Frequently asked questions
The questions reception hears most, answered properly. If yours is not here, phone the rooms.
Your appointment
Why do I need a GP referral?
A current GP referral is what allows you to claim the Medicare rebate for your visit. Payment is required in full on the day, and part of that can then be claimed back from Medicare provided the referral is current. Your GP will write one on request.
How do I make an appointment?
Phone the rooms on (02) 9687 0900. All appointments across the Bella Vista, Castle Hill and Westmead rooms are booked through the one number, and all correspondence should be addressed to the Bella Vista rooms.
What should I bring to the first consultation?
Bring your GP referral, your Medicare card, any private health fund details, a list of your current medications, and any recent scans, colonoscopy reports or blood results. If the images are on a disc or an online portal, bring the access details.
Bowel cancer
Can I catch bowel cancer?
No. Bowel cancer is not contagious. People with a family history are more likely to develop it than people without one, but that is inherited risk, not transmission. You cannot pass it on and you cannot catch it from anybody.
Is it possible to have blood in your stool but not have bowel cancer?
Yes, and it is quite common. Rectal bleeding has many causes other than cancer. But blood in or on the stool is never normal and should not be ignored. See your doctor promptly so the cause can be identified.
What are the symptoms of early bowel cancer?
In the early stages, when it is most treatable, there are few symptoms if any. That is exactly why screening matters. As the disease progresses, the things to watch for are:
- Bleeding from the bowel. This is the most important symptom, though it does not always mean cancer is present.
- Abdominal symptoms such as pain, bloating, weight loss, or mucus in bowel motions.
- A change in bowel habit, anywhere from constipation to persistent diarrhoea.
- Low iron levels, which can cause anaemia and tiredness.
Surgery and recovery
Will my operation be keyhole or open?
Wherever it is safe and appropriate, Professor El-Khoury uses laparoscopic, or keyhole, technique. It usually means less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal activity. Open surgery is still the better choice in some situations, including significant scarring from previous operations or particular anatomical findings. This is discussed with you before the operation.
Who looks after me if I need a stoma?
Leslie, Bronwyn, Lee and Karen are experienced stomal therapy nurses who work closely with Professor El-Khoury. They see patients before surgery for siting and education, provide counselling and written information, and remain contactable by mobile afterwards. They can arrange to see you in the outpatient clinic at Westmead or at the Norwest rooms.