Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the digestive tract, gallbladder, liver, bile ducts, and pancreas. A doctor who specializes in these fields is called a gastroenterologist, also referred to as a GI specialist or a GI doctor.
Gastroenterologists, sometimes called "gastros" for short, are trained to diagnose and treat problems in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These doctors also do routine procedures such as colonoscopies, which look at the inside of your colon, and endoscopies, a procedure where a doctor uses a long flexible tube with a tiny camera and light at the end to look inside your digestive tract.
Referrals
Your family doctor or nurse practitioner must refer you for an appointment with a GI specialist or GI nurse practitioner. Screening colonoscopies must also be referred by a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
If you don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, you can ask for a referral at a walk-in clinic or, if you are registered for Health PEI’s virtual health care for Islanders without a family doctor program, by using Maple to see a doctor online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have my colonoscopy, gastroscopy or other GI procedure done at any hospital on PEI?
No. In PEI, GI doctors only perform procedures at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown.
I am out of medication prescribed by the GI team, but I don’t have an appointment. How can I get a refill?
Ask your pharmacy to fax your GI doctor a medication refill form.
I’ve lost my preparation instructions for my endoscopy. How can I get new ones?
Call your GI doctor’s office. They can either email them to you or send them to your pharmacy. You can also download instructions from the Endoscopy web page.
Do I need a prescription for the colonoscopy preparation?
No. They are sold behind the counter at most pharmacies. Ask the pharmacist for what you need.
Can I have an endoscopic procedure if I have diabetes?
Yes. See:
- Preparing for your colonoscopy and adjusting your diabetes medication or
- Preparing for your gastroscopy or bronchoscopy and adjusting your diabetes medication
Can I have an endoscopic procedure if I am on blood thinners/antiplatelet medication?
Yes, although will need to stop taking them as below:
| Medication | Stop taking |
|
Brilinta (Ticagrelor) |
7 days before your procedure |
|
Eliquis (Apixaban) |
48 hours before your procedure |
|
Lixiana (Edoxaban) |
48 hours before your procedure |
|
Plavix (Clopidogrel) |
7 days before your procedure |
|
Pradaxa (Dabigatran) |
48 hours before your procedure |
|
Ticlid (Ticlopidine) |
7 days before your procedure |
|
Warfarin |
5 days before your procedure (you may need to wean off of it before this) |
|
Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) |
48 hours before your procedure |
Contact
Dr. Jeremy Beck
Telephone: 902-629-8840
NP Linsey MacEwen
Telephone: 902-629-8894
Dr. Rajal Khan
Telephone: 902-629-8817
NP Laurie Thomas
Telephone: 902-288-1130
Address:
143 Mount Edward Rd
4th Floor, Suite B, Box 12
Charlottetown, C1A 5T1
General Inquiries
Health PEI
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8
Phone: 902-368-6130
Fax: 902-368-6136
Media Inquiries
Phone: 902-368-6135
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department.
If you are unsure what to do about a health issue or if you need health information, call 8-1-1.
