Direct Access Colonoscopy – A Convenient Way to Schedule Your Screening
- Northeastern Gastroenterology Associates is proud to offer Direct Access Colonoscopy, a streamlined program that allows eligible patients to schedule a routine screening colonoscopy without an initial office visit with a gastroenterologist.
Who Qualifies?
You may qualify if you:
✔ Are 45 or older (or 40+ with a family history of colon cancer and have not yet been screened).
✔ Do NOT have Medicare or Medicaid insurance.
✔ Take fewer than 5 prescribed medications.
✔ Have a BMI under 40.
✔ Are NOT under the care of a cardiologist and have NOT seen a cardiologist recently.
Who Does NOT Qualify?
Unfortunately, you do not qualify if you have any of the following:
Medical Conditions
❌ Asthma, COPD, emphysema, or other respiratory issues
❌ Recent chest pain
❌ Congestive heart failure
❌ History of heart attack
❌ Aortic stenosis or heart valve replacement
❌ Aortic aneurysm
❌ Diabetes
❌ Pacemaker or defibrillator
❌ Kidney disease requiring dialysis
❌ History of difficult intubation or anesthesia complications
❌ Uncontrolled seizures
❌ Sleep apnea (with or without CPAP)
Medications & Recent Illnesses
❌ You take blood thinners, including:
Plavix, Clopidogrel, Coumadin, Warfarin
Effient, Prasugrel, Eliquis, Apixaban
Brilinta, Xarelto, Cilostazol, Pradaxa
Aggrenox, Jantoven, Pletal, Cilostazol
❌ You have had pneumonia, influenza, COVID, or an upper respiratory infection in the last 2 weeks.
Ready to Schedule?
If you meet all the criteria above, please fill out the form below to begin the scheduling process.
LOCATIONS
Northeastern Gastroenterology Associates, PC
- 1860 Fair Avenue Suite A
- Honesdale, PA 18431
- GET DIRECTIONS
- Phone: 570-253-3391
- Fax: 570-253-1811
Providers at this location:
- David D. Reynolds, MD
- Matthew J. Downey, MD\
- Leonard Walsh, MD
- Emily Benson, FNP-BC
- Rebecca Rivardo, PA-C
- Margaret Kellogg, CRNP
Northeastern Gastroenterology Associates, PC sees patients Monday through Friday. Office hours vary throughout the week. Please contact us at 570-253-3391 to schedule an office visit.
Northeastern Gastroenterology Associates, PC
- 2812 Scranton Carbondale Hwy
- Blakely, PA 18447
- GET DIRECTIONS
- Phone: 570-291-4936
- Fax: 570-291-4997
Providers at this location:
- David D. Reynolds, MD
- Matthew J. Downey, MD
- Leonard Walsh, MD
- Emily Benson, FNP-BC
- Rebecca Rivardo, PA-C
- Margaret Kellogg, CRNP
Northeastern Gastroenterology Associates, PC sees patients Monday through Friday. Office hours vary throughout the week. Please contact us at 570-291-4936 to schedule an office visit.
Mountain Laurel Surgical Center
- 1860 Fair Avenue Suite B
- Honesdale, PA 18431
- GET DIRECTIONS
- Phone: 570-253-3391
- Fax: 570-253-1811
- David D. Reynolds, MD
- Matthew J. Downey, MD
- Leonard Walsh, MD
Providers at this location:
Colonoscopies and Upper Endoscopies are done at Mountain Laurel Surgical Center Monday through Friday. Procedure hours vary throughout the week. Please contact us at 570-253-3391 to schedule an office visit. We look forward to hearing from you and would be honored to be your chosen gastroenterology provider in the future. Thank you.
Prep instructions
Once individuals schedule a procedure through the Direct Access Colonoscopy program, a nurse will provide instructions on how to prepare.
Prep instructions can vary by individual, but typically, patients prepare the day before the procedure by fasting and taking laxatives to clear their digestive system. Patients can consume clear liquids but will stop all liquids prior to their procedure as instructed. Additional instructions, such as stopping medications, may also be provided.
The Day of the Procedure
On the day of the procedure, the patient will arrive at the outpatient facility with a designated driver, as they will be unable to drive home after sedation.
One of the participating gastroenterologists will perform the colonoscopy, which involves passing an endoscope through the patient's rectum to identify and potentially remove suspicious tissue or growths for further testing. The physician will discuss any findings and follow-up care with the patient once they awaken.
Patients return home the same day and can resume work and normal activities the following day.
An Exceptional Team
The Direct Access Colonoscopy team consists of board-certified gastroenterologists, anesthesiologists, and specially trained nurses. The staff who perform colonoscopies are dedicated to your health, safety, and comfort.
