Knowledge, expertise and care in tranquility and privacy

A gastroenterologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats disorders of the digestive system. The digestive system includes all parts of the gastrointestinal tract as well as the associated organs: the liver, biliary system, and pancreas. Gastrointestinal endoscopy is one of the main techniques for diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.

Our philosophy is to provide high quality evidence-based medical care, with a strong focus on quality and safety, and excellence in communication with patients, their families and referring health professionals.

Dr Mark Bassett
MB ChB (Otago), MD (Qld), MHA (UNSW), GradDipMgt (ANU), FRACP

Dr Bassett graduated in medicine at the University of Otago (New Zealand) and trained in gastroenterology in Canberra and Brisbane. He obtained Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) in gastroenterology in 1979, endoscopy certification the same year, and subsequently completed additional training in liver diseases (hepatology) at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA.

Dr Bassett is fully trained in general gastroenterology and endoscopy. He has a special interest in liver disease and hemochromatosis. Dr Bassett is currently a Visiting Medical Officer in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Canberra Hospital.

Previous senior medical and academic appointments include:

• Gastroenterologist and General Physician, Royal Brisbane Hospital
• Associate Professor, University of Queensland
• Staff specialist in Gastroenterology, Auckland Hospital
• Staff specialist in Gastroenterology, Canberra Hospital
• Director of Gastroenterology, Canberra Hospital
• Deputy General Manager (Clinical), Canberra Hospital
• Executive Director, ACT Health Medical Appointments & Training Unit
• Professor and Associate Dean for Postgraduate Medical Education & Training, ANU
• Principal Medical Advisor, ACT Health

Booking your appointment
Please telephone (02) 6162 1515 for an appointment for a consultation or endoscopy. Alternatively, your referring doctor may arrange an appointment for you if the matter is urgent.  Dr Bassett usually keeps available some time each week for urgent referrals.

What to bring to your appointment
Please bring the referral letter from your doctor, any relevant x-rays or scans, your Medicare card, Health Fund card, or DVA card. You will be asked to settle your account at the time of your appointment.

When to arrive for your appointment
Please arrive 5-10 minutes prior to the time of your first appointment so that your file can be created.

Keeping appointments
Our staff will send reminders for all appointments. Please notify at least 5 days in advance if you cannot keep an appointment. Failure to do so may result in an administrative charge and you may not be provided with an early substitute appointment.

Fees for consultations and endoscopies
Our secretary will provide details of fees including the out-of-pocket costs. Dr Bassett charges above the Schedule Fee and therefore you can expect out-of-pocket expenses for consultations and endoscopy procedures. Detailed information is available on the INFORMATION page.

What is endoscopy?
Gastrointestinal endoscopy involves looking inside the gastrointestinal tract using flexible instruments that carry light through a fibreoptic bundle and return the image digitally.  Endoscopy allows diagnosis by direct viewing for abnormalities,  taking small samples of tissue (biopsy), and intervention such as removal of polyps (polypectomy).

Common examples of endoscopy
Gastroscopy or oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy – examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the duodenum. Colonoscopy – examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract from the rectum to the caecum.

Where is it performed?
All endoscopy is now performed in a hospital setting, usually as a day case. Sedation is required for most endoscopy procedures.  You may choose to have your endoscopy procedure performed by Dr Bassett at a private hospital or you may choose to have your endoscopy performed as a public hospital patient. In the case of the latter, your procedure will not be done by Dr Bassett.

Appointments
Please telephone (02) 6162 1515 for an appointment for endoscopy.  Generally, you will be asked to see Dr Bassett in consultation first although if you have seen Dr Bassett in the past year, your endoscopy may be booked directly. Alternatively, your referring doctor may arrange an appointment for you if the matter is urgent.  Dr Bassett usually keeps available some time each week for urgent referrals.