Dr. Rahbar

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?
Allow enough time: Your first visit usually takes about two hours. We recommend that you allow a minimum of two-and-one-half hours, in case unexpected interruptions occur during your evaluation.

Bring something with you to read/do: just in case there is some time between screenings. Our intention is to do everything to complete your evaluation in a timely manner. We also recommend that you take advantage of our educational videotape, "Nutrition in the 90s," if time allows.

Fast before your appointment: Fasting is necessary for Lipid and Blood Sugar readings. An overnight fast is usually recommended. Water may be taken regardless. If your appointment is in the afternoon, allow at least six hours, and preferably eight hours, of fasting before coming in. After arrival, please notify the phlebotomist (blood technician) of the number of the hours you have been fasting.

If you are taking any medications, you may go ahead and take your usual medications. An exception is diabetes, for which one may be taking insulin or an oral hypoglycemic agent. In this situation, we recommend that you make a morning appointment and not take your diabetes medication until after your blood test is drawn. Following this, you may immediately eat something and take your diabetes medication in the usual manner.

In contrast, if you are on an anti-hypertensive medication, we prefer that you take your medication in the morning if that is your normal procedure.

If you have any questions or are unsure about your specific needs, please check with the doctor prior to your appointment.

Bring or wear comfortable workout attire if you are taking a treadmill test. After the test, you may wash up using the large dressing rooms located nearby.

A cardiologist will perform your treadmill test, which is generally recommended if you are more than forty years of age, are planning to start an exercise program, and/or have coronary risk factors.

Consider a partial Colon Prep if you are having a sigmoidoscopy. Sigmoidoscopy is generally recommended if you are more than forty years of age, there is family history of colon polyps or colon cancer, and/or you have lower GI symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation or rectal bleeding.

You may choose one of the following Colon Prep options:

Come "unprepared" and just receive two Fleets enemas after you arrive at the office. We do, however, recommend additional preparation as follows. You may choose to do all or some of the steps. Better preparation helps for a better examination and conclusive results.

Stay on a liquid diet the evening before the examination.

Take two Dulcolax tablets the night before the examination.

Give yourself two Fleets enemas within thirty minutes before leaving for our office. Fleets enemas should be given one after another, and each should be retained for 1-2 minutes.

COMMENTS:

Dulcolax and Fleets enemas are available at your drug store without prescription.

Do not use Fleets enemas if you have history of kidney disease. You may call our office with any questions.

If you do not want to give yourself enemas, you may complete your colon preparation by going through a complete oral colon prep. Please call our office for a full description of instructions.

Bring a list of your medications, or preferably, the actual bottles.

Bring any pertinent medical records.

Bring the name and phone number of your primary care physician.

Complete and bring your Registration and Review of System Forms. These forms are available through our office or at this Web site. Please see "office forms."

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS?

When calling to make an appointment, please specify that you are calling for an "Executive Physical." We recommend that the appointments be made one to two weeks in advance. Morning hours are preferred. When you schedule your appointment, our office staff will ask you questions regarding scheduling for pelvic ultrasound, sigmoidoscopy or a treadmill test. These may be arranged during the same session as your first visit or on a different date.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I ARRIVE AT THE OFFICE?

Knowing that you are fasting/hungry, we intend to get you in quickly - after a brief greeting and as soon as your registration is completed. If you are interested, you may watch one of our educational videos such as "Nutrition in the 90s."

Once the above is completed, we obtain blood and urine samples, and offer you some juice/coffee and/or a snack to eat. We then proceed with basic screening tests and a consultation with the physician. Sigmoidoscopy and/or treadmill usually follow the consultation with the doctor.

ABOUT "PAP" SMEAR (Women only):

Dr. Rahbar strongly advocates all women to have a regular gynecologist and to see that physician on a regular annual or semi-annual basis. If you do not have a gynecologist and/or have not had a PAP smear within the last year, we recommend you consider having one, and can arrange that as part of your executive physical.

However, a PAP smear is not a replacement for a complete exam by a gynecologist. A complete gynecological exam may include, among numerous services, a manual and/or ultrasound pelvic examination, as well as blood testing for various reasons, including the CA 125 test to screen for ovarian cancer.

Service through our program may include a PAP smear, a pelvic ultrasound to check the ovaries, or the CA 125 blood test if Dr. Rahbar finds it necessary or if you request. If any abnormality is found, Dr. Rahbar will refer you back to your own gynecologist or help you obtain one. He would also like to provide copies of all results to your own gynecologist, with your permission.

HOW AND WHEN AM I INFORMED OF THE RESULTS?

Results of your studies will generally be ready within one week. We prefer you return for a brief follow up visit to discuss your results with physician, but you may wish to set up a simple follow-up telephone conversation/appointment one week or later. Either way, the physician will provide you a summary letter identifying his various assessment and recommendations.

HOW DO I RECEIVE TREATMENT IN CASE OF ABNORMAL TEST RESULTS?

Should an abnormal test result be identified, the physician will make appropriate referrals for treatment. At this stage, you may wish to take your results to your primary care or "treating physician." If you do not have a primary physician, you are welcome to discuss further your results with Dr. Rahbar, who, as an internist/gastroenterologist affiliated with Century City Hospital, can act as your primary care physician.

CANCELLATION POLICY - EXECUTIVE PHYSICAL PROGRAM:

Please call our office within 24 hours of a scheduled appointment if you need to change or cancel it. For Monday morning appointments, our office should be notified no later than Friday noontime. This will allow for other patients in need of service to be accommodated into the schedule. We retain the right to apply a charge of $100 for no show or late cancellations.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU HERE.

What Are the Costs?

--Back to Top--