First Visit

Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation explaining your diagnosis and treatment options. Occasionally, surgery can be performed the same day as the consultation. However, a complex medical history or treatment plan will require an evaluation and a second appointment to provide treatment on another day.

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:

• Your surgical referral slip and any x-rays if applicable.
• A list of medications you are presently taking.
• If you have medical or dental insurance, bring the necessary completed forms. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.

IMPORTANT: All patients under the age of 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at the consultation visit.

A preoperative consultation and physical examination is mandatory for patients undergoing IV anesthesia for surgery. Please have nothing to eat or drink eight hours prior to your surgery. You will also need an adult to drive you home.

Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to surgery (i.e., diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are currently taking any medication (i.e., heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.).

X-Rays

If your dentist or physician has taken x-rays, you may request that they forward them to our office. If there is not enough time, please pick them up and bring them to our office. If additional films are necessary, they can be taken at our facility.

 

Dr. Menendez will then meet with you and review all of your information.  He will discuss your particular concerns, develop a plan, and offer his suggestions regarding which type of anesthesia is best for you.  He will discuss all surgical risks of the procedures and provide you with information about your recovery.  The consultation appointment is your opportunity to talk to Dr. Menendez about your surgery.

Before you leave our office, we will meet with you once again and review your insurance and financial obligations.  Please remember, that while we participate with most major insurance companies, you are ultimately responsible for payment of our fees. Of course, we will do everything possible to make sure your insurance forms are filed timely and accurately.

Your Surgery

If surgery is needed, this will be accomplished as quickly and conveniently for you as possible.  While most surgeries can be accomplished in our office under local anesthesia, you may require nitrous oxide analgesia, oral sedation, or intravenous anesthesia.  We ask that if you do require intravenous anesthesia, please wear a short sleeve shirt of top, have nothing to eat or drink 8 hours before your appointment, and have someone to drive you home.  With nitrous oxide analgesia or local anesthesia, please have just a light breakfast, and you may drive yourself home.  Dr. Menendez will instruct you about how to take your daily medicines.  More extensive surgey is accomplished as an outpatient under general anesthesia in a surgery center.  Dr. Menendez has staff privileges at the Bowie Health Center, Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham, and Prince George’s Hospital in Cherverly, Maryland.