Your First Visit - Breaking Health & Medical News - Video Stories
Your First Visit
By Tauseef Ahmed, MD, FACP Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Oncology / Hematology at New York Medical College Your tests have come back. The news is not good and your doctor refers you to a specialist. Oncologist, Orthopedist, Neurologist, each one trusted by your doctor, each one trained to help you, whatever your problem might be. Each one can and should be helped by you. Here are a few tips to help your caregiver help you:
Make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. There are questions to answer and papers to fill out. What Should I Bring to My First Visit? Remember to bring all insurance cards and information. Your new doctor's office will confer with your insurance company to make sure all planned treatments are covered by your carrier.
During the first visit, the doctor and staff will be learning about you and your illness. To help them gather as much information as possible you will be asked to contact your referring doctor’s office to have your relevant medical records forwarded to the specialists office in time for your visit. These records include: 1. Surgical reports 2. Pathology reports and, if possible, the corresponding slides, scans (CT, MRI) and X-Rays 3. Laboratory test results 4. Referring and consulting doctor’s office and hospital notes.
Other information that will be helpful to you, the doctors and nurses include: 1. List of medications that you are currently taking (including Over-the-counter remedies, vitamins and herbal supplements) 2. List of question or concerns that you may have about your illness or treatment to discuss with the doctor or nurse What Else Can I Do to Help Myself? It is often helpful to bring a family member or friend along with you as another “pair of ears” to listen to the information shared and responses to your questions by doctors and nurses.
Many patients also bring along a notebook to jot down notes that will help them recall important points in the conversation or special instructions once they have left the office. There are other things patients bring for their own comfort such as a water bottle, snacks(to break a fast after a test) and reading material. Make sure you check with your doctors office when you set the appointment just in case they have special needs that need to be taken care of before the first visit, like an xray or blood test.
Related Stories Links:
| |
YOUR LOCAL DOCTOR
Columbia University Medical Center Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Columbia University Medical Center Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Milstein Hospital Building, 7-435, 177 Fort Washington Avenue
Manhattan,
NY
10032
Call 718-509-9178
A skilled heart surgeon can make all the difference when it comes to surgical outcomes. At the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center they proudly host some of the finest cardiac surgeons in the world. Columbia University Medical Center in Manhattan, NYC is a world renowned medical facility which is on the cutting edge of surgical treatment for heart disease.
|
Vascular Associates
Vascular Associates of Westchester
19 Bradhurst Avenue, Suite 700
Hawthorne,
NY
10532
Call (888) 284-4530
If you are ailing from any form of vascular ailment and live in or around Westchester, New York, turn to the team more and more satisfied patients have been depending on for effective care. Dr. Arun Goyal and his talented group of certified experts hold superior education and experience to compliment the most top of the line vascular care units and technology to treat a wide range of needs. They promise to give astonishing personal care within the confines of a comfortable healing environment.
|
Dr. Stephen Torpy
Totally Vein
17001 Lakeside Hills Plaza, Suite 102
Omaha,
NE
68130
Call 1-402-934-6996
Dr. Stephen Torpy is a vein surgeon based in Omaha. His practice is devoted exclusively to vein treatment. Board certified Dr. Torpy has practiced vein surgery for over 25 years. He has performed over 1000 VNUS Closure® procedures.
|
Eastchester Center for Cancer Care
Eastchester Center for Cancer Care
2330 Eastchester Road
Bronx,
NY
10469
Call (888) 860-7136
Are you in need of specialized cancer care? The Eastchester Center for Cancer Care is a cancer treatment center whose oncologists offer quality care with the latest techniques. The comprehensive list of specialized treatments include radiation therapy, radiation treatment, chemotherapy and radiosurgery. Rest assured, you're in good hands with board certified, skilled and experienced oncologists watching over you.
|
Dr. Asim Aijaz, M.D.
