Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
In addition to your ID and insurance information, you must have these ready:
1. New Patient Sheet completely filled and signed.
2. MRI/CT radiology report (printed)
3. CD of the MRI/CT images (on Computer disc)
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What time should I arrive?
You should arrive 15-20 minutes before your appointment time so that your paperwork can be entered and vital signs obtained. You should allow yourself more time if you intend to fill out the New Patient Sheet at the office.
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How long will I wait before being seen?
If you are prompt and prepared with completed paperwork, you will be seen within 5-10 minutes of your appointment time. You may have to wait longer if you arrived late or come unprepared without the required documents and paperwork. In rare instances, your wait may be longer due to things out of your control or the control of our office, such as medical emergencies that may arise at the hospital.
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How long will my appointment take?
Your first appointment (called a New Patient visit) is allotted 30 minutes; if your appointment is at 10:00, you can expect to be done at around 10:30. Some of this may be spent with an assistant (nurse or physician assistant) while Dr. Thai reviews your information. The vast majority of the time will be spent directly with Dr. Thai. From your New Patient Sheet, he will discuss your history and symptoms, perform a focused neurological exam based on your history and symptoms, and discuss your MRI/radiology findings. He will recommend a treatment option after explaining the rationale and risks and benefits of each of the options.
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Will I understand what Dr. Thai tells me?
Dr. Thai is fluent in English and conversational Vietnamese spoken in the southern region of the country. He strives to explain in plain terms and frames it specifically to each individual patient. Hear how Dr. Thai explains a disc herniation in this archived YouTube video:
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What happens after the visit?
The front office can help you check out. If you need further testing, the office can help you schedule those and schedule a follow up visit. Follow up visits are usually much shorter (15 minutes or less). If you have been referred to another specialist, the office can help facilitate that process for you. If you were recommended surgery, the office can help arrange for the surgery scheduling. This may take another 30 minutes, so if you don't have time, you can call us at a more convenient time to schedule surgery.
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