ScheduleNow, Memorial Hermann’s free scheduling tool that allows patients to easily search and book real-time appointments online, has expanded to include online scheduling for screening colonoscopy at Digestive Health Center at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center.
Here’s how it works: simply go to www.memorialhermann.org/memcitycolon and review the available appointments at the bottom of the page. Then, follow the prompts to schedule a screening colonoscopy appointment. Patients with complicated medical histories may not qualify. ScheduleNow provides appointment reminders via email, as well as a link to a map for directions. Appointments can be made 24/7 from any internet-connected device.
“Scheduling a routine colonoscopy can be a hassle. Our goal is take away barriers to what can be a lifesaving screening procedure,” said Trudy Ivins, The Center director at Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center. “Using ScheduleNow, patients simply book their appointment online. After a quick call with our nurse to ensure they qualify, patients can walk right in to have their colonoscopy.”
Screening colonoscopies are performed at the hospital’s new The Center. The 12,000-square-foot center, which just opened its doors a year ago, houses a team of multi-disciplinary physicians who diagnose and treat a wide range of digestive health issues, from gastrointestinal cancer, ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease to reflux disease, weight management issues and more.
“The Center streamlines care for patients by offering comprehensive and coordinated digestive services in one convenient, comfortable location,” said Ira Flax, M.D., MACG, a board-certified gastroenterologist affiliated with Memorial Hermann Memorial City. “The Center is truly patient focused, bringing together the very best physicians in the field, who work together to improve the lives of our patients.”
The modern, cutting-edge facility utilizes the most advanced medical screening equipment and technology. For example, The Center is one of the few facilities in the state to offer endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). This technology enables physicians to explore the gastrointestinal tract and surrounding organs without radiation. Using this minimally-invasive test, doctors can not only identify hard-to-detect cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract, esophagus, stomach and duodenum, pancreas and bile duct, but also diagnose other gastrointestinal diseases and unexplained symptoms.
To date, more than 5,500 procedures have been performed in the new Center – 2,200 of which were colonoscopies.
Beyond patient testing and treatment, The Center offers a range of programming to meet the growing needs of the community. Services and events include nutrition counseling, educational classes and events, specialized weight-loss services and support groups.