FAQ - Colonoscopy and Upper Endoscopy

New Dawn Health is the first and only dedicated English-language booking platform and medical concierge service in Taiwan. We bridge the gap between international clients and Taiwan’s world-class medical system, specializing in Comprehensive Health Screenings (Check-ups), Medical Aesthetics, Dental Care, Hair & Scalp treatments, and more.

As a concierge and advocacy service, we don't just book appointments - we manage the entire logistical journey behind the scenes so you can focus on your wellness. While all medical procedures are performed by licensed Taiwanese professionals at our premium partner institutions, New Dawn Health ensures your experience is seamless, transparent, and fully supported in English.

The New Dawn Advantage

• Seamless English Navigation: We’ve removed the language barrier at every touchpoint. Our user-friendly platform and curated network of English-speaking physicians ensure you are understood and cared for without needing a translator.

• Transparent, Upfront Pricing: Our rates are transparent and include all applicable international surcharges from the hospitals and clinics, so there are never any hidden costs or surprises at checkout.

• Clinically Relevant Documentation: We provide full medical reports in English, ensuring you have a clear, actionable record to share with your primary care doctors back home for continued care.

• Bespoke Concierge Support: Beyond our standard offerings, we provide customized packages tailored to your specific medical history and goals. From initial booking to the final delivery of your reports, our dedicated team provides end-to-end advocacy and support.

No. Our pricing is all-inclusive and transparent. While our rates may differ from a clinic’s local Mandarin website, this is because New Dawn Health packages are customized for international travelers. Your price includes the cost of your procedure, pre-negotiated international patient surcharges, full English-language support from consultation to debrief- all billed conveniently in USD.

Unlike large directories, we use a "patient-first" vetting process. Every clinic in our network has been personally visited and tested by our team. We select partners based on three pillars:

1. Clinical Excellence: Board-certified specialists and cutting-edge technology. All of our partner providers in Taiwan are fully qualified and accredited. 

2. Patient Safety: Strict adherence to Taiwan’s high medical regulatory standards. They have extensive experience in providing health care services to both domestic and international clients and adhere to the highest standards of healthcare practice. 

3. English Proficiency: Ensuring you are never "lost in translation" during a consultation or debrief with the doctor.

We recommend booking at least one month in advance. However, because of our personal relationships with Taiwan's medical networks, we can often secure priority slots or "fast-track" appointments for our clients that are otherwise unavailable to the public.

Absolutely. In fact, many of our clients find this to be the most efficient way to travel. A typical "Wellness Day" involves a comprehensive health screening in the morning and a non-invasive aesthetic treatment (like a Picosure laser or skin-booster) in the afternoon.

To book a health screening with New Dawn Health, follow these steps:

1. Research: Explore our services to find the package that best suits your needs.
2. Choose: Select your preferred package and date. Our concierge team will follow up with you to confirm availability.
3. Schedule & make a deposit: Complete the registration process and make a deposit to hold your spot.
4. Finalize with a consultation: Complete a phone consultation with our concierge team to finalize your booking.

Scheduling a consultation allows us to better understand your health needs and medical history. This ensures the package chosen is right for you, allows for any necessary customizations to your package, and provides an opportunity to answer all your questions before your appointment.

Consultations are required for digestive: upper endoscopy and colonoscopy exams. Polyp removal procedure will be explained and bowel prep information will be shared.

To book a health screening, you will be prompted to provide personal information, including your full name, contact details, and payment information. For health checks, you will be asked to complete a health history questionnaire that will be confidentailly shared with the hospital. 

A deposit is required to secure your appointment (amount varies by package). You will be charged at the time of booking for your deposit. Remaining balance will be charged on the 14th day prior to your appointment using the credit card on file or a payment link.

Yes, you can reschedule or cancel your appointment. Please refer to our Refund Policy for detailed information.

Please refer to our Refund Policy for detailed information to understand whether you are eligible for a refund. If eligible, refunds are typically processed within 5 business days.

No, all payments are handled directly through New Dawn Health. You do not need to make any additional payments to the partner provider, as we take care of all the payment and logistical arrangements for you.