Westchester Oncology & Hematology
19 Bradhurst Avenue
Hawthorne,
NY
10532
Call 888-370-4284
Need an oncologist? Dr. Asim Aijaz focuses on the management of range of solid tumor. The newest member of the Westchester Oncology team is known for his experience and skill in treating those with lung cancer. His personal touch with his patients and their families has made him a beacon guiding them through a very tough time in their lives.
|
University Orthopaedics
University Orthopedics
19 Bradhurst Ave.
Hawthorne,
NY
10532
Call (888) 834-8517
When constant joint pain is the problem, joint replacement surgery is a serious solution that can alleviate your chronic discomfort. When looking for the services of an orthopaedic surgeon in the Westchester area, look for superior skill and experience. University Orthopedics specializes in joint replacement procedures. He complements his cutting edge medical techniques with patient focused care to help you reclaim your livelihood.
|
Dr. Lucia Boselli
The Eastchester Center for Cancer Care
2330 Eastchester Road
Bronx,
NY
10469
Call (888) 860-7136
You need a CAT Scan? Eastchester Center for Cancer Care in the Bronx offers state-of-the-art imaging services including CAT Scans and MRI. Dr. Lucia Boselli is a consulting physician at the Eastchester and has specialized in radiation oncology.
|
Dr. David Asprinio
Westchester Medical Center
19 Bradhurst Avenue, Ste 1300N
Hawthorne,
NY
10532
Call (888) 834-8517
Dr. David E. Asprinio is Director of Orthopedics at Westchester Medical Center, specializing in orthopaedic hip surgery and orthopaedic trauma. He is also Chairman and Program Director of New York Medical College - Department of Orthpaedic Surgery.
|
Lawrence Hospital Center | Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Lawrence Hospital Center | Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
55 Palmer Avenue, First Floor
Bronxville,
NY
10708
Call (888) 729-2857
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at the Lawrence Hospital Center can change your life with minimally invasive knee surgery, shoulder surgery, ankle surgery and other surgical solutions to joint pain.
|
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
10109 E. 79th Street (81st Street & Highway 169)
Tulsa,
Oklahoma
74133
Call (888) 353-8036
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we offer our patients options, support, and hope. We have a philosophy of Patient Empowerment MedicineSM, where you are at the center of your treatment team. Your doctors, nurses, and health care providers will listen, understand how cancer is affecting you, your health, and your quality of life, then develop an individual treatment plan from there. You’ll be a part of all major decisions regarding your care. In addition, at Cancer Treatment Centers of America we offer integrative care, bringing together traditional cancer treatments with safe, effective complementary therapies. We have locations across the county, with a Southwestern location in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
|
Dr. Bennie Chiles III
Westchester Spine and Brain Surgery, PLLC
280 N. Central Ave Suite 235
Hartsdale,
NY
10530
Call (888) 281-4568
Are you trying to find treatment options? Dr. Bennie Chiles is a radiosurgery specialist in Hartsdale. She has years of experience in the field is a Diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgery and National Board of Medical Examiners and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Chiles practices at Westchester Spine and Brain Surgery and treats neurological conditions such as gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas and metastatic tumors.
|
Dr. Allan S. Stewart, M.D.
CUMC Aortic Surgery Program
Milstein Hospital Building, 7-435, 177 Fort Washington Avenue
New York City,
NY
10032
Call 718-509-9178
Has your life been seized by an aneurism? It's one of the most stressful conditions to live with because at anytime a rupture can strike causing a nightmare for you and the ones you love. To add to that, many of the traditional surgeries to correct the problem, come with a host of complications of their own. If you're stuck trying to figure out the best treatment plan, Dr. Allan Stewart MD and the team at the Aortic Surgery Program can help. He specializes in offering the families of the Westchester, New York community better and safer heart surgery choices.
|
Dr. Slava Pashkevich, M.D.
