failing medical therapy (8 weeks of PPI therapy)
- GERD symptoms with alarm features (weight loss)
- Abnormal imaging (esophageal or gastric mass or thickening)
- Iron deficiency anemia with prior, recent negative colonoscopy