Direct Screen Colonoscopy

A direct screen colonoscopy, also called direct access colonoscopy or open access colonoscopy, allows you to schedule your colorectal cancer screening without needing a prior consultation or referral from your primary care provider. This approach helps save time, reduce costs, and remove barriers to care for people who are at average risk of colorectal cancer and do not have complicated medical conditions.

In contrast, traditional colonoscopy scheduling usually requires a separate appointment with your doctor before you can be referred to a care provider for the procedure. This extra step can delay colon cancer screening and increase out-of-pocket costs.

Call for Your Screening Today! (360) 340-9993

A colonoscopy is a diagnostic procedure a doctor uses to view the interior of the colon and rectum. It allows a doctor to check for any irritation, swelling, polyps, ulcers and cancer. Colonoscopy uses a colonoscope, a long, flexible tube the width of a finger with a small video camera and lighting at the end.

Colonoscopy might help diagnose:

• Colorectal cancer
• Colorectal polyps
• Colon perforation
• Chronic colitis
• Intestinal ischemia
• Ischemic colitis
• Diverticulosis
• Diverticulitis
• Ulcers
• Large bowel obstructions

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S., not counting certain skin cancers. Many cases of colorectal cancer may be avoided with routine and early colon cancer screening. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults at average risk begin screening at age 45. One of the most effective tools for this is a colonoscopy, which checks for polyps and cancer in the colon.

Discover if This Procedure Is Right for You

Before your colonoscopy, your doctor will give you instructions regarding food and what to drink to clean your colon. On the day of the procedure, you’ll be given medicine to help keep you comfortable. Some people get general anesthesia, which puts you in a deep sleep. Others may receive conscious sedation, which helps you relax and blocks pain but keeps you lightly awake. Your doctor will go over these options with you ahead of time.

Here’s what to expect from a colonoscopy:

1. Before the test, your doctor will explain what you can eat and how to clean out your colon.
2. On the day of the procedure, you’ll get medication to help you stay calm and comfortable. Most people fall asleep and don’t remember anything afterward.
3. The doctor gently inserts a colonoscope, which is a flexible tube with a camera, through the rectum to view the colon’s lining.
4. During the exam, your doctor may:
1. Remove polyps
2. Give medication
3. Place a small stent
4. Treat or seal any bleeding areas

The procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes. After the procedure, you will not be able to drive home. General anesthesia can slow thought processes, reduce reflexes and cause other side effects. Anesthesia usually takes about 24 hours to wear off completely, so make sure you have arranged a ride home ahead of time.

Our Direct Screen Colonoscopy Program offers a simplified and accessible way to complete your colon cancer screening:

• Colonoscopy without referral needed – you can schedule your screening colonoscopy without a prior visit to your doctor.
• Direct scheduling – call (360) 340-9993 to book your procedure with a board-certified physician at Salmon Surgery Center.
• Insurance coverage – many insurance plans cover this preventive screening at no cost to the patient. Coordinate with your insurance provider for more information.