Direct Access Colonoscopy
A direct access colonoscopy allows you to skip the pre-procedure office visit, saving you both time and money. Simply complete our questionnaire below and if you qualify, someone from our care team will schedule your screening coloscopy at a location convenient for you.
Colonoscopy: The Gold Standard for Colorectal Cancer Screenings
Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screenings. Unlike other non-invasive cancer screening methods that solely identify cancer, it is unique in its ability to proactively eliminate pre-cancerous polyps before they develop into cancer. This is achieved during a single procedure, as doctors can visualize the entire colon, allowing them to detect and remove any abnormalities or growths.
Reasons You Should Get Screened
- Colon cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in the U.S. and the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths
- Colon cancer is considered one of the most treatable and curable cancers when detected early, with a 90% cure rate.
- In the past 20 years, more younger people have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, so the recommended screening age is 45. An estimated 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. are not being screened as recommended.
- Colon cancer starts as polyps and usually develops slowly for 10 to 15 years. Many people with colon cancer don’t have any symptoms at first, which is why screening is so important.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility is typically reserved for "average risk" individuals who have no gastrointestinal issues.
General criteria include:
- Age: Usually between 45 and 75 years old.
- Health Status: Generally good health with no major chronic conditions
- Symptoms: Must have no significant gastrointestinal symptoms like unexplained abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or sudden weight loss.
DAC Procedure Types
Routine screenings, 10-year follow-ups, or 5-year follow-ups.
Who Does Not Qualify?
Patients with complex medical histories often require a pre-procedure consultation with a gastroenterologist to ensure safety.
Disqualifying factors often include:
- Severe chronic illness: Poorly controlled diabetes, significant cardiac disease, or severe sleep apnea, for example.
- Medications: Use of certain blood thinners (anticoagulants) or insulin.
- Physical limitations: High BMI (e.g., exceeding 350 lbs.) or the presence of implanted medical devices like a defibrillator.
You also may not qualify if you experience any of the following: abdominal pain, bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or any other gastrointestinal issues.
How the Process Works
- You can either self-refer or be referred by your primary care physician.
- You will then complete a health questionnaire with someone from our care team to confirm if you qualify.
- Preparation: Once approved, you receive instructions for screening preparation and your procedure date.
Procedure Day: You meet the gastroenterologist for the first time on the day of the procedure
- During the procedure, the doctor may take tissue samples from any polyps to determine if they are cancer or pre-cancerous.
- After the procedure, the care team will inform you of how the procedure went and if any steps are needed. You will need a ride home as your are sedated for the procedure.