We provide endoscopy services (gastroscopy and colonoscopy) after consultation or as direct referrals from your GP. All referrals will be triaged to see if your medical condition allows for direct endoscopy without seeing the gastroenterologist prior to the endoscopy day.
Often, it is helpful to have a consultation first to better prepare you for the procedure and minimise the risk of having to repeat the procedure due to inadequate preparation.
Alternatively, you may be advised to defer the procedure or be referred to the public hospital waiting list if appropriate. Dr Hong has admission rights with St Vincent’s Hospital and Western Health and can refer you to the public hospital endoscopy waiting list (without having to wait for a consultation at the hospital).
Fees
There are four entities involved in the billing for endoscopy:
- Gastroenterologist
- Anaesthetist
- Pathology
- Hospital / Endoscopy Centre
For Medicare-card holders:
Dr Hong does not charge you a fee and you will not receive an invoice from us. The gastroenterologist fees are charged directly to Medicare and/or your private health insurance.
Our anaesthetists and pathology partners also do not charge you a fee. They will also bill your private health insurance or Bulk Bill Medicare for you.
Hospital / Endoscopy Centre will charge a facility fee for their costs (nurses, equipment, etc). This is not covered by Medicare.
If you have private health insurance with hospital cover, your fund will generally cover this facility fee (you will need to check with them – item numbers 30473 32222 – to confirm cover and any excess to pay). Our doctors do not charge a gap on top of your private health cover.
If you do not have private health insurance, the facility ranges between $400 and $900 depending on what procedure(s) you are having, what is found and the equipment use to treat it (polyps, clips), and which facility you choose. Facilities vary in their offerings with base prices that may or may not include polypectomy for example.
For patients without Medicare:
Please contact us to discuss about each of the four fees above. The total of the fees may be about $1500-$2000 depending on what procedures you are having.
| Fees Summary | Private Fund with Medicare | Medicare only | No Medicare |
| Gastroenterologist | No gap fee | Bulk bill | Fee |
| Anaesthetist | No gap fee | Bulk bill | Fee |
| Pathology | No gap fee | Bulk bill | Fee |
| Hospital / Endoscopy Centre | Private fund excess | Fee | Fee |
Locations:
Keilor Private
771 Old Calder Hwy
Keilor VIC 3036
Western Gastroenterology Services
30 Eleanor St
Footscray VIC 3011
Hobsons Bay Endoscopy Centre, Sydenham
566 Melton Hwy
Sydenham VIC 3037