Life is busy and your plate is full, but taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for others. A colorectal cancer (CRC) screening test is a simple step that could make a big difference in your future. Direct Access Colonoscopy makes scheduling your procedure easier.

Colon Cancer is Preventable

In adults younger than 50, colorectal cancer is the No. 1 cause of cancer death in men and the second in women.

The good news is CRC is both preventable and highly treatable when detected early. Experts recommend starting CRC screenings at age 45, if you are at average risk. If you have digestive symptoms, you should see your health care provider regardless of age.

A colonoscopy is the most efficient way to detect the disease early or even prevent cancer. If you choose other colon cancer screening methods and receive an abnormal result, you must follow up with a colonoscopy to determine the cause of the positive test.

What is Direct Access?

Career, family and the nonstop pace of life demands your full attention. Direct Access Colonoscopy is a simple and convenient way to schedule your colon cancer screening.

If you qualify, you don’t need to have a formal pre-procedure visit with a gastroenterologist or endoscopist. In fact, you do not meet the doctor until the day of the procedure.

Additionally, Direct Access Colonoscopy is covered by most health insurance plans.

How does Direct Access Work?

Prior to being scheduled for a colonoscopy, you will have a call with our center staff to review your medical history in detail.

If you have an uncomplicated medical history, are between 45 and 75 years old, and are in generally good health, you may be eligible for Direct Access.

Also, if you require a colonoscopy to evaluate a positive screening stool test, you may be eligible for Direct Access.

If certain health conditions are identified during the call with our center, an office visit will be required prior to the procedure.

Schedule Your Screening at Our ASC

For a colonoscopy, our Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) makes it easy to get the care you need:

• Timely, efficient outpatient care
• Less waiting, more one-on-one attention
• Often more affordable than hospital procedures
• A safe, welcoming space designed with your comfort in mind

Find out if you are eligible for a Direct Access Colonoscopy.

Early detection saves lives. If you’re due for a colonoscopy or need a follow-up, don’t wait. Protect your health and schedule your screening today.

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation New Jersey Chapter recently honored Penny S. Turtel, MD, FACG, FACP, at the nonprofit’s BANDed Together Event on June 6 in Long Branch, New Jersey.

Dr. Turtel, along with Allied Digestive Health (ADH), received the 2025 Community Impact Award. This award honors individuals and groups dedicated to improving gastrointestinal care, especially focusing on Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Dr. Turtel is an AMSURG physician partner at Ocean Surgical Pavilion in Oakhurst, New Jersey. Accepting on behalf of ADH, she thanked the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation chapter for the honor.

“Their mission is crucial to not only the local communities in New Jersey and New York but also to families across the country. Working with them has allowed us to further support their cause beyond the research and education done by our providers,” she said in a New Jersey Culture Times article. “To know that they value our dedication to finding a cure as much as we value theirs is not something we take lightly, and it is with great pride that we accept this award. This is just one step in the journey of our support for the foundation, our patients and their families to one day find a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.”

Dr. Turtel serves on the New Jersey chapter’s board of directors and the Medical Education Committee. She has been a passionate advocate for patients, actively supports educational programs and plays a key role in leading the chapter’s fundraising efforts, according to the article.

AnnaMaria Mindish, Regional Executive Director, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, New Jersey Chapter, praised the work of Dr. Turtel and ADH.

“The New Jersey Chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is thrilled to honor Allied Digestive Health and Dr. Penny Turtel for their incredible efforts in driving support to the mission,” Mindish said in the article.

Mindish noted that Dr. Turtel founded New Jersey BANDed Together a decade ago with Lori Dunbar, one of her patients. Since then, the organization has raised nearly $500,000.

“We would not have achieved this success without Dr. Turtel and Allied Digestive Health’s influence within the IBD Community,” Mindish said in the article. “We are beyond grateful to have their partnership as we continue to increase awareness about inflammatory bowel disease in New Jersey and raise critical funds to ensure that research to find a cure is not put on hold.”

A Fellow of the American College of Physicians and of the American College of Gastroenterology, Dr. Turtel has published in the fields of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Nutrition and Small Bowel Diseases.