Your First Visit with SMA

The initial visit is a comprehensive history and physical exam that can take up to 3 hours. It is important that I learn about your medical history and listen to all of your current medical needs and concerns.  It is also important that I learn about your support system and meet other household members who help with your care.  Be prepared to spend at least an hour with me, if not more.  

Here are some things that will help the first visit go smoothly...

• Try to have a family member or caregiver present to help provide a thorough medical history.
• Have any hospital discharge papers available. 
• Have all medication bottles and any over the counter medications/vitamins available. 
• If you are seeing any specialists (such as a cardiologist, neurologist), please have those phone numbers available.
• Have the name and phone number of your previous family doctor available.
• If you have a living will or advanced directive, please make a copy for my files. 
• Wear comfortable loose clothing and be prepared for a comprehensive exam.
• Have any questions or concerns ready to discuss.
• Relax! 

COVID Precautions

I wear full PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when seeing patients, including an N95 mask, face shield, gown, and booties. The mask, gown, and booties are changed for each patient and my face shield and medical equipment is disinfected in between patients.   I also get COVID testing done weekly.  I ask that anyone in the home/residence wear a face mask for the duration of my visit.  I protect you; you protect me!

If you have COVID symptoms or have COVID, I will ask that we do a telemedicine visit instead of a face-to-face visit.