# Gastro Practice Melbourne > Expert gastroenterology and digestive health care in Melbourne, Australia. Led by Dr Anke Nguyen (MBBS, FRACP, PhD), offering specialist consultations, colonoscopy, gastroscopy, bowel cancer screening, and iron infusion. ## Service Areas Gastro Practice Melbourne serves patients from across Melbourne's inner north, inner east, and surrounding suburbs, including: Alphington, Ivanhoe, Eaglemont, Heidelberg, Thornbury, Clifton Hill, Fitzroy, Carlton, Richmond, Kew, Hawthorn, Glen Iris, Malvern, Eltham, and greater Melbourne. The practice is conveniently located in Alphington, close to the Eastern Freeway with easy access from the inner north and east. ## About Gastro Practice Melbourne is a specialist gastroenterology practice located at 26 Grange Road, Alphington VIC 3078. The practice is led by Dr Anke Nguyen, a PhD-qualified gastroenterologist and endoscopist with advanced training at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Monash Health, and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Dr Anke Nguyen holds a senior Gastroenterologist position at Eastern Health and Austin Health, and actively contributes to medical education and endoscopic training. Her research has been published in high-impact gastroenterology journals. She speaks fluent English and German. ## Contact - **Address:** 26 Grange Road, Alphington VIC 3078 - **Phone:** (03) 8488 8822 - **Fax:** (03) 8488 8823 - **Email:** admin@gastropractice.com.au - **Hours:** Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm ## Services - [Specialist Consultation](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/consultation): Initial and follow-up gastroenterology consultations. - [Gastroscopy](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/gastroscopy): Upper GI endoscopy to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. - [Colonoscopy](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/colonoscopy): Lower GI endoscopy for bowel cancer screening and diagnosis. - [Bowel Cancer Screening](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/bowel-cancer-screening): National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme and direct colonoscopy. - [Direct Access Endoscopy](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/direct-access): GP-referred endoscopy without prior specialist consultation. - [Iron Infusion](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/iron-infusion): Intravenous iron therapy for iron deficiency anaemia. ## Endoscopy Locations - Epworth Eastern Hospital – 1 Arnold St, Box Hill VIC 3128 - Adeney Private – 209 Cotham Rd, Kew VIC 3101 - Victorian Day Procedure Centre – 10 Martin St, Heidelberg VIC 3084 ## Conditions Treated Common gastrointestinal conditions managed include: bowel cancer, colorectal polyps, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD – Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reflux (GORD), Helicobacter pylori, diverticular disease, fatty liver disease, constipation, iron deficiency, and advanced liver disease. Patient information sheets are available for: - [Bowel Cancer Prevention](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/docs/Bowel_Cancer_Prevention.pdf) - [Bowel Polyps](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/docs/Bowel_Polyps.pdf) - [Coeliac Disease](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/docs/Coeliac_Disease.pdf) - [Constipation](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/docs/Constipation.pdf) - [Diverticular Disease](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/docs/Diverticular_Disease.pdf) - [Fatty Liver Disease](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/docs/Fatty_Liver_Disease.pdf) - [Helicobacter Pylori](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/docs/Helicobacter_Pylori.pdf) - [IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/docs/IBD.pdf) - [Iron Deficiency](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/docs/Iron_Deficiency.pdf) - [Low FODMAP Diet](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/docs/Low_FODMAP_Diet.pdf) - [Reflux](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/docs/Reflux.pdf) - [Advanced Liver Disease](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/docs/Advanced_Liver_Disease.pdf) ## Patient Resources - [Patient Admission Information](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/patient-admission) - [Patient Registration Form](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/patient-registration-form) - [Doctor Referral Forms](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/doctor-forms) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.gastropractice.com.au/privacy) ## Referrals GPs can refer patients directly via the doctor forms page. Referrals are accepted for all gastroenterology services including direct access endoscopy (gastroscopy and colonoscopy without prior specialist consultation). ## Common Questions ### About the Practice & Dr Anke Nguyen **Who is the gastroenterologist at Gastro Practice Melbourne?** Dr Anke Nguyen, a PhD-qualified gastroenterologist and endoscopist with FRACP fellowship, advanced training at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Monash Health, and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin. **What languages does Dr Anke Nguyen speak?** Dr Anke Nguyen speaks fluent English and German. **Does Gastro Practice Melbourne accept new patients?** Yes, new patients are welcome with a valid GP or specialist referral. **How do I make an appointment?** Submit an appointment request online at gastropractice.com.au/appointment-request or call (03) 8488 8822. A GP referral is required. ### Procedures **What is the difference between a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy?** A gastroscopy examines the upper digestive tract (oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum) using a camera passed through the mouth. A colonoscopy examines the large bowel (colon and rectum) using a camera inserted via the rectum. Both are performed under sedation as day procedures. **Can I have a gastroscopy and colonoscopy on the same day?** Yes, combined gastroscopy and colonoscopy on the same day is possible and can be arranged at Gastro Practice Melbourne. **Do I need someone to drive me home after an endoscopy?** Yes. Because procedures are performed under sedation, you must arrange for someone to drive you home — you cannot drive or use public transport alone on the day. **What can I eat before a gastroscopy?** You need to fast (no food or drink) for a period before a gastroscopy. Specific fasting instructions will be provided when your procedure is booked. **How long does recovery take after a colonoscopy?** Most patients feel well enough to return to normal activities the following day. You will be monitored in recovery before discharge on the same day as the procedure. **Can polyps be removed during a colonoscopy?** Yes. If polyps are detected during a colonoscopy, they can often be removed at the same time in a procedure called a polypectomy. **How long does an iron infusion take?** An iron infusion typically takes 15–30 minutes and is administered through an intravenous cannula. Most patients can return to normal activities on the same day. ### Costs & Medicare **Is a colonoscopy covered by Medicare?** Yes, Medicare rebates are available for colonoscopy with a valid referral. Out-of-pocket costs vary depending on the procedure and your level of private health cover. ### Conditions **What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?** Symptoms can include rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, and iron deficiency anaemia. Many people have no symptoms at all, which is why screening is important. **What is the difference between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?** Both are forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract and involves patchy, full-thickness inflammation. Ulcerative colitis affects only the large bowel and causes continuous inflammation of the inner lining. **What is a FOBT (faecal occult blood test)?** A FOBT is a home stool test that detects tiny amounts of blood in the bowel motion that cannot be seen with the naked eye. A positive result requires follow-up with a colonoscopy. **What is iron deficiency anaemia?** Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when the body doesn't have enough iron to produce red blood cells. In adults, it can have an underlying gastrointestinal cause (such as a bleeding polyp) that warrants investigation by a gastroenterologist. **At what age should I start bowel cancer screening?** The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program invites Australians aged 45–74 to screen with a home faecal occult blood test every two years. If you have a family history or symptoms, earlier screening may be recommended — discuss this with your GP. ### Referrals & Access **Can a GP refer directly for a colonoscopy without a charged specialist consultation?** Yes. Gastro Practice Melbourne offers a Direct Access program allowing GPs to refer patients directly for colonoscopy or gastroscopy in appropriate cases, without a prior charged specialist consultation. **Can I refer my patient for an iron infusion at the same time as their endoscopy?** Yes, iron infusions can be administered immediately following a gastroscopy or colonoscopy in the recovery area, which is convenient for patients who require both.