Making the most of your time
When we receive a new patient referral to colorectal surgery at the St. Joe's General Surgery Clinic, we review that referral in order to schedule appropriately.
I developed this process to assure that clinic time is used most efficiently. Some diseases are more serious or advanced than others. Often your doctor will contact me directly if they are concerned about bowel blockage, risk of bowel perforation, other serious infection, or bleeding. If I am aware that you have a more serious disease, I will prioritize your referral.
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In addition to triaging referrals, I want to make sure we have all the necessary information for surgical decision-making at the time of your appointment. Sometimes all the records are in our computer system. Sometimes the records must be collected from other hospitals in or out of New Mexico. If you are aware of diagnostic testing, prior surgeries, or pathology for which I might like to obtain records, please call and let us know, especially if you have the information yourself.
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Within the above considerations, we try to schedule first come, first serve. However, the surgery schedule is dynamic, and sometimes clinic days cancel or become open at the last minute. In these cases, we do our best. We know it is frustrating if your appointment is cancelled, and it is stressful if we call you at work to see if you can come in right away. I regret any inconvenience you experience, and I assure you we are all doing our best to serve New Mexicans with the best colorectal surgical care available.