Routine Colonscopy during COVID-19 Update (BC)

A while ago I wrote a post about my routine every-2-years colonoscopy that was due this month. It didn't sound like anyone was having routine scopes done. Where I live (BC) they have started a phased-in reopening of business and the medical system, so I decided to call my GI's office last month and see what was happening. They booked a phone appointment with my GI for last Tuesday.

My GI said they are just beginning to book colonoscopy appointments but at 25-50% usual capacity, and are working through the backlog of patients who had scopes cancelled in March, April, May. She has no idea when my scope will be done, but they will contact me when the time comes. In the meantime, if I have any issues I should call and she will work on getting me in sooner. My Mezavant will run out sometime in August. My GI prefers to see her patients in person before writing a prescription, so I should try to come in to see her in August and at that time she can also give me an update on when my scope might be. She can’t even give me any guidance on when I should try to call and get an appointment. If I can’t get into see her before my meds run out, she could fax a bridge prescription over to my pharmacy.

Hi Quincy, I usually see her once a year. She is not having in-person appointments right now, only phone appointments. So she is wanting to wait in hopes that can see me by August. If not, then she'll do it by phone.

Nope. She said she doesn't know her schedule yet that far ahead, it's so uncertain right now. I'm not too worried. If I can't get an appointment with her I can always get a few months of Mezavant from my family doctor. She's written me "backup" prescriptions in the past.

Normally I'd call earlier to ensure getting a date in August. But nothing is normal right now. So I will call later this month or early next and see what happens. If not, I can quickly get a phone appt with my family doctor.

another plus for the corolla virus - delayed violation of the rear end !



TT