EGD (Gastroscopy) and Colonoscopy Course Description

Course Credits: Earn up to 23.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and AAFP Prescribed Credits.

Course Price: $2,395

EGD (Gastroscopy) and Colonoscopy is a three-day course.

EGD is the diagnostic procedure of choice in many cases of upper GI disease. With the advent of smaller (ultrathin) fiber-optic endoscopes, office-based EGD can now be readily performed. If these procedures are performed in the office, reimbursement is usually higher. Primary care physicians nationwide are acquiring skills to perform these procedures and research has documented excellent quality of care. Patients can benefit from a rapid, accurate, cost-effective diagnosis. Learners will appreciate the practical pointers of getting started in the office or GI lab. Proper patient selection, sedation needs, and necessary equipment will be reviewed. Videos will reinforce lecture materials. Teaching models will provide “hands-on” experience in using the gastroscope. 

As the population ages, the incidence of colorectal polyps and cancer increases. Many are now suggesting that colonoscopy be the screening method of choice. Medicare now reimburses for screening colonoscopy and pays more if it is done in the office. In selected patients, colonoscopy can be performed in the clinician’s office which markedly reduces cost, time, and patient anxiety. For a multitude of reasons, more primary care physicians are performing colonoscopy. For physicians who already provide flexible sigmoidoscopy for patients, offering colonoscopy is a practical addition. This course will review colonoscopy screening guidelines for indications, contraindications, equipment, sedation, and technique. Time will be allocated for review of normal and abnormal pathology. Learners will also have time for practicing the hands-on technique using colon models. Credentialing and privilege issues will be addressed.  

This course is also designed to meet the educational needs of clinicians who are already performing colonoscopy, and desire to sharpen their diagnostic and technical skills. Techniques for the removal of polyps, treating bleeding lesions, and tattooing will be discussed. Hands-on time for practice on models will be provided. Significant time will be spent reviewing unusual pathology. There will be discussion of controversial issues and difficult cases. By the end of the course, learners should feel more confident in their ability to manage their patient's colonoscopy needs.