FAQ

Drink lots of water the day before and day of having blood drawn.  Blood thickens and blood pressure drops when you are dehydrated, and many patients with chronic illness are chronically dehydrated.

Apply heat (unless contraindicated with your current medical treatment) to the arm or blood draw site for 10-20 minutes before being drawn.  The warmer you are, more importantly your arm is, the easier it is to find a vein suitable for use.

Butterflies (pediatric) needles are all I use for drawing blood from a vein.

Mediports should be flushed every 6-8 weeks unless otherwise advised by your physician.  Whenever you have blood drawn from your port, it counts as a flush.

Complete Blood Count (CBC), includes red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and platelets.

RBC – carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

WBC – fights infection and breaks down dead cells.

Platelets – helps blood to clot or thicken.

Please arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment with completed paperwork. You can find the new patient forms here. If you need to fill out the forms in the office, please arrive 1 hour before your scheduled appointment.

We must receive your medical records prior to your appointment. Please have your referring doctor fax them to 972.490.5632.

On the day of your new patient visit, you should be prepared to first speak with the doctor in his/her office followed by a pelvic examination. The type of examination will be based on the purpose of your visit.

Yes. The forms may be printed from our web site, completed, and either brought with you or you may fax them to our office at 972.490.5632.  [Click here for forms]

Please bring your driver’s license, or other form of photo identification, insurance card(s) and payment.

Medical City Dallas

Presbyterian Hospital of Plano

Medical Center of Plano

Baylor of Carrollton

Baylor Medical Center of Frisco

Baylor Medical Center at Irving

Baylor Medical Center at Plano

Las Colinas Medical Center

Medical Center of Lewisville

Medical Center of McKinney

Methodist Richardson Medical Center

Methodist Dallas Medical Center

Texas Health Presbyterian of Allen

Texas Health Presbyterian of Flower Mound

Presbyterian Plano Center for Diagnostics & Surgery

Individual diagnosis, type of surgery, co-surgeries and surgical clearances all play a role as a vital factor in determining when a particular surgery may be scheduled. The Surgery Coordinator will call you within one week to discuss your individual case. At that time, she will give you your pre-testing date, surgery date, and go over special instructions and explanations and answer any question you might have.

Length of stay will vary with each individual based upon the specific procedure however the average stay is from three to five days.

Yes. One family member can stay with the patient, and is provided a comfortable bedside cot to sleep on during this time.

The first follow-up appointment will be scheduled by the surgery coordinator, and this is when the staples will be removed. This appointment is generally 2 weeks from the date of the surgery but can vary based on the doctor’s instructions.

While there are exceptions, we usually receive the reports in five to six days. Your doctor will review these reports with you at your postoperative appointment.

Please bring your disability paperwork to the receptionist or have it faxed to 972.490.5632, attn: Cindy. We will complete it within 7 to 10 days. There is a $20.00 charge for the completion of each set of disability papers. Payment is due upon delivery or picking up of the paperwork. 

We strive to assist you with keeping your chemotherapy protocol on schedule and whenever possible try not to alter your chemotherapy schedule.  However, various factors can play a part in scheduling including blood counts, holidays, illness, etc.  If there is a conflict with a chemotherapy day, please let us know ahead of time so we can assist you as best possible.

Different patients receive different medications. Please ask the nurse for your approximate infusion time.

Please wear comfortable clothes and if you have a mediport please wear a shirt that allows easy access to your port. If you will be receiving your infusion through an IV please wear a shirt with easy access to both arms.

A complimentary lunch of your choice is provided. You may also bring your own snacks and/or lunch.

Due to privacy issues, patients are not able to have guests at most chemotherapy infusions. Visitors are welcomed to remain in the lobby. You may feel free to use your cell phone to allow your family/friends to check on you; wifi is available.

Yes, lab appointments are important in your chemotherapy protocol. Certain lab dates are much more critical than others. If you know you won’t be able to make a lab appointment, please call us as soon as possible so we can advise whether that particular lab is critical or routine and can be changed.

MonaLisa Touch provides lasting results.
 Typically, a single touch-up treatment is needed every 14-18 months to maintain symptom relief.

Many patients have reported that they experience relief right away. Virtually all patients have experienced relief by the second treatment.

Some patients report mild discomfort if there is vaginal dryness.

The procedure will seem 
similar to your annual exam,
 and will likely be even
 quicker. Your healthcare 
provider will insert the laser 
into your vagina and deliver
laser energy “pulses.” The
 total procedure time is less than 5 minutes.