Our payments are processed by Stripe, which accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB, and China UnionPay payments from customers worldwide. If you have a need for alternative payment methods, please reach out to our support team at hello@newdawn.health.

Yes, we prioritize your security. We use advanced encryption methods to protect your payment information. For more details on how your data is protected, you can visit Stripe, our payment processor. Learn how Stripe handles security.

No, we do not. However, this doesn't mean you cannot submit for reimbursement from your health insurance provider.

Please check with your insurance provider as we are happy to assist you in obtaining the necessary documentation (e.g., itemized receipt) for your claim. 

Yes, based on our understanding of the FSA rules. Please check with your tax specialist to confirm. Expenses incurred in a foreign country by a qualifying account holder or dependent are typically eligible for FSA reimbursement in accordance with the same rules that apply to care received in the U.S. These expenses might include dental, vision, and preventative care. The medical care received in a foreign country must be considered legal both in the foreign country where it was administered and in the United States to be eligible for reimbursement through a consumer-directed healthcare account. For more details, see the Internal Revenue Service's guidelines.

We offer a range of health screening packages to meet your needs, including:

• Holistic Exams: Comprehensive evaluations that include lab analysis, physical exams, specialist consultations, and a variety of imaging techniques such as ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, and endoscopies. These exams take longer but provide a multi-layered view of your body to identify and triage any abnormalities.
• Full-Body Scans: Detailed imaging primarily using MRI (and supplemented with X-rays and CT scans when needed) to examine various parts of your body. This is a fast and non-invasive way to gain insights into your health using advanced imaging techniques.

Consider your health goals, medical history, and any specific concerns. Our team can assist you in selecting the most appropriate package during your consultation. We also offer lightweight, convenient packages designed for busy travelers who may have limited availability to undergo more advanced screenings.

Yes, we can tailor screening packages to meet your specific health needs. Discuss your preferences during the consultation to customize your package. If you are not sure, reach out to us at hello@newdawn.health.

Specific and detailed instructions from the hospital will be provided to you on when to start fasting. 

For full body MRIs - the fasting requirement is 4 hours on the morning of. 

For holistic health checks and any bloodwork that requires fasting numbers - the fasting requirement is typically 8 hours. 

Why do you need to fast?

• Blood work: Fasting prevents the absorption of sugar, fat, protein, and other nutrients from food and beverages, ensuring accurate diagnosis.
• Abdominal ultrasounds and endoscopies: Fasting ensures that your organs are free of solid objects that could block visibility or interfere with the screening.

What if I eat or drink?

Not following the fasting requirements will impact the results of certain tests and lead to inaccurate diagnoses. If this happens, please inform the New Dawn Health team immediately.

Please visit our partner provider page for more detailed information.

In addition, we will send you a detailed package of information after your meeting with our concierge team. This will include the address, directions, and what to expect. 

For Diabetic Patients

• Do Not Take: Do not take oral glucose-lowering medications or short-acting insulin on the morning of your examination.

• Bring Your Meds: Please bring your diabetic medications and insulin with you to the clinic to take after the procedure is completed.

• Consultation: If you have concerns about managing your blood sugar during the fasting period, please consult your doctor beforehand.

For Patients with Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) or Asthma

• Continue as Usual: You should take your blood pressure medication and use your asthma inhaler as regularly scheduled.

• Morning Dose: You may take your blood pressure pills with a small sip of water on the morning of the exam.

• Bring Your Meds: Please bring your medication or inhaler with you to the appointment for reference.

Under our partner providers' specific sedation and recovery protocol, you are not required to have a designated escort to leave the facility. You will remain in the recoveray area until cleared by a nurse (typically 15-30 minutes). 

Important Safety Conditions: While you may leave the hospital independently, we strongly advise the following for the remainder of the day:

• Do Not Drive: This includes motorcycles and scooters. Despite feeling "awake," your reaction time and balance may be subtly impaired.

• Public Transit/Taxis: We recommend taking the MRT, a bus, or Uber/Taxi rather than walking long distances.

• No Heavy Machinery: Do not operate heavy equipment or sign legally binding documents for 12–24 hours post-sedation.

Your ability to fly shortly after the procedure depends on the type of treatment performed:

• Small Polyps (Cauterization/Electric Burn): There are typically no travel restrictions; you may fly as scheduled.

