ARC Gastroenterologists and General Surgeons specialize in offering comprehensive colonoscopy exams to male and female patients.
A Safe and Effective Test for Colorectal Cancer
A colonoscopy is a safe, reliable, and an effective way to test for colorectal cancer. It's estimated by the American Cancer Society that in 2020 there were over 147,000 new cases of colorectal cancer and over 53,000 deaths from it in the United States. Colorectal cancer is second only to lung cancer in terms of death. A majority of those deaths may have been prevented by a simple colonoscopy procedure.
With the recent upward trend in colorectal cancer diagnosis in young adults born in the 1990s, it is becoming increasingly important for people of all ages to monitor their lower digestive track health and talk to their doctor if they have any concerns.
Colonoscopy Recommended for Adults Over 45 Years Old
A colonoscopy is recommended for all adults over the age of 45 and continual screening every ten years regardless of prior history. Your physician might recommend earlier, or more frequent screening if you have pre-existing risk factors. Pre-existing factors include:
- Family history
- Personal history
- Ethnic background- (African Americans are more prone to developing colorectal cancer in their lifetime)
- Blood in your stool
- Individuals that have been diagnosed with type II diabetes
Take our Colorectal Cancer risk assessment.
Colonoscopy is an Outpatient Procedure
During a colonoscopy procedure, a doctor examines the inside of the colon, also known as the large intestine, with a long flexible tube holding a tiny camera - known as a colonoscope. The typical colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure performed by an ARC Gastroenterologist or General Surgeon that can be scheduled at any Austin area hospital or surgery center, and typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. ARC recommends checking with your insurance plan to determine the most cost effective facility for your procedure.
Open Access Colonoscopy
An Open Access Colonoscopy, also known as a Fast Track Colonoscopy, does not require a pre-procedure visit, making it easier and quicker for patients to schedule their colonoscopy. They are performed by ARC Gastroenterologists and General Surgeons and are intended for healthy patients that need routine colonoscopies and have no current symptoms or major health complications. Our ARC Gastroenterology and General Surgery care team determines if you need a pre-procedure visit or not. Book your Open Access Colonoscopy.
ARC Providers
ARC Gastroenterologists and General Surgeons are board certified physicians that specialize in Colonoscopy exams and other surgical procedures. ARC provides colonoscopy services to patients throughout Central Texas in various offices in Austin and surrounding cities. Your colonoscopy results will be visible to your ARC PCP or shared with your non-ARC PCP.
Other Information