Welcome to Gastroenterology. It is our hope that your visits to our office will be efficient, comfortable and, most importantly, will provide a satisfactory outcome to your medical problem. We are constantly striving to maintain the highest standard of medical care and physical and emotional comfort. We appreciate receiving any comments you might have regarding your visit to our office.

Whenever possible, appointments are scheduled in advance. If an emergency or urgent situation arises, every effort will be made to evaluate the problem in the office or at the hospital. If it is necessary to cancel an appointment, please notify the office as early as possible. The office personnel are carefully trained to handle telephone calls. The receptionist may handle some calls or refer them to a nurse or physician. When the office is closed, the answering service will take messages. Medical questions should be called to the office during regular hours.

Please FAX or telephone the office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for prescription refills. Calls should be made at least a week before your supply is gone. Please provide the pharmacy name, phone number, prescription number, drug name and dosage, and how often you take it. Please note that we do not refill routine prescriptions in the evening or on weekends.

The initial visit begins with a comprehensive review of your medical history. It is helpful to accurately complete the detailed questionnaire that is usually mailed prior to the appointment. A nurse first reviews the questionnaire with the patient and then the physician will review the history and perform a general physical examination. Initial tests may include blood and stool analysis. Additional testing may be necessary after the physician reviews your history and complete a physical examination. Endoscopic examination of the esophagus and stomach (upper endoscopy) or large intestine (sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy) may be scheduled. These outpatient procedures are performed at GHS Greer Medical Campus, Endoscopy Center and Patewood Medical Campus. Information regarding the procedures and the preparation instructions will be explained at the time of visit by the procedure schedulers. At the completion of the visit, the physician will discuss the possible problems or diagnosis and recommend additional studies and/or outline a treatment program. Educational material and dietary information are provided to reinforce the discussion and help in treatment.

In order to make an accurate diagnosis, it is often necessary to perform additional tests. Labs, x-rays and ultrasounds are performed in the office. When necessary, other studies are done at a private radiology office.

Since our role is to provide specialized care in gastroenterology, you should communicate with your primary care doctor for all other medical problems. If you need regular treatment by a gastroenterologist, we will continue to manage the gastroenterology problem with your physician's approval. We will provide your primary doctor regular detailed reports to insure the best care and communication.