• Large Polyp Resection: We recommend avoiding long-distance flights for at least 7 days following the procedure to ensure your safety and monitor for potential complications. Please note: travel restriction days may vary by hospital.

If doing upper endoscopy separately, there is a fasting requirement of 8 hours.

No bowel prep is required. 

Yes, New Dawn Health Consultant will provide you with the necessary provider consent form and other related paperwork ahead of time to review and sign. There may be additional consent based on the day-of condition that needs to be reviewed and signed as well. This ensures that all procedures are conducted with your informed consent and in compliance with medical regulations.

Please bring the following items to your appointment:

• Identification: A valid photo ID - a Passport for international travelers.
• Medications: A list of current medications or the medications themselves.
• Personal Items: Glasses or hearing aids, if you use them.
• Samples: If instructed, bring urine or stool samples as per the preparation guidelines.
• Additional: Do not wear contact lenses, make-up, piercings, bring jewelry or other valuables as you will be asked to remove them.

The duration of the screening varies based on the package selected, ranging from 2 hours to a full day. For more details, please refer to our Services page.

The timing and tempo of the screening can also vary depending on how busy the hospital or clinic is on the day of your appointment. While all screenings will be completed within the timeframe described in the package, the experience may feel fast-paced or finish earlier depending on the conditions on the ground.

Yes, we have curated our partner providers to ensure they have English-speaking physicians, ensuring clear communication and a comfortable experience during your visit. Most of our partners also have dedicated English-speaking staff to assist you throughout your screening process.

If you have any questions during your screening, feel free to ask the attending medical staff assigned to you - they are there to assist you and provide any necessary information. Additionally, you can contact our on-call team using the contact information provided in your detailed package or via hello@newdawn.health for further assistance.

You will receive your complete English medical report digitally within 2-3 weeks after your screening. This report will provide detailed insights into your health status and any recommended follow-up actions. We will also ensure you receive a digital copy of your imaging records in case they need to be reviewed by physicians in your home country.

Yes, the medical reports provided are comprehensive and formatted to be accepted by doctors in the United States and other countries. They include detailed findings and are prepared in English to facilitate seamless communication with your healthcare providers back home. Additionally, you will receive lab and imaging records as supporting materials for your doctors to review.

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of organs and tissues within the body. It is particularly useful for imaging soft tissues, the brain, and the spinal cord without using radiation.

A DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan look at 2 main categories:

Whole Body Fat Analysis: Through whole-body fat content and muscle mass analysis, this helps you understand your visceral fat ratio, which can guide lifestyle adjustments. 

Bone Mineral Density: To assess the strength of bones and the risk of fractures, the x-ray looks at the lumbar spine and both hips to detect bone density with extremely low radiation, making it a safe option. It is commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and other conditions related to bone health.

Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera and light at the end (an endoscope) to examine the interior of the body, such as the esophagus, stomach, or colon. It is often used to diagnose conditions like ulcers, inflammation, or growths and may involve taking a biopsy or removing polyps during the procedure.

An ECG (or EKG) is a test that records the electrical activity of your heart over a period of time. It helps diagnose heart conditions such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, or other abnormalities. The procedure involves attaching small electrodes to the skin to measure heart activity.

A Heart Calcium Score is a test that uses a CT scan to detect and measure calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test is used to assess the risk of heart disease and guide preventative treatment strategies.

High-speed, low-dose CT is the gold standard for detecting early-stage lung cancer. 

A Low-Dose Lung CT Scan is a specialized imaging test that uses low-dose radiation to produce detailed images of the lungs. The accuracy in LDCT is much higher than MRI and PET. Without the need for contrast dye, it can detect small lung tumors hidden behind the thoracic spine, in front of and behind the heart, behind the ribs, and below the diaphragm and liver. 

It is commonly used for early detection of lung cancer in at-risk individuals, such as long-term smokers, those exposed to secondhand smoke, those with family history of lung cancer, and those affected by environmental or occupational exposures (e.g., poorly ventilated kitchens or air pollution).

