So, you have been bothered by discomfort in your lower digestive tract and your GP recommends that you undergo a colonoscopy procedure to get an accurate diagnosis. If your GP has not endorsed you to a reputable colonoscopy clinic in Singapore, do not worry. This article lists down tips that you can consider when finding the right doctor and clinic to take care of your lower GI’s health needs.
But before we move on, you might be wondering what a colonoscopy procedure is about.
A colonoscopy is a type of medical exam that is used to check the health condition of the lower digestive tract. This is done as an outpatient procedure and may be performed by a gastroenterologist or a colon surgeon.
To begin with the procedure, the patient is placed under anaesthersia or sedation in order to minimize discomfort during the treatment. Then the patient is made to lie in a fetal position on an examination table, after which the doctor inserts a medical tool, called a colonoscope, into the rectum. The doctor uses the colonoscope, which is a long tube equipped with a tiny video camera and light, to get a view of the inner parts of the lower GI tract that is projected into an external monitor. The scope travels all throughout the large intestine and as it moves, air or water is introduced into the colon to get a better and clear view of its condition. The procedure is completed within 30 to 60 minutes.
A colonoscopy procedure is generally safe and is usually recommended to diagnose signs and symptoms that may lead to the following conditions or diseases that affect the lower GI tract:
- Colorectal cancer
- Diverticulosis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Polyps
Now that you have a general idea about a colonoscopy procedure, here are some tips when finding the right colonoscopy clinic in Singapore to get your screening done.
- Check the doctor’s credentials.
A colonoscopy procedure is an invasive procedure that comes with risks and complications. It is important that you find a doctor that has the proper knowledge, skill, and training when performing this delicate medical task. To find the right doctor, you may ask your friends and family for recommendations of a gastroenterologist that they have consulted or done this procedure with. You can also look up doctors on the internet. Most clinics now have their own websites wherein doctors share their medical profile. Patient reviews are also available on the world wide web. These reviews are likewise helpful as you get information about the doctor and their clinic’s services, which can help you land a better decision when choosing a colonoscopy clinic.
- Consider the clinic’s location.
As mentioned, a colonoscopy procedure requires the use of a sedative or an anaesthesia. This is a great factor that you should consider when looking for a colonoscopy clinic. While the procedure only lasts for a maximum of an hour, the anesthesia or sedative may take some time to wear off. It is highly recommended that patients who undergo colonoscopy should come with a companion on the day of their procedure. You will need the help of your companion to assist you following the procedure as you may not feel well right after. It is best that you go home straight right after the procedure and rest. Finding a clinic that is near your home will help lessen any discomfort that you may feel on your way home. Likewise, should there be any major complications that arise, a clinic that is close to your home is easily accessible.
- Choose a clinic that uses gold standard equipment and are up to date with the latest medical advancements in procedures concerning the digestive tract.
Undergoing a colonoscopy means that you are putting your health as your number 1 priority. This is why going for a clinic that only uses gold standard equipment is important. You do not want to place your body at risk by choosing a clinic whose equipment are substandard and not up to date.
- Choose a clinic that provides other diagnostic tests.
In addition to your colonoscopy procedure, your doctor may require you to undergo other diagnostic tests like body composition analysis, hydrogen breath test, skin prick test and urea breath test (UBT). Not all colonoscopy clinic provide these tests. Choosing one that has their own in-house diagnostics will benefit you as you will not need to spend time in looking for a laboratory that can provide this services. In addition, all your medical records will be stored in the same clinic, so you do not have to worry about forgetting to bring your medical test results during your consultations.
- Choose a clinic that covers your medical insurance.
Medical procedures can be expensive. This is where your insurance and Medisave come in handy as they can lessen the cost of your expenses. Before booking a consultation once you have narrowed down the list of clinics that you are considering, take some time to research or call to know whether the clinic covers your medical insurance provider. You may likewise ask what kind of medical procedures are usually covered by medical insurance and Medisave.
Conclusion
Diseases and conditions that affect your lower digestive tract should not be left untreated as they may proceed to become worse overtime and may even be fatal. Your first step to regaining your colon’s health is to find a reputable colonoscopy clinic in Singapore that can provide excellent services when it comes to examining the colon and other parts of the lower GI tract. The clinic that you choose should have a doctor that is knowledgeable, highly skilled, and has years of experience in the field of gastroenterology and internal medicine. Aside from this, you should go for a clinic that uses only the latest and gold standard equipment to be able to provide you with excellent services to ensure that your condition is diagnosed correctly.
Andrea Digestive Clinic
#21-11/12 Royal Square at Novena 101
Irrawaddy Road Singapore 329565
https://andrea-digestive-clinic.com
+65 6264 2836
