Procedure Access and Referrals

Provider referral guidance

To refer patients to gastroenterology, Parkview Physicians Group and Community Connect providers should use REF25 in Epic.

For referrals for colonoscopies or direct access endoscopies (DAE), select “Procedure Only” after entering the referral code. Procedure-only referrals allow direct access to the procedure that your patient needs. If your patient meets the necessary criteria and is stable, these procedures can be done without a prior gastroenterology office visit.

External providers may contact Parkview Gastroenterology at 260-266-5230.

Procedures for referral

Colonoscopy (diagnostic and screening)
DAE
Upper endoscopy (EGD)
Double (EGD and colonoscopy)

Approved diagnoses for direct access

The following diagnoses and reasons, along with any additional ones noted at the GI physician’s discretion, are approved for patient direct-access referrals to procedures:

Abnormal imaging
Anemia
Barrett’s esophagus screening
Colon cancer screening
Dysphagia
GERD (stable)
Hematochezia
Melana
Positive Cologuard
Positive FIT

Prior office consult requirements

Some patients may require an office consult prior to procuedure, even if the procedure is on the approved direct access list. Patients with any of the following may need a consult:

Acute or severe abdominal pain
Achalasia
Age 80+
Age <45 (for screening colon)
Cannot hold/stop anticoagulant
Cirrhosis
Diverticulitis flare
Esophageal varices
Hemoglobin < 8
On supplemental O2
Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
Rectal prolapse
Severe rectal pain
Weigh more than 400 pounds