Open Access Colonoscopy
An Open Access Colonoscopy allows qualifying patients the ability to schedule a colonoscopy without having an office visit with their gastroenterologist prior to the procedure. We offer this option to make screening for colon cancer as affordable as possible and encourage a higher participation rate for those in Harford County, Cecil County, Baltimore County, and southern Pennsylvania.
The Open Access option simplifies the ability to schedule a colonoscopy by:
- Saving you the time of being at our office for a pre-procedure appointment
- Saving you the expense of an office visit co-pay
Qualifications for Open Access
- Qualifying patients for the open access option are those:
- Between the ages of 45 to 80 and considered to be generally healthy
- Not currently experiencing any gastrointestinal symptoms*
- No severe reaction to anesthesia (Propofol allergy)
- Weight, not to exceed 350 pounds or BMI up to 50
- No central sleep apnea
- No pacemaker that has not been checked within one (1) year by cardiologist or device manufacturer; documentation required
- No history of severe pulmonary hypertension, severe COPD or supplemental home oxygen
- No heart attack/stents/CABG within six months, cardiac clearance required
- No Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD)
- No stroke for 3 months
- No radical neck surgery
- No End Stage Renal Disease- patient on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
- No active seizures for three months
- No Sickle Cell Disease (trait is acceptable)
- No genetic malformations – Down Syndrome, Treacher Collins, Pierre Robin, etc.
- No Chiari Malformation (2 or 3)
Patient forms must be completed prior to scheduling your appointment. The following documents will help us expedite the scheduling process for your procedure. Please take a moment to download and complete the appropriate forms. The forms are also available for pickup at the Center, if needed.
The forms may be returned via fax at 410.838.1595, mail, drop off or emailed to bjacobs@amsurg.com.