When you're ready, we're ready with prenatal and childbirth education, all-in-one birthing suites, one-to-one nursing, and breastfeeding support.

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The American Cancer Society recommends those at average risk* for colorectal cancer to start regular screenings at age 45. A colonoscopy doesn’t take a lot of time, but this simple procedure offers a big payback: peace of mind. Colorectal cancer is deadly, but treatable if it’s caught early. The majority of colonoscopic exams turn up no lesions at all, and in many other cases polyps and other suspicious growths can be removed during the colonoscopy.

A colonoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the rectum, colon and part of the small intestine. A tiny camera on the end of a long flexible tube, lets the doctor perform a non-surgical, real-time examination of your colon.

The entire procedure takes little more than a couple of hours. The biggest challenge is the preparation beforehand, and it’s important to follow the prep directions carefully. Sedation or anesthesia ensures that the process is painless. You wake up a short time later, and you’re soon ready to go home.

*According to the American Cancer Society, people are considered to be at average risk if they do not have:

• A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
• A family history of colorectal cancer
• A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
• A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)
• A personal history of getting radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer

Save time and money with a Direct Access Colonoscopy

Quick and easy interview to see if you qualify.

If you qualify for a Direct Access Colonoscopy a consultation clinic visit is not needed, saving you time and money. Please fill out the form below or call the General Surgery Clinic at 882-6852 for a phone interview to see if you qualify for a Direct Access Colonoscopy.

Need a Colonoscopy?

Please complete the form below and a nurse will contact you.

We treat you like family, because here you are family. Our team knows and understands the nature of healing. As an independent, rural healthcare system, we have the freedom to follow a mission created by Board Members who are your neighbors. They know our ten county community.

Our Mission

We make a positive difference in the health of the patients and communities we serve.

Our Vision

Keystone of Our Community: Exceptional Care Every Day

Your Health : Our Mission

This motto is foundational for our team. It is a reminder to make a positive difference in the health of our community members both within our facility and out in the region. You can expect Prairie Lakes Healthcare System to provide quality and compassionate care, partner with organizations in the region, sponsor wellness initiatives,  bring specialty services to communities outside of Watertown through outreach clinics, and provide support and education through events and articles. You lead the charge of your health and wellness journey, and we are here for you. 

Your health is our mission. Those are words staff at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System embrace every day. As a rural, independent health care system we are dedicated to you - our friends, family, and neighbors.  

We know and understand the nature of healing. Sometimes it is innovative medicine. Other times it is holding a hand. We’re here to support you in your health and wellness journey. Explore our pages for our services, programs, and events available to our community.

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Our team is here for urgent procedures like appendix removal and scheduled surgeries like joint replacement.

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Over 600 staff members and 200 volunteers make our regional healthcare system one of the top rural health systems.

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Dr. Vijay Rao sees patients at the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center. He specializes in medical oncology and hematology. 

Resources: Prairie Lakes Cancer Center  Cancer Care Team  Compassionate Care