Preparing for your visit and your procedure
Practical guidance for consultations, procedures and infusions. Detailed preparation instructions are provided by the rooms when your appointment is booked.
Your first consultation
Bring your referral letter (if you have one), a list of current medication, any recent blood results or scans, and your medical aid details. Consultations run Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 16:30. If you cannot keep an appointment, please give the rooms at least 24 hours’ notice.
Medical aid and accounts
The practice submits claims to medical aid schemes on patients’ behalf. Benefit confirmation and pre-authorisation requirements differ by scheme and by procedure; the practice team will guide you through what your scheme requires before any procedure is booked. Please contact the rooms for information on fees and billing.
Preparing for your procedure
Procedures are performed under sedation. Because of the sedation, you may not drive for the rest of the day and will need someone to take you home.
Gastroscopy
Examines the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach and first part of the small intestine. About 10 to 15 minutes. You will need an empty stomach: no food or drink for the hours specified in your booking instructions.
Colonoscopy
Examines the large bowel. A clean bowel is essential, so you will be given specific preparation instructions when booked. Follow them exactly: poor preparation is the commonest reason a colonoscopy must be repeated.
Capsule endoscopy
A small swallowed camera capsule photographs the small intestine, beyond the reach of standard endoscopes. Most often used to investigate unexplained anaemia or bleeding. Full instructions are provided when booked.
Infusions and after your procedure
Infusions are given in the practice infusion suite by arrangement. Most iron and biologic infusions take between 30 minutes and a few hours, and you can usually return to normal activities the same day. The team will confirm your scheme’s authorisation before your appointment.
After a procedure you will receive a report and the findings will be explained to you. Where biopsies are taken, histology results usually take longer than a week to become available, although turnaround times can vary. Once the report has been received, the results and any recommended follow-up can be discussed with the practice.
Common questions
Many patients have the same practical questions about referrals, medical aid, sedation, results and infusions. The patient FAQ answers them in one place.
Have a question before your visit?
The rooms are happy to help with appointments, preparation and medical-aid queries. Please keep clinical questions for your consultation.
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