GP referrals for Gold Coast colonoscopy
Refer patients to Dr Goutham at Miami Private Hospital. Find what to include in the referral and how you will receive the results.
MIAMI PRIVATE HOSPITAL · GOLD COAST
How to refer a Gold Coast patient
Use the secure online referral form and name Miami Private Hospital, Gold Coast as the preferred hospital. Referrals can also be faxed or sent through your practice software; call 07 3733 1551 for the current details.
Dr Goutham reviews the referral before we confirm a procedure. Our team then contacts the patient to arrange the next step and provide the relevant instructions and appointment details. You receive a detailed procedure report on the day of the procedure.
Dr Goutham Sivasuthan is a Specialist Endoscopic Surgeon. He performs colonoscopy, polypectomy and gastroscopy at Miami Private Hospital. His surgical fee is no-gap for patients with eligible private hospital cover; hospital, anaesthetic or pathology costs may still apply. We confirm cover and fees with the patient. Fixed self-funded prices assume a valid Medicare card.
What to include with the referral
Reason for colonoscopy
State the indication, symptom duration, relevant examination, degree of concern and the clinical question.
Results and history
Attach FIT or FOBT results, relevant blood tests, prior endoscopy and histology, and pertinent imaging or specialist records.
Clinical risks
Include comorbidities, allergies, anticoagulants or antiplatelet medicines, diabetes treatment, weight-management medicines, pregnancy possibility and anaesthetic concerns.
Screening and surveillance
For a positive FIT, include the report and result date; these patients are booked as diagnostic procedures and prioritised. For surveillance, attach the previous colonoscopy and histology report where available.
Intervals depend on preparation quality, completeness of the earlier procedure, lesion number and type, family history and later clinical events. See our bowel polyps and surveillance information.
What happens after the referral arrives
Dr Goutham reviews each referral before a procedure is confirmed.
Acknowledgement
Our team checks that the relevant clinical details are included and asks you for anything missing.
Clinical triage
Dr Goutham reviews the indication, urgency, history, medicines and available records.
Procedure or further assessment
Dr Goutham decides whether the patient can proceed to a procedure or needs a consultation, further tests, medical optimisation or referral to another specialist.
Patient and referrer
We contact the patient to arrange the next step and let you know if a procedure is unsuitable or other care is needed.
A separate consultation is not always required
Many patients can proceed straight to the procedure after referral review. This depends on the indication, the quality of the records, medical conditions, medicines, anaesthetic suitability and facility requirements. Self-funded patients have a pre-procedure consultation, which attracts a Medicare rebate.
Some patients need a consultation, medical optimisation, further tests or referral to another specialist before a procedure can be considered.
How results come back to you
- The procedure report is sent to you on the day of the procedure.
- Dr Goutham reviews the pathology results. We send them to you with his recommendations when they are available.
- We contact the patient to explain the findings and arrange any follow-up care.
- Surveillance recommendations are stated in the report so the interval is clear to both you and the patient.
We contact you directly about clinically important results.
GP questions
Can I refer after a positive FIT?
Yes. Include the FIT report, relevant history, medicines, comorbidities and recent blood results where available. Positive-FIT patients are prioritised.
Does every patient need a consultation first?
No. Dr Goutham decides whether a patient can proceed after reviewing the referral, risks and available records.
Can I refer for gastroscopy or a combined procedure?
Yes. Gastroscopy and combined gastroscopy and colonoscopy are performed at Miami Private Hospital. Include the upper-GI indication in the referral.
Who follows up pathology?
Dr Goutham. Colonoscopy Brisbane contacts the patient and sends the result and recommendation to you.
Refer a Gold Coast patient
Use the secure online form and name Miami Private Hospital as the preferred hospital. Call the practice for urgent but stable patients so the referral can be prioritised.
Include the indication, relevant results and current medicines. Our team will contact you if further information is needed.