During your first appointment at the Division of Colorectal Surgery you will meet with several members of the surgical team including a nurse practitioner, your attending surgeon, and possibly a resident or fellow who will be assisting with your care. Working together with you, the team will determine a care plan that is designed specifically for you.
The first part of your initial consultation will be similar to any physician visit. You will undergo a thorough history and physical where you will be asked to discuss your personal health history as well as any incidence of cancer in your family. During this conversation, it will be important for you to know what medications you are currently taking, at what dosage, and for what conditions. It will be helpful for you to write down a list of your medications and bring it with you.
After reviewing your history, physical, and any lab tests or imaging studies you have brought with you, your physicians will discuss your options with you.
If further tests are required, we encourage patients to have those tests completed here at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, and our staff will help you to arrange them. If treatment is indicated, you will have the opportunity to schedule the procedure for a convenient date in the near future.
On average, an initial consultation with the Colorectal Division will last about 45 minutes.