GP referrals for Gold Coast colonoscopy
A practical referral guide for Gold Coast GPs: how to refer to Dr Goutham at Miami Private Hospital, what to include, and how results come back to you.
NOW AT MIAMI PRIVATE HOSPITAL · GOLD COAST
How to refer a Gold Coast patient
Use the secure online referral form and note Gold Coast / Miami Private Hospital as the preferred venue. Referrals can also be faxed or sent through your practice software; call 07 3733 1551 for the current details.
Once the referral arrives, our team reviews it, contacts the patient directly to arrange the consultation or procedure, and sends preparation instructions and appointment details. You receive a detailed procedure report on the day of the procedure.
Dr Goutham Sivasuthan is a Specialist Endoscopic Surgeon. Colonoscopy, polypectomy and gastroscopy are performed at Miami Private Hospital, and every procedure is performed personally by him. Insured patients are no-gap for the surgical fee; self-funded patients have a fixed all-inclusive price.
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
Receipt does not mean the patient has been accepted for a procedure. Each referral is clinically reviewed first.
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.
Appropriate next step
The patient proceeds to a procedure date, or needs a consultation, another test, medical optimisation or a different specialist.
Patient and referrer
We contact the patient directly to arrange the plan and tell you if the patient is unsuitable or needs another pathway.
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.
Where more assessment is needed, the next step may be a consultation, medical optimisation, another investigation or referral elsewhere.
How results come back to you
- The procedure report is sent to you on the day of the procedure.
- Dr Goutham reviews all pathology and the result and recommendation are sent to you when available.
- We follow up with the patient to discuss the findings and coordinate any further management.
- Surveillance recommendations are stated in the report so the interval is clear to both you and the patient.
Clinically important results are escalated to you directly rather than left to routine correspondence.
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 note Miami Private Hospital as the preferred venue. Call the practice for urgent but stable patients so the referral can be prioritised.
A valid GP referral is needed before your procedure. Reserve first and send it after, or ask your GP to refer online.