Please arrive early. As a new patient, you will have the usual paperwork to complete.

Be prepared to provide your medical history:
- All relevant medical records from other physicians.
- All relevant X-rays, imaging studies, and lab tests.
- Medications, herbs, and supplements you are currently taking.
- Details about your current condition.

Meet our staff: You'll first meet with a clinical staff member. He/She will review your medical history, take your vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, etc.), and enter the information into our computer database.

A physician's assistant will meet briefly with you, ask a few questions, and conduct a few preliminary tests.

Note: In our practice, our physician's assistant plays a valuable role in evaluating patients before their procedures. However, some patients are not comfortable with this arrangement -- so please tell us if that applies to you. We will schedule another appointment with the physician only.

The next step: You will meet the staff physician who will conduct your procedure. The physician -- either Dr. Fowler or Dr. Miller -- will discuss in detail your medical condition and your treatment options. Together, you will make a decision on the treatment that best meets your needs.

Scheduling: We will then schedule your procedure. We perform procedures Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in our Conyer's location. Some procedures may be scheduled in our Decatur location. Our Covington location is "coming soon."

Questions? Contact us if you need more information.

When coming for your procedure, prepare to spend 1 1/2 hours (90 minutes) with us. Here's what you can expect.

Your I.D.: When our receptionist greets you, she will ask for a form of photo identification. If you don't have a photo I.D., the last four numbers of your social security number will be sufficient. These policies help ensure that nobody is falsely receiving your medical benefits. To further ensure your safety, an identification bracelet will be placed on your wrist.

Consent forms: There are several consent forms that you will need to sign. We will explain each to you. Ask any questions you have.

The next step: A medical assistant or nurse will review your medical history, including current medications, to note any changes. She will also take your vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, etc.). To prepare you for sedation, an intravenous (IV) catheter needle will be inserted in your arm.

The physician will then visit you, review the procedure with you, and talk about any risks that are involved.

It's time for your procedure: You will be taken by wheelchair to a sterile surgical suite. A team member will assist you in getting into the proper position for the procedure. Once you are in position, you will receive a light sedative until you are relaxed. This is called conscious sedation -- or, in some cases, monitored anesthesia care. It is given to ensure your comfort during the procedure.

Recovery: When the procedure is completed, you will be taken to the PACU (post-anesthesia care unit) where you will be monitored by one of our staff nurses during your recovery. We monitor vital signs to check for post-procedure problems. You will have water to sip and crackers to sip as you recover. Most patients are in recovery about 30 minutes.

Discharge: When it's time for discharge, we will provide you with several items. You will receive a "procedure note" that outlines the medical information we have in your file and a full disclosure of the procedure that was performed. We will also give you discharge instructions, a follow-up appointment date, and any necessary prescriptions.

Questions? Contact us if you need more information.