A Brain MR Angiography is a specialized MRI scan that focuses on blood vessels in the brain. It helps detect abnormalities like aneurysms, stenosis, or blockages in the blood vessels without the need for invasive procedures. This procedure may require injection of contrast agent to better visualize smaller vessels or subtle abnormalities.

A Coronary CT Angiography is a non-invasive imaging test that uses a CT scan and a contrast dye to visualize the coronary arteries. It helps detect blockages or narrowing of the arteries and assess the risk of heart disease. This procedure requires injection with a non-toxic contrast dye to make blockages and other abnormalities more visible.

A Mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to detect breast cancer or other abnormalities. It is a key screening tool that can identify tumors or changes in breast tissue before they are noticeable, making it an essential part of preventive care for women.

A carotid artery ultrasound, also known as a carotid duplex ultrasound, is a non-invasive and painless test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the carotid arteries. These are the two large blood vessels located on either side of your neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to your brain.

The primary purpose of a carotid artery ultrasound is to assess the health of these vital arteries and identify any issues that could increase your risk of a stroke. The test is used to:

• Detect narrowing (stenosis): The ultrasound can show if there is a buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis) on the inner walls of the arteries. This plaque, made of fat, cholesterol, and other substances, can narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow to the brain.

• Check for blood clots: It can identify blood clots (thrombosis) that could block blood flow or break off and travel to the brain, causing a stroke.

• Evaluate blood flow: The test uses a special technique called Doppler ultrasound to measure the speed and direction of blood flow through the arteries. This helps doctors determine the severity of any blockages.

• Guide treatment: The results help doctors decide on the best course of treatment, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgical procedures to clear the blockage.

• Monitor post-surgery: The ultrasound can also be used to check blood flow after a procedure, such as a carotid endarterectomy (plaque removal) or the placement of a stent, to ensure the treatment was successful.

An abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time pictures of the organs and structures within your abdomen. It's a very versatile tool that helps doctors diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions.

What an Abdominal Ultrasound Shows

An abdominal ultrasound can provide detailed images of the following organs:

• Liver: The largest organ in the abdomen, the ultrasound can check its size, shape, and overall condition, and look for signs of liver disease, tumors, or fluid buildup.

• Gallbladder: This small organ is located under the liver. The ultrasound is excellent at detecting gallstones, inflammation (cholecystitis), or blockages in the bile ducts.

• Pancreas: The ultrasound can evaluate the pancreas for inflammation (pancreatitis), cysts, or tumors.

• Spleen: Located on the left side of the body, the spleen's size and condition can be assessed, which is useful for diagnosing conditions like an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly).

• Kidneys: The ultrasound can check for kidney stones, cysts, tumors, and signs of a blockage in urine flow (hydronephrosis).

A doctor may recommend an abdominal ultrasound for several reasons, including:

• Diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain: It can help pinpoint the source of pain, such as gallstones, kidney stones, appendicitis, or an inflamed organ.

• Investigating abnormal lab results: If blood tests show abnormal liver or kidney function, an ultrasound can help identify the underlying cause.

• Checking for fluid buildup: The scan can detect abnormal fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites).

• Screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): It is the most common screening test for AAA, especially in men aged 65-75 who have a history of smoking.

• Guiding a procedure: The real-time imaging can be used to guide a needle during a biopsy or to drain a cyst or abscess.

• Monitoring known conditions: If you have been diagnosed with a condition like fatty liver disease, cysts, or a tumor, repeat ultrasounds can be used to monitor for changes over time.

Our health provider partners are situated in Taipei City metropolitan area, all within a 30-minute car ride of the city center. Specific details about each provider's location can be found on our provider detail page, and will be shared during the booking process. We are also looking to expand into other major cities in Taiwan.

After your consultation, we will provide you with detailed information, including the facility's address, directions, and recommended transportation methods. Taipei has a very efficient public transportation system. In general, we recommend taking the MRT (Taipei's subway), along with taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber.

In general, Taipei is relatively small and very convenient. We recommend taking an Uber, taxi, or MRT (if accessible) for convenience.

While we do not offer direct transportation services, we are happy to assist you in arranging transportation. Just reach out at hello@newdawn.health.

