Direct Access / Open Access Endoscopy | Brisbane & Redland

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Open Access Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy

Direct Access Endoscopy in Brisbane & Redland

A streamlined Direct (Open) Access Endoscopy service letting GPs refer patients straight for gastroscopy, colonoscopy or both — faster diagnosis with GESA-accredited surgeon Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, across Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan.

GP direct referralResults to GP in 24hBrisbane · Redland · Moreton Bay · Logan
No consultFor suitable patients
24 hrsResults to your GP
FasterTime to diagnosis
NSQHSSafety standards met
Overview

A faster, streamlined endoscopy pathway

Direct Access Endoscopy (also called Open Access Endoscopy) lets GPs refer suitable patients straight for a gastroscopy, colonoscopy or both — without an initial specialist consultation — so diagnosis and treatment happen sooner.

This streamlined pathway saves time and keeps your GP at the centre of your care, while ensuring safety: patients with co-morbidities or complex needs are seen for a consultation first. Dr Goutham, GESA-accredited in gastroscopy and colonoscopy, performs each procedure personally with an experienced endoscopy team across Brisbane and the Redlands.

The basics

What is Direct Access Endoscopy?

Direct Access Endoscopy enables GPs to retain primary oversight of their patients' care while providing direct access to specialist procedures. For appropriate patients, it removes the wait and cost of a separate pre-procedure specialist appointment, getting them to their gastroscopy or colonoscopy — and to answers — more quickly.

Benefits

Benefits of Direct Access Endoscopy

No initial specialist consult

Suitable patients are booked directly for their procedure, removing an extra appointment and wait.

GP retains control

Results are sent to the GP within 24 hours electronically, and the patient receives detailed results on discharge.

Cost efficiency

Without a separate initial consultation, the overall cost to the patient is often reduced.

Faster diagnosis

Direct Access referrals are typically scheduled much sooner than traditional pathways.

Eligibility

Who is suitable for Direct Access?

Direct Access works best for patients who are otherwise well and have a clear indication for endoscopy — for example bowel-cancer screening, surveillance, investigation of reflux, or follow-up of a positive FIT test. Patients who usually need a consultation first include those with significant heart or lung disease, complex medication regimens (such as blood thinners), previous difficult sedation, or complex medical histories — so their procedure can be planned safely. If in doubt, our team will advise.

Our service

A comprehensive Direct Access service

  • Gastroscopy and colonoscopy — both available through Direct Access.
  • Highly skilled team — experienced endoscopy nurses and anaesthetic support.
  • Safety & quality — procedures meet National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards and recognised colonoscopy quality benchmarks.
  • Pre-procedure assessment — every patient is screened, which may include a brief phone assessment, to ensure they are fully prepared.
  • Seamless surgical transition — if a problem is found that needs surgery, continuity of care is assured under the one surgeon.
For GPs

Easy referral process

To arrange a procedure, send a standard referral via Medical Objects or email, noting 'Direct/Open Access Endoscopy' along with the requested investigation. Our experienced team manages the rest — patient screening, bowel-prep instructions, scheduling and coordination — for a seamless experience for you and your patient. See our referral information → Proudly serving Brisbane and the Redlands.

Cost

Cost — no-gap and fixed-price options

Cost is kept clear and upfront. For eligible privately insured patients, gastroscopy and colonoscopy are offered as a no-gap service, and for uninsured patients a fixed-price package is available. Full details are available via our partner service: view pricing & no-gap options →. All costs are confirmed before the procedure.

Why choose Upper Edge

Efficient, accurate, patient-centred

  • Streamlined access — suitable patients booked directly.
  • GP partnership — results in 24 hours, you stay in the loop.
  • Quality & safety — NSQHS standards and quality benchmarks.
  • Continuity of care — seamless transition to surgery if needed.
  • Care close to home — Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan.
FAQs

Direct Access Endoscopy FAQs

Who is suitable for Direct Access Endoscopy?+

Otherwise-well patients with a clear indication can be booked directly without a prior specialist consultation. Those with co-morbidities or complex conditions are assessed first for safety.

How fast will my GP get the results?+

Results are shared electronically with your GP within 24 hours, and you receive detailed results on discharge.

How does my GP refer me?+

GPs send a standard referral via Medical Objects or email, noting "Direct/Open Access Endoscopy" and the requested investigation; our team coordinates everything from there.

Is it cheaper than the traditional pathway?+

Often yes — without a separate initial consultation the overall cost is typically reduced. No-gap options for insured patients and fixed-price packages for uninsured patients are available.

Will I still be properly assessed before the procedure?+

Yes. Every patient is screened, often with a brief phone assessment, and anyone who needs a face-to-face consultation first is seen, so your procedure is safe and well prepared.

Can I have both a gastroscopy and colonoscopy?+

Yes. If both are indicated, they are usually performed together under the same sedation in one visit.

Do I still need bowel prep for a colonoscopy?+

Yes. You will receive clear bowel-preparation instructions in advance, as good preparation is essential for an accurate colonoscopy.

What happens if something is found?+

Polyps are removed during the procedure, and if anything needs further treatment, Dr Goutham — as a surgeon — can coordinate the next steps directly, with your GP kept informed.

Areas we serve

Caring for South-East Queensland

Dr Goutham consults and operates across Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan — care close to home, wherever you are in South-East Queensland.

BrisbaneSpring Hill, Sunnybank, Carindale, Mount Gravatt, CBD
RedlandCleveland, Capalaba, Victoria Point, Wellington Point
Moreton BayNorth Lakes, Redcliffe, Mango Hill, Kallangur
LoganSpringwood, Shailer Park, Loganholme, Daisy Hill
Where this happens: scopes are performed at St Andrew's War Memorial (Spring Hill), Springwood Day Surgery (Logan), Mater Private Redland (Cleveland) and North Lakes Day Hospital (Moreton Bay). Consultations at Watkins Medical Centre, Spring Hill.

Dr Goutham Sivasuthan

General & Endoscopic Surgeon · Brisbane

Australian-trained from the University of Queensland through to specialist surgical accreditation, and GESA-accredited in gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Dr Goutham practises across Brisbane, Redland, Moreton Bay and Logan, with a focus on minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery. AHPRA registration MED0002000354. Read Dr Goutham's full profile →

Last medically reviewed by Dr Goutham Sivasuthan, specialist surgeon — June 2026.

Schedule a consultation

Refer for Direct Access Endoscopy

GPs can refer via Medical Objects or email. Contact our team to learn more or to send a referral today.

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(07) 3333 5518
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