Frequent asked questions

In addition to providing our patients with expert care, we at D&L Specialists are passionate about making sure our patients understand any and all issues related to this area of medicine, from symptoms to treatment procedures to recovery matters and more.

This is where you will find the most common questions, and the corresponding answers. If your concern is not addressed here, please let us know. After all, an open dialog and healthy communication is critical when dealing gastroenterological issues,or, for that matter, any medical circumstance.

1. Are any of your doctors females?

Yes, Dr. Katherine Nguyen

2. Will I have my colonoscopy at the time of my initial office visit?

No. We need to do a history and physical to determine your state of overall health and assess any risk factors. We also want to make sure that you have a thorough understanding of the preparations you must make for the exam, and give you an opportunity to have your questions and concerns addressed.

3. Will I receive anesthesia for my procedure?

You will receive intravenous (IV) sedation as directed by your doctor. This is to keep you comfortable and often completely forgetful of your exam. Since you will have anesthesia, it is required that you have someone you trust bring you to your appointment and drive you home. A bus, taxi, or limo is not an allowed means of transportation.

4. Will I be fine the next day?

Under normal circumstances, you will usually be fine the next day and you will be able to return to normal activities.

5. What is the youngest patient you see?

Age 14. Children under the age of 14 should be evaluated by a pediatric gastroenterologist.)

6. Do you treat patients for gallstones or hemorrhoids?

Gallstones: Your doctor will diagnose causes of abdominal pain. If the problem is gallstones, you will be referred to a surgeon for removal of the gallbladder. Hemorrhoids: Your doctor will treat the causes of hemorrhoids. However, if the hemorrhoids need to be removed, you will be referred to a surgeon for their removal.

7. Do any of your doctor’s perform Gastric Bypasses?

No, they do not.

8. If my doctor has told me I’m going to have to take a medication for the rest of my life, why do I have to come to the office each year?

If your doctor is taking the responsibility of prescribing a drug, they are also assuming the responsibility for the appropriateness of that drug for you at the time it is prescribed. Our doctors feel that over a year is too long to assume that your condition has remained unchanged.