When a patient makes an appointment for a consultation over the phone, online or via email, they are given the date and time that fits their and Dr. Stepanyan’s schedule. Next, a short registration form with a short questionnaire, including medical history and any relevant forms, is emailed to the patient that they can fill out electronically, so that their file is already created in our system of Electronic Medical Records.
Then patient arrives to our surgical center for a consultation, they are typically greeted by the staff and asked to complete any necessary forms, if they were not done previously, as it was mentioned – electronically over a the email.
Afterwards, they meet with Dr. Stepanyan, who carefully listens to all of their concerns and their needs to undergo a surgical procedure or procedures. Obviously emphasis is put on the patient’s goals for surgery. The surgeon (Dr. Stepanyan) re-evaluates the patient’s health, past and present medical conditions and previous surgeries, and the patient’s previous experiences with surgeries and anesthesia.
Then the doctor examines thoroughly the area(s) of concern, and discusses his recommendations, various treatment options, possible risks and benefits, and the expected outcomes. Dr. Stepanyan spends a lot of time on discussions regarding the types of anesthesia needed for particular procedures (general or intravenous sedation); as well as the post anesthesia and post surgery immediate recovery process in our Ambulatory Surgery Center.
The patient will then have the chance to ask questions and discuss their preferences. Dr. Stepanyan will also take 3D pictures and if needed a 3D CT scan to complete his examination and to formulate a treatment plan with a 3D Simulation of the desired result.
Following the consultation, if the patient chooses to move forward, they schedule the procedure. The journey after the consultation and scheduling the surgery, involves preparation with at least 1-2 pre-operative appointments such as history & physical examination performed personally by Dr. Stepanyan, pre-operative testings if needed. Obviously all of the pre-operative and post-operative instructions and medications are given and prescribed to the patient. One more time, closer to the surgery day, Dr. Stepanyan discusses in details the Surgery itself, the recovery phase with all of the needed follow-up visits to monitor healing and ensure satisfaction with the results. In terms of surgery, every step of the procedure and recovery process is under close supervision by Dr. Stepanyan and our Registered Nurse, Gayane Movsisyan R.N., B.S.N., the Nursing Director of our Accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center. The anesthesia is always provided by our well qualified and competent MD anesthesiologists only.
Throughout the process, communication between the patient and the surgical team is the key to achieving the desired outcome.
The patient will have multiple follow ups with phone calls and in office visits and only if the patient is completely healed, and fully satisfied with the results, usually in 3-6 months, final pictures are taken and the patient is given a one year follow up, obviously with possibility to return to our office at any time before one year or even after, as needed, or if the patient has any questions.
