Patient information.
What you should know before your appointment — and answers to the questions we are asked again and again.
Frequently asked questions
Is sedation covered by the health insurance?
Yes. Since 2018 the statutory insurance has covered the sedation cost for both gastroscopy and colonoscopy. You pay nothing extra for the sedation.
How long does a colonoscopy take?
The examination itself usually takes 20–30 minutes. With preparation, sedation and observation, please plan around 2 hours for the visit. You will not be able to drive afterwards.
Which health insurers are accepted?
All statutory insurers (ÖGK, BVAEB, SVS, KFA) as well as private patients. Billing is done directly with your insurer where the service allows it.
Will thyroid surgery leave a visible scar?
In every operation Dr Tonninger-Bahadori has the aesthetically optimal outcome in mind — tissue-sparing incision planning, with individual consideration of skin type and healing pattern. In many cases the scar is barely visible after healing. In the pre-operative consultation we discuss skin type, scar suitability and the planned suturing technique in detail.
Can the voice be affected by thyroid surgery?
The vocal cord nerve runs behind the thyroid. With neuromonitoring, which we use routinely, the risk of damage can today be largely minimised.
How do I get an appointment?
Best by telephone on +43 1 890 56 72 — so that we can reserve enough time for you and go through all preparations. On the home page we have additionally set up a callback function. As a supplementary option you can also book an appointment online via the platform arztterminwien.at.
I received an invitation to the Vienna colorectal cancer screening — what now?
Since June 2026 the City of Vienna has been inviting all Viennese between 45 and 75 to colorectal cancer screening. You can choose between the FIT stool test at home and the screening colonoscopy. We have explained both routes here: Colorectal cancer screening in Vienna — FIT test or colonoscopy? If your FIT test came back positive: Positive FIT test — what now?
Before your appointment
Please bring with you: your e-card, all current reports, a list of your medication as well as — if available — the referral from your GP.
Before a colonoscopy, a preparation with a bowel-prep solution is required. We will give you a written schedule with timings and quantities.
Because your reaction time is impaired after sedation, you must not drive yourself on the examination day. Please come by public transport, bring someone along or take a taxi home.
This page is being expanded. More topics to follow.