Information for patients
Clinic to Cloud - Patient Portal
At Bellarine Gut Health, we use a safe and secure cloud-based practice management system called ‘Clinic to Cloud’ to store and access all of our patient records.
Our patients can gain access to their record by logging on to the Clinic to Cloud portal where they can check their personal details, results, payment history, and to change or book appointments online.
If you would like access to the portal, please call or email us.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a technique which doctors use to examine the large bowel. Colonoscopies can be diagnostic, where the bowel is viewed to see if there is any evidence of inflammation or other problems, or therapeutic, as a way to remove polyps or other lesions.
Click here for further information regarding this procedure.
Gastroscopy
An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy) involves the use of a flexible tube to examine the upper gastrointestinal tract including the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.
The procedure is often undertaken if your doctor suspects that you have inflammation of the oesophagus (the pipe which connects the throat to the stomach), an ulcer, or other abnormality of the oesophagus, stomach, or duodenum.
Click here for further information regarding this procedure.
Before your consultation
Step 1 Obtain a referral from your GP
In order for Professor Watson to see you, you will need a current referral from your GP. Talk to your GP about your symptoms or requirements and they will be able to refer you on to Professor Watson, if it is appropriate.
Ask your GP to send the referral directly to us or ask for your own copy and then email it to us clinic@bellarineguthealth.con.au or by clicking Make an enquiry.
We are currently only taking on new patients with Private Health insurance.
Step 2 Make contact with our practice to discuss your referral
You can contact us via phone or email. Sometimes email might be the preferred option as it allows you to process the provided information in your own time.
We will openly discuss our fee structure with you, so that you are fully aware of what costs are involved. We will need some details from you including your medicare number and your private health insurance details. We will then offer you an initial appointment date and time
Step 3 Initial appointment
Come along to our clinic, located within the Bellarine Medical Centre at 16-22 Palmerston St, Drysdale. You will be greeted by our experienced Practice Nurse, Eloise, at the front desk. Here we will double check your details and get you ready for your initial appointment with Professor Watson.
During your 30 minute consultation with Professor Watson, you will discuss your overall health and situation along with any symptoms or problems that you are experiencing. From here, Professor Watson will determine if an endoscopy procedure is required or another follow up appointment in the rooms (step 6).
Step 4 Preparing for your procedure
If Professor Watson has recommended a procedure, he will discuss this with you, including the risks and benefits. You will be required to sign a consent form. Eloise will provide you with written information on your procedure as well as any preparation that is required.
A mutually agreeable date will be agreed upon and any out of pocket fees discussed. If you are taking any medications it is important that you discuss these with Professor Watson, as you may be required to cease some, prior to the procedure.
As part of the preparation, you will be required to complete an online admission form. Please complete this as soon as you can.
The following checklist might be helpful when you complete the online admission. We also recommend that you contact your private health insurance provider, to check that the item numbers provided to you in your fee estimate are covered under your policy.
If you would like access to our Clinic to Cloud online patient portal, please discuss this with Eloise.
After your consultation
Step 5 Procedure (if indicated)
If you require a procedure, this will be performed at the Epworth Hospital Geelong. The Epworth will contact you the day prior with an admission time as well as discussing any excess fees that you may have payable.
Your anaesthetist will also be in touch and discuss any out of pocket fees. This is independent of us.
Your procedure will be in the morning sometime and you will need someone else to drive you home and stay with you overnight, after the procedure.
Professor Watson will most likely speak to you prior to your discharge to briefly discuss the findings. You will be provided with a follow up appointment time, if indicated.
Step 7 Follow up appointment
If a follow up appointment is required, we will see you again in our Drysdale rooms. If the date or time provided to you doesn’t suit, please reach out to us clinic@bellarineguthealth.com.au to rearrange.
Telehealth appointments are also available, when appropriate.
We are here to help you right throughout your journey. So please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time.
