FAQs

Most routine gastroscopies take 15-20 minutes, while colonoscopies typically take 30-45 minutes. However, you should plan to be at the clinic for 2-3 hours total to account for preparation, recovery, and post-procedure discussion.

Yes, we use conscious sedation for your comfort during gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures. This means you'll be relaxed and comfortable but able to breathe on your own. You'll need someone to drive you home afterward. General anesthetics is also available for our patients.

A standard ultrasound shows the structure and appearance of your liver. A Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) to measure liver stiffness, which directly correlates with the amount of fibrosis (scarring) in your liver. It provides quantitative data that helps stage liver disease.

No, the Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) is completely painless and non-invasive. It feels similar to a standard ultrasound where a probe is gently placed on your skin over the liver area. There are no needles or incisions involved.

For the most accurate results, we recommend fasting for 3 hours before your appointment. You can drink water during this time. Please continue taking your regular medications unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

The actual scanning process takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Please allow 30-45 minutes for your entire appointment to include registration, the procedure, and discussion of results.

Results are available immediately after your scan. Dr. Lal will provide you with a formal report detailing your liver stiffness measurement (kPa score) and fibrosis stage (F0-F4), which can be used for your medical records or immigration application.

Yes, we provide a comprehensive formal report that includes all necessary details required by Immigration New Zealand, including the kPa score and corresponding fibrosis stage (F0-F4). Our reports are specifically formatted to meet immigration requirements.

Immigration NZ typically requires medical reports to be within 3-6 months of application submission. We recommend checking the current specific requirements on the Immigration NZ website or with your immigration advisor, as these timeframes can change.

No, Immigration NZ specifically requires liver fibrosis staging, which can only be provided by specific tests like FibroScan® or liver biopsy. A standard liver ultrasound does not provide the quantitative fibrosis measurement required.

No, Immigration NZ specifically requires liver fibrosis staging, which can only be provided by specific tests like FibroScan® or liver biopsy. A standard liver ultrasound does not provide the quantitative fibrosis measurement required.

To consult with Dr. Lal about digestive or liver issues, you need a referral from your GP or a self referral or EDI. Your GP can email the referral to us, and our team will contact you to schedule your appointment.

We require payment at the time of service. 

Yes, Dr. Dinesh Lal is an Affiliated Provider for Southern Cross / NIB for consultations and procedures including colonoscopy, gastroscopy, ERCP, and gastroenterology assessments. This means we can handle claims directly with Southern Cross / NIB for eligible members.

Consultation fees are $350 incl GST. We provide fee information when you book your appointment. Southern Cross affiliated members may have coverage depending on their policy.

Yes, the fee includes both the Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) procedure and the comprehensive formal report required for medical purposes or immigration applications.

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a functional disorder causing symptoms like cramping and bowel changes without visible inflammation. IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease, including Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis) involves chronic inflammation and damage to the digestive tract that can be seen during endoscopy.

For people at average risk, screening typically begins at age 50. However, if you have a family history of bowel cancer, or symptoms like bleeding or persistent bowel changes, you may need screening earlier. Discuss your personal risk factors with your GP or Dr. Lal.

If you have persistent digestive symptoms that concern you, seek a second opinion. You can ask your GP for a referral to Dr. Lal, or you can book a private consultation to discuss your symptoms and determine if further investigation is needed.