FAQs Gastroenterologists Perth
Frequently asked questions
Call us
Level 3, Suite 302
44 Barry Marshall Parade
Murdoch WA 6150
Have a quick question about our team, appointments, tests or common gut conditions? You are in the right place. Browse the sections below for clear, practical answers, including About us and appointments, Endoscopy and procedures, Screening and prevention, Conditions we treat, and Symptoms and red flags.
If you cannot find what you need, our reception team can point you to the right page or help you book the next step.
About us and how to get in touch
How do I contact Westside Gastroenterology?
You can phone our reception team during business hours or use the contact form to request an appointment. If you have a referral, please have it handy so we can match your details and book the right clinic session.
Where are you located in Murdoch?
We consult in Murdoch within Perth’s southern corridor, close to public transport and parking. Your confirmation email will include the exact address, parking tips and what to bring.
Do you see children and families?
Yes. Our gastroenterologists see children and adults. If your child needs specialist care, we can help coordinate the referral pathway.
Do I need a GP referral to see a gastroenterologist in Perth?
A GP or specialist referral is recommended as it outlines your history and test results. A valid referral is also required for Medicare rebates.
What happens at my first appointment?
Our gastroenterologist will review your symptoms, past history, medications and any previous tests. You will discuss a plan that may include lifestyle changes, further investigations or treatment. Please arrive a little early for registration.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring your referral, Medicare card, private health details, a current medication list and copies of recent blood tests, scans or procedure reports. A symptom diary can also be helpful.
How do Medicare rebates and private hospital fees work?
If you have a valid referral, Medicare will rebate part of the consultation fee. If you need a procedure, any hospital or anaesthetic fees will be explained in advance so you know your likely out-of-pocket costs before you consent.
What is different when my child sees a gastroenterologist?
Appointments for children are longer and family-centred. We focus on clear explanations, gentle examination and practical plans for school, sport and eating. Where appropriate, we coordinate with paediatric services and your GP.
Endoscopy and procedures
What is a gastroscopy and why might I need one?
A gastroscopy is a day procedure that uses a thin flexible camera to examine the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small bowel. You receive light sedation so you are comfortable. It helps investigate symptoms such as ongoing heartburn, trouble swallowing, upper tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or low iron. It can also test for conditions such as coeliac disease or Helicobacter pylori, and allows treatment when needed, for example treating bleeding, stretching a narrowing or checking ulcers. Most people go home the same day and return to normal activities the following day.
How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?
You will follow a bowel preparation plan the day before to clean the bowel so the doctor can see clearly. This usually includes a low-fibre diet, clear fluids and a prescribed laxative solution at set times. Continue or pause certain medications only as advised; bring your medication list on the day. You must have a support person to take you home, and you should not drive or work until the next day.
What is a capsule endoscopy or “pill cam”?
Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a small camera that takes pictures as it passes through your gut. There is no sedation and no scope. It is useful for problems that are hard to reach with standard endoscopy, such as suspected small-bowel bleeding or iron deficiency after other tests. You wear a recorder during the day and return it so the images can be reviewed.
Why is a colonoscopy important if bowel cancer is a concern?
A colonoscopy helps us look closely at the bowel and check for cancer or polyps. This can be important because bowel cancer may be easier to treat when it is found early. In some cases, if it is not detected early, it can become more advanced over time. Our stage 4 colorectal cancer page explains more about how bowel cancer is diagnosed and what happens if it has spread.
How long should I plan off work or study after a procedure?
Most people need the rest of the day off after sedation. You can usually return to normal activities the next day, unless your doctor advises otherwise, for example if large polyps were removed.
What are the risks and how are they managed?
Endoscopic procedures are common and generally safe. Temporary effects can include bloating, wind or a mild sore throat. Important but uncommon risks include bleeding, infection or a perforation. Your Perth gastroenterologist will discuss your individual risks, alternative options and what to do if you have concerns after you go home.
Screening and prevention
Should I do the bowel cancer screening test?
Yes, if you are eligible under the national program, the home stool test (also called iFOBT) is an effective way to detect blood that you cannot see. A positive test does not mean cancer; it means you should have a diagnostic colonoscopy to look for a cause, such as a polyp.
What happens if my screening test is positive?
Your GP will refer you for a diagnostic colonoscopy. If polyps are found, they can often be removed during the procedure. Your doctor will explain results and whether you need future surveillance.
How is screening different from a colonoscopy for symptoms?
Screening is for people without symptoms to reduce future risk. A colonoscopy for symptoms is a diagnostic test to investigate current problems such as bleeding or a change in bowel habit. The preparation and procedure are similar; the reasons for doing them are different.
At what age should I start screening?
Most adults begin stool-based bowel cancer screening at the age recommended by the national program. If you have higher risk factors, such as a strong family history or previous polyps, your doctor may suggest earlier or more frequent colonoscopy.
Conditions we treat
What is the difference between IBS and IBD?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional condition where the bowel looks normal but is sensitive; symptoms include bloating, cramping and altered bowel habit. Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, involves inflammation seen on tests and may need medicines to control flare-ups. Your doctor will guide testing to tell them apart.
How is coeliac disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with specific blood tests while you are still eating gluten. If these are positive or strongly suggestive, a gastroscopy with small-bowel biopsies is usually needed to confirm the diagnosis. Do not start a gluten-free diet before testing unless your doctor advises it.
What does fatty liver disease mean and can it improve?
Fat builds up in the liver when the body is not processing fat and sugar efficiently. Many people have no symptoms. Weight management, regular activity, nutrition changes and addressing conditions such as diabetes can improve liver health. Your doctor may arrange blood tests or scans to check for inflammation or scarring.
What is diverticulitis and how is it treated?
Diverticulitis happens when small pouches in the bowel wall become inflamed. It can cause pain, fever and a change in bowel habit. Mild cases are often managed with rest, fluids and pain relief; more severe cases may need antibiotics or hospital care. After recovery, your doctor may suggest a colonoscopy to assess the bowel and plan prevention.
What helps reflux symptoms?
Simple measures often help, such as smaller meals, avoiding late eating, reducing alcohol and caffeine, and weight management. Medicines that reduce acid can be useful. If symptoms persist or you have red flags such as trouble swallowing, weight loss or bleeding, further tests like a gastroscopy may be recommended.
Symptoms and red flags
Is blood in my stool serious?
Any new or persistent bleeding should be checked by your GP. Common causes range from haemorrhoids to inflammation or polyps, but bleeding can also be a warning sign for bowel cancer. Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy, especially if you have other red flags such as weight loss, anaemia or a change in bowel habit.
When should I see a doctor about tummy pain or bloating?
Seek medical advice if pain or bloating is persistent, waking you at night, associated with weight loss, fever, vomiting, bleeding or changes in bowel habit. Keeping a symptom diary can help your GP decide on tests or referral.
What are red flag symptoms that need urgent care?
Red flags include black or bloody stools, severe or worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss or anaemia. If these occur, contact your GP promptly or seek urgent care.
When is heartburn more than “just reflux”?
If heartburn is frequent, not settling with simple measures, or if you have pain when swallowing, persistent vomiting, weight loss or bleeding, it needs assessment. Your doctor may suggest a trial of treatment or a gastroscopy to look for inflammation or other causes.
Gastroenterologist Murdoch Square
Find us at Murdoch Square
Formerly known as Wexford Gastro, we have rebranded to reflect our new address while maintaining the same exceptional care and expertise you’ve come to trust.
Level 3, Suite 302
44 Barry Marshall Parade
Murdoch WA 6150