Taiwan offers visa-exemption (no visa required) to citizens of 66 countries. The allowable stay ranges from 14 to 30 days. See the Visa-Exemption country list on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

For citizens of other countries that require a visa, review the Landing Visa and eVisa processes listed on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

Taiwan also offers a Medical Treatment Visa for those visiting for medical treatment purposes. However, as of December 2024, elective health services such as health screenings, beauty services, dental cosmetics, non-severe dental work, and vision correction do not qualify as Medical Treatment.

The duration of your stay depends on your visa status. For detailed information, please refer to the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

Too many to list. To get you started, our team's personal favorites (centered around Taipei) are:

1. Hot Springs: A day trip or an overnight stay at a resort/hotel.
2. Get a Massage/Facial: Relax and rejuvenate. Many locations are open late or 24 hours!
3. Hike a Mountain: Popular trails include Elephant Mountain and Jiantanshan.
4. Visit a Night Market: Enjoy the vibrant street food and shopping scene.
5. Walk around Dihua Street: Ideal for shopping and cultural exploration (8 AM–5 PM).
6. Shop at Ximending: A bustling shopping and entertainment district.
7. Eat Beef Noodle Soup: A must-try Taiwanese delicacy.
8. Family-Friendly Activities: Visit Taipei Children's Amusement Park, the Science Museum, and the Astronomical Museum all in one go.

Our staff will be happy to give you their personal pointers. Reach out to us at hello@newdawn.health.

While we do not act as a travel agency for flights, we provide curated recommendations for hotels that are conveniently located near your chosen medical facilities. We can also coordinate private airport transfers and suggest premium wellness excursions to enjoy during your visit.

Whether it's a question about our booking process, custom package, visiting Taiwan, or something else, our team is here to help. Contact us at hello@newdawn.health.

Note: If you are facing a medical emergency, please contact your physician or local emergency services immediately.

In your detailed service package, you will be provided with an on-call support staff to assist you during your screening, including logistical questions and translation assistance.

Not yet, but we are working on it! Please fill out our Service Interest Form to let us know which language support might be most helpful to you.

Yes we do! New Dawn Health has expanded into medical beauty, dental, hair & scalp, and more. Please fill out our Service Interest Form to let us know which services might be most interesting to you and we can assist in booking for you at no additional cost.

Taiwan is globally recognized for its medical excellence in dermatology. However, navigating the most skilled medical aesthetics clinics can be challenging from abroad.

New Dawn Health acts as your local advocate. Our founding team carefully vetted the premier specialized boutique clinics in Taipei. By booking through us, you gain:

• Insider Access: Priority scheduling in high-demand clinics.

• Pricing Integrity: Taiwan is known for fair pricing, but "foreigner pricing" still exists in some sectors. We ensure you pay the local, pre-negotiated rate with zero hidden surcharges.

• Clinical Vetting: We only refer you to doctors whose results we have personally witnessed or experienced. We prioritize doctors who focus on a "natural" aesthetic - a hallmark of Taiwanese beauty.

• Independent Advocacy: Our loyalty is to you, ensuring our recommendations are based solely on clinical expertise and your specific goals.

Our vetting process is rooted in Taiwan’s high medical standards. We select partners based on Board Certifications, advanced technology (lasers/diagnostic equipment), and patient safety records. We maintain long-term, personal relationships with the lead physicians. In Taiwan, patient-doctor trust is paramount; we ensure you are treated by the "Head Doctor" or a specific specialist rather than a rotating junior staff member.

Absolutely. In Taiwan, a face-to-face consultation with a dermatologist is a legal and ethical requirement before most procedures. Your initial booking is a roadmap, but the final destination is decided in the consultation room. You will have the opportunity to discuss your skin or health goals with the doctor, and the plan can be adjusted to fit your needs before any payment or procedure occurs.

Note: New Dawn Health provides expert recommendations based on local knowledge and personal experience; we are not licensed medical practitioners. All final medical decisions are made between you and your physician.

While many doctors in Taiwan are Western-trained and speak excellent English, the administrative staff and nursing teams may not be as fluent. Our service include translation support for those who request it. Our client managers are often present during your appointments to ensure every medical nuance is understood and to provide moral support throughout the process.