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What is a colonoscopy?

A screening colonoscopy is recommended for everyone over 45 years old even if you do not have any symptoms. Undergoing a screening colonoscopy can prevent colon cancer by detecting and removing precancerous polyps before they turn to cancer.

What is direct access colonoscopy?

Direct access colonoscopy allows for patients without any major symptoms or medical problems to directly schedule a colonoscopy without the need for an office consultation.

How do I know if I qualify for a direct access colonoscopy?

You must be 45 years-old or above. If you're younger than 45 years-old but have a family history of colon cancer, please schedule a consultation to determine if you need an early colonoscopy.

You must NOT have any significant GI symptoms:

  • Unexplained abdominal pain
  • Uncontrolled heartburn
  • Unexplained nausea or vomiting
  • Chronic unexplained diarrhea
  • Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
  • Unintentional weight loss.
  • Difficulty swallowing

You must NOT be on any of the following blood thinners (baby aspirin is ok):

  • Coumadin (warfarin)
  • Plavix (clopidogrel)
  • Xarelto (rivaroxaban)
  • Eliquis (apixaban)
  • Pradaxa (dabigatran)
  • Effient (prasugrel)
  • Lovenox (enoxaparin)

You must NOT have any of the following major medical conditions:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)
  • Morbid obesity with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 45
  • Recent heart attack or heart stent placed within the last 1 year
  • Recent pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) within the last 6 months
  • Unexplained anemia

Preparation Instructions

  • If you a preparing for a colonoscopy, please click here for important information.

How to schedule a colonoscopy.

At Gunnison Valley Health, we want to ensure you know what to expect when undertaking a colonoscopy with our General Surgery Clinic.

  • A referral or doctors order is required for a colonoscopy.
  • A consultation appointment with a surgeon may be required prior to the procedure. This is to determine the most appropriate procedure for your condition.
  • Consultation appointments may not be covered by insurance carriers.
  • The colonoscopy procedure can be a covered benefit, based on your insurance plan and the reason for the procedure. For example, a screening colonoscopy is for those who do not have symptoms and a diagnostic colonoscopy is required for those with symptoms.
  • Referrals for positive cologuard testing will require a follow-up diagnostic colonoscopy that may not be covered by insurance.

We do encourage you to contact your insurance carrier to determine if you will be charged a deductible or any out of pocket expenses.

Call 970-641-3927 for more information.

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