Just about everyone should undergo a screening colonoscopy at age 50, on the recommendation of the American Cancer Society.  Our Direct Access Colonoscopy program (also known as Open Access Colonoscopy) allows healthy patients, with no gastrointestinal symptoms, over the age of 50 and weighing less than 300 lbs., to obtain a screening colonoscopy without the inconvenience of an initial office visit.

Patients with a strong family history-a first degree relative (parents, siblings, or children) diagnosed with colon cancer- may also be eligible to participate in the Direct Access Colonoscopy program and should consider screening colonoscopy either at age 40, or when the patient reaches the age of being 10 years younger than when the first degree relative was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Direct Access Colonoscopy is a great fit for today's busy lifestyles.  It is designed to minimize your time off of work or other activities by allowing an appropriate, healthy patient the opportunity of obtaining a screening colonoscopy without first coming in for an office consultation.  You save not only time but a copay payment as well by eliminating the office visit.  The Direct Colonoscopy screening program is covered by most major insurance plans.

How do I enroll in the Direct Access Colonoscopy program?

If you have read over the above information and feel you may be a good candidate for this program, simply call our office and request the Direct Colonoscopy packet and use the cover sheet included to fax the completed forms to our office at 301.663.4602, or they may be mailed to our office.  Please make sure that you fill in the Referring Physician to ensure that your primary care physician will receive a copy of your colonoscopy report.  A referral from your primary care physician may be required for insurance processing of the claims related to Direct Access Colonoscopy.  After the forms are reviewed, you will be contacted and scheduled for either a colonoscopy or an office visit.  An office visit may be necessary if a medical condition is identified that will need attention prior to scheduling a procedure.  Participation in the Direct Access Colonoscopy program is contingent upon your medical history and pre-procedure insurance approval.

Most of our procedures are performed in our JCAHO-accredited endoscopy center, Court Endoscopy Center of Frederick, Inc.  The center is conveniently located in the same building as our office.  Go to the Endoscopy Center tab on this website for more information on the center and to obtain driving directions.

Should you have any questions regarding the Direct Access Colonoscopy program, please call our office at 301.663.9440.