Clinical procedure environment

Skip the Office Visit. Schedule Directly.

If you are 45 or older and due for a routine colonoscopy, you may qualify to schedule your procedure without a separate consultation appointment. No extra co-pay. No extra trip.

Check If You Qualify Call Now

No Consultation Needed

Schedule your procedure directly

No Extra Co-Pay

Lower your out-of-pocket costs

Personal Care

Dr. Maher performs every procedure

What Is Direct Access Colonoscopy?

Most colonoscopy screenings start with a consultation visit — taking time off work, paying a co-pay, and waiting for a second appointment to have the procedure done.

Direct Access Colonoscopy removes that step. Qualifying patients schedule their screening directly with Dr. Maher's office. All pre-procedure information is collected by phone or through our secure online form — from "I need a colonoscopy" to "it's on the calendar" in one step.

Dr. Maher personally performs every colonoscopy. This program simply streamlines how you get to him.

Who Qualifies?

Direct Access Colonoscopy is designed for healthy adults due for a routine screening.

You are eligible if you:

  • Are between 45 and 75 years old
  • Need a routine screening colonoscopy (first-time or 10+ years since your last one)
  • Are in generally good health with no major medical complications
  • Have no current digestive symptoms (bleeding, unexplained weight loss, persistent pain)
  • Have a positive at-home stool test (Cologuard or FIT) that needs follow-up

You need an office visit if you:

  • Have active heart disease, a pacemaker, or a defibrillator
  • Have breathing conditions such as asthma or COPD
  • Take blood thinners other than low-dose aspirin
  • Have sleep apnea or use a CPAP machine
  • Have a personal history of colon cancer or complex polyps
  • Are currently experiencing active digestive symptoms
  • Have diabetes requiring insulin or chronic kidney disease

Not sure if you qualify? Complete the form below or call our office — we will let you know within one business day.

How It Works

From form submission to procedure in four simple steps.

1

Complete the Form

Fill out our secure online questionnaire. It takes about 5 minutes and covers your medical history, medications, and screening eligibility.

2

We Review

Our staff reviews your responses and verifies your insurance. If you do not qualify, we will schedule a consultation visit instead.

3

Get Scheduled

If you qualify, we call you to schedule your procedure. You will receive your prep instructions directly — no office visit required.

4

Your Procedure

You meet Dr. Maher for the first time at check-in. He performs your colonoscopy and reviews your results with you before you leave.

Direct Access Screening Form

Please complete this secure questionnaire to determine your eligibility.

Do you currently have or use any of the following?

Are you currently experiencing unexplained weight loss, bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or persistent changes in bowel habits?

All information is transmitted securely and protected under HIPAA. Your data is never shared with third parties.

Why We Offer This Program

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, but it is one of the most preventable cancers when caught early through screening. Despite this, millions of eligible adults delay or skip their colonoscopy because the process feels complicated.

Dr. Maher created this program to remove barriers. If you are healthy and due for a screening, there is no medical reason to add an extra office visit to the process.

Direct Access gets you screened faster, with fewer appointments and lower costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Details about insurance, safety, and how the Direct Access program works.

Check If You Qualify

Is Direct Access Colonoscopy safe?
Yes. Our screening questionnaire is designed to identify any medical conditions that require a pre-procedure consultation. If anything in your history suggests you need to be seen first, we will schedule an office visit. Patient safety always comes first.

Will my insurance cover a Direct Access Colonoscopy?
Screening colonoscopies are covered at no cost under most insurance plans, including Medicare, as a preventive service. Our team will verify your coverage before scheduling. If there are any costs, we will let you know in advance.

What if I have symptoms like bleeding or stomach pain?
If you are experiencing active symptoms, you should schedule a consultation visit rather than a screening. Symptoms may indicate a condition that Dr. Maher needs to evaluate before performing a procedure. Call our office and we will get you an appointment quickly.

Do I still need a referral from my primary care doctor?
It depends on your insurance plan. Some plans require a referral for specialist visits, while others do not. Our staff will help you determine what your plan requires when you submit the form.

Who performs the colonoscopy?
Dr. James Maher personally performs every colonoscopy. He is board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine with fellowship training in hepatology. You will not be handed off to another provider.

What happens if polyps are found during my screening?
If Dr. Maher finds polyps, he will remove them during the same procedure. Tissue samples are sent for biopsy, and our office will contact you with results within a few business days. He will also discuss findings with you before you leave.

How do I prepare for my colonoscopy?
Once your procedure is scheduled, our team will provide complete bowel preparation instructions. You can also visit our Colonoscopy Preparation page for a detailed step-by-step guide.

Ready to Get Screened?

Do not let a busy schedule delay a life-saving screening. If you are 45 or older and due for a colonoscopy, find out if you qualify for Direct Access today.

Complete the Screening Form Call (346) 637-4874