Going to a medical specialist for the first time can be nerve-racking, especially if you’re already worried about your health. However, you can rest easy because you have nothing to fear. Below you’ll find a brief description of what you can expect from your first ENT consultation and how to prepare for a productive visit here in Buffalo, NY.
How to Prepare for Your ENT Consultation:
Your primary care physician should be able to take care of most general concerns, but if there’s something unique you’re struggling with, he might refer you to a specialist. Alternatively, if you’re dealing with allergies or specific ENT-related issues, you may choose to book an appointment with an ENT directly.
If this is your first appointment, you’ll need to fill out new patient paperwork. This will include your health history, the symptoms you’ve been experiencing, allergies, and any medication or supplements you may be taking. In many offices, including ours, you can fill out the paperwork online before leaving the house and either submitting the documents electronically or printing them off. That way, you have time to check on medication dosages and other details without any pressure.
You must explain your symptoms properly. You may find that it’s helpful to keep a symptom diary the week before your appointment. Markdown every time you experience a symptom, how long it lasts, and how severe it is. That way, you can provide the physician with the information he needs to make a proper diagnosis.
Finally, don’t forget to bring your referral paperwork and your insurance information with you to the appointment so that the office can keep it on file.
What to Expect from the Exam:
After examining your health history and asking you more pointed questions about your symptoms, the ENT will administer a quick examination. He’ll start by feeling behind your ears and along your neck and jawline. Then he’ll take a look in your ears, mouth, and nose with a small light.
In certain cases, the doctor might also have to use a nasal endoscope. A nasal endoscope is a small camera and light on the end of a long, thin tube. After spraying your nasal passages with a bit of local anesthetic, the physician will lead the tube through your nostril and down your nasal passages to get a closer look at your sinus cavity. This is a simple and non-invasive procedure, though, and while it may be slightly uncomfortable, it won’t cause pain.
What Will Happen Next:
The ENT might be able to diagnose your condition right away. However, doctors often need follow-up tests. In many cases, you’ll be asked to get a blood test or a CAT scan done. In specific cases, ENTs might even ask for an ultrasound.
Don’t let any of these tests concern you. It’s just the doctor’s way of doing his due diligence so that he can provide you with the best care possible. That being said, don’t hesitate to ask any questions that may be on your mind. You can ask about how to best cope with your symptoms in the meantime or even about the condition itself. The doctor may not be able to answer all of your questions without the test results fully, but he’s there to set your mind at ease.
Final Words:
Going to your first ENT appointment can be scary, but you have nothing to worry about. Here at Paul Young’s office in Buffalo, NY, we take