Immune Recovery Foundation, LLC
4646 N. Shallowford Rd
Atlanta,
GA
30338
Call
If you are one of the millions of Americans suffering from any type of cancer and are looking for an effective alternative to traditional medical treatments, Alternative Cancer Treatment may be the solution that you are looking for. If you live in Charlotte, North Carolina, turn to the team of professionals at the Immune Recovery Foundation, where the most advanced alternative care units are available to be administered by the hands of caring professionals. The team will work with you every step of the way in order to give you state of the art care in treating the specifics of your cancer.
|
Dr. Pravin M. Shah, MD, FACS & Dr. Arun Goyal
Atrium Laser Vein Center
103 South Bedford Road Suite 100
Mount Kisco,
NY
10549
Call (888) 547-1437
Due to future health risks that can result from varicose veins, it is imperative that you turn to an experienced professional with a growing reputation for excellence in administering safe and effective Varicose Vein Treatment in Westchester. That surgeon is Dr's. Goyal and Shah, who works alongside a talented group of certified professionals to ease your discomforts while preventing the development of dangerous disorders such as ulcers and eczema. Dr's. Goyal and Shah top priority is always the patient, so you will be sure to experience extraordinary personal care that is rare to find in any medical facility.
|
Dr. Arlen G. Fleisher, MD, FACS
Premier Vein Centers of Westchester
280 N. Central Ave, Suite 70
Hartsdale,
NY
10530
Call 888-265-9597
Varicose Veins can be a source of embarrassment for those who like to get out and be active. Varicose veins are veins that have over time become twisted and painful, and show on the surface of the skin. Dr. Arlen G. Fleischer is the president and director of the Premier Vein Centers of Westchester County, New York. His facility allows him to provide the latest and best in varicose vein treatment. If you are interested in treatment, contact Dr. Fleischer at PVC to schedule an appointment.
|
Pravin M. Shah MD,FACS Arun Goyal MD,FACS
Atrium Laser Vein Center
103 South Bedford Road Suite 100
Mount Kisco,
NY
10549
Call (888) 547-1437
Thinking of laser vein therapy for your spider veins? The Atrium Laser Vein Center in Westchester offers treatments for vein problems. It's Board Certified Surgeons specialize in non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures.
|
Zalmen A. Arlin Cancer Institute
The Zalmen A. Arlin Cancer Institute
19 Bradhurst Ave, Ste 2100
Hawthorne,
NY
10532
Call (888) 850-9152
Hawthorne / Vahalla based, The Arlin Cancer Institute at Westchester Medical Center has developed the Cancer Resource Center to address the needs for assistance by patients, their families, the public seeking to be well, and those seeking accurate, appropriate health information and services can make in their lives.
|
Dr. Arlen Fleisher
Premier Vein Centers of Westchester
280 N. Central Ave, ste 70
Hartsdale,
NY
10530
Call 914-949-8346
At the Premier Vein Centers of Westchester each patient is treated as an individual with specific medical needs. We firmly believe in efficiency and appropriateness of care with the highest regard for the quality of each life.
|
Dr. Helen Pass, M.D.
Lawrence Hospital Center | Center for Advanced Surgery
55 Palmer Avenue
Bronxville,
NY
10708
Call 888-468-9351
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be one of the scariest moments in a woman’s life. It is essential that you have the best care and support available to you during this difficult time. Lawrence Hospital Center near Westchester County, New York understands how to help you safely transition through this critical point in your life as smoothly as possible. By using multidimensional approaches to medical treatment and diagnosis, Lawrence Hospital Center provides you with the support and safety you deserve, and the care you need.
|
Radiology & Diagnostic Imaging | Women's Imaging Center
Lawrence Hospital Center | Outpatient Services
55 Palmer Avenue, First Floor
Bronxville,
NY
10708
Call (888) 544-1169
Breast cancer is a serious problem among American women. As a preventative measure, women should have regular ultrasounds and biopsy's (if necessary). If you live in the Bronxville area, Lawrence Hospital Medical Imaging Center provides quality care and will answer any question or concern you have about these procedures. They understand the anxiety that comes with having these tests, which is why they strive to bring your results as fast as possible with accuracy.
| |
SPECIALTIES
|