Question 1

What does a gastroenterologist do?

Accepted Answer

A gastroenterologist is a specialist physician trained in diagnosing and managing disorders of the digestive system and liver. This includes conditions affecting the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, liver and biliary system, and pancreas. Gastroenterologists provide expert consultations, coordinate investigations, and perform advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as colonoscopy, gastroscopy, ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and capsule endoscopy.

Question 2

Do I need a referral to see a gastroenterologist at Western Sydney Specialists?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We accept referred patients to ensure you are booked with the most appropriate specialist for your condition. A valid referral from a GP or specialist is required to access Medicare rebates for specialist consultations and procedures. GP referrals are typically valid for 12 months. Specialist-to-specialist referrals are usually valid for 3 months.

Question 3

Does Western Sydney Specialists offer No Gap colonoscopy and gastroscopy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our gastroenterologists offer No Gap billing for all endoscopic procedures, including gastroscopy, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, haemorrhoid banding, ERCP, EUS, and EMR. If you have eligible private hospital cover, your procedure is typically fully covered under No Gap arrangements, with specialist and anaesthetist fees billed directly to your health fund.

Question 4

What is a colonoscopy and when is it recommended?

Accepted Answer

A colonoscopy is a specialised procedure used to examine the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum using a flexible tube with a high-definition camera. It may be recommended for bowel cancer screening, investigating rectal bleeding, assessing iron deficiency anaemia, evaluating changes in bowel habits, monitoring inflammatory bowel disease, or following up previous polyps. Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia but is highly preventable when detected early through screening colonoscopy.

Question 5

What does a geriatrician do?

Accepted Answer

A geriatrician is a specialist physician focused on the care of older adults, particularly those with complex or multiple medical conditions. Geriatricians aim to optimise health, independence, and quality of life through comprehensive geriatric assessment, medication review and polypharmacy management, memory and cognitive assessment, falls and frailty assessment, osteoporosis and chronic disease management, and care coordination across hospital, community, and aged care settings.

Question 6

Where is Western Sydney Specialists located?

Accepted Answer

Western Sydney Specialists has two locations: the main clinic at Level 2, Suite 207, 10 Norbrik Drive, Bella Vista NSW 2153, and consulting rooms at Windsor Street Specialist Centre (WSSC), 17 Windsor Street, Richmond NSW 2753. We serve patients across Bella Vista, Norwest, Castle Hill, Kellyville, Rouse Hill, Blacktown, Richmond, and the wider Hills District.

Question 7

What is the difference between Western Sydney Specialists and Western Sydney Gastro?

Accepted Answer

Western Sydney Specialists and Western Sydney Gastro are the same entity and operate as one practice. Both names refer to the same multidisciplinary specialist medical practice located in Bella Vista and Richmond, NSW, providing gastroenterology, hepatology, geriatric medicine, and dietetic services.

Question 8

How much does a colonoscopy cost in Western Sydney?

Accepted Answer

At Western Sydney Specialists, all endoscopic procedures including colonoscopy are offered with No Gap billing for patients with eligible private hospital cover. This means no out-of-pocket costs for specialist, anaesthetist, or procedural fees. Your health fund is billed directly. If you have Medicare but no private insurance, our team will provide an itemised quote before your procedure. Contact us on (02) 8814 5755 for specific fee information.

Question 9

How do I prepare for a colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Colonoscopy preparation involves following a low-residue diet in the days before the procedure, transitioning to clear fluids, and drinking prescribed bowel preparation solution. You may need to adjust medications such as blood thinners, diabetes medications, or iron supplements. A clean bowel is essential for your specialist to clearly visualise the colon lining. Detailed written instructions will be provided by Western Sydney Specialists before your procedure. You will also need to arrange transport home as sedation is used.

Question 10

What is the difference between a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

A gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) examines the oesophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine (duodenum), while a colonoscopy examines the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Both use a thin flexible tube with a camera. A gastroscopy is inserted through the mouth and typically takes 10-20 minutes. A colonoscopy is inserted through the rectum and takes 20-40 minutes. Both are performed under sedation at Western Sydney Specialists with No Gap billing for eligible patients.

Question 11

What is a No Gap colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

A No Gap colonoscopy means there are no out-of-pocket costs for the patient. At Western Sydney Specialists, all endoscopic procedures — including colonoscopy, gastroscopy, ERCP, EUS, and EMR — are offered with No Gap billing. If you have eligible private hospital cover, specialist fees and anaesthetist fees are billed directly to your health fund. If your policy includes a hospital excess, this is payable to the hospital on admission.

Question 12

When should I get a bowel cancer screening in Australia?

Accepted Answer

The Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program sends free faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) to eligible Australians aged 50 to 74 every two years. However, if you have a family history of bowel cancer, previous polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or symptoms such as rectal bleeding, iron deficiency anaemia, or changes in bowel habits, your GP may refer you for a screening colonoscopy earlier. Western Sydney Specialists provides comprehensive bowel cancer screening at their Bella Vista clinic.

Question 13

What is fatty liver disease and how is it treated?

Accepted Answer

Fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH) is a condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver. It is increasingly common in Australia due to rising obesity rates and metabolic syndrome. Treatment focuses on lifestyle modifications including diet, exercise, and weight loss. At Western Sydney Specialists, our hepatologists Dr Rajni Tiwari and Dr Hari Elangovan provide expert assessment, risk stratification, liver fibrosis monitoring, and long-term management plans for fatty liver and other liver conditions.

Question 14

Can I see a geriatrician without a referral in Western Sydney?

Accepted Answer

A valid referral from your GP or another specialist is required to see a geriatrician at Western Sydney Specialists. This is necessary to access Medicare rebates. GP referrals are typically valid for 12 months. Our geriatrician, Dr Ajay Kumar, provides comprehensive geriatric assessment, dementia care, falls prevention, medication review, and aged care support at our Bella Vista clinic.

Question 15

What languages are spoken at Western Sydney Specialists?

Accepted Answer

Our team speaks multiple languages to serve our diverse Western Sydney community. Languages spoken include English, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, and Tamil. Dr Raghu Gill speaks English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu. Dr Rajni Tiwari speaks English, Hindi, and Urdu. Dr Hari Elangovan speaks English and Tamil. Dr Ajay Kumar speaks English, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu. Geeta Bhandari speaks English, Hindi, and Punjabi.

Dr Hari Elangovan

Dr Hari Elangovan

Areas of Expertise

Liver Disease & Hepatology

Gastroenterology

Endoscopy & Procedures

Training & Academic Excellence

Consultation & Procedure Locations

Languages Spoken