During an annual physical exam your physician will be doing an in-depth review of your current and recent health.  This will likely include blood work, and perhaps an EKG, X-ray and/or PFT. 

Please always bring all your current medications with you to your visit so that you may discuss them with your physician and get all the refills you need.

Please avoid gels or oils as they may interfere with the EKG electrodes.  You should also fast six to eight hours before your visit.  This is relatively easy for early morning appointments, but we understand it can be difficult for afternoon appointments.  Remember that it is not necessary to avoid eating ALL DAY before your appointment, just six to eight hours out.  A good breakfast finished by around 7:00 am is OK if your appointment is after 2:00 pm.  During your fasting you may have water, unsweet black coffee, and unsweet tea.  But do avoid any tobacco products.

In some instances, it is also appropriate to come in early in the morning to draw your blood, and come back later for your scheduled appointment.  Please call if this is something you would like to do to see if it can be arranged.

Lab follow-ups for those on cholesterol, blood pressure or diabetic medicines all require fasting blood work.  You should fast six to eight hours before your visit.  This is relatively easy for early morning appointments, but we understand it can be difficult for afternoon appointments.  Remember that it is not necessary to avoid eating ALL DAY before your appointment, just six to eight hours out.  A good breakfast finished by around 7:00 am is OK if your appointment is after 2:00 pm.  During your fasting you may have water, unsweet black coffee, and unsweet tea.  But do avoid any tobacco products.

In some instances, it is also appropriate to come in early in the morning to draw your blood, and come back later for your scheduled appointment.  Please call if this is something you would like to do to see if it can be arranged.

Do take all you medicines as normal before your appointments, except for diabetic medicines.  Those do not take but do bring them with you to the visit.

Other follow-up visits or rechecks may have unique pre-visit instructions.  Please call our office if you are not sure.

Ultrasound testing is a safe, painless and non-invasive procedure using high frequency sound waves to map the internal organs.  Each individual test takes about 30 minutes to complete.  During an ultrasound a probe is moved along the surface of the skin to scan different internal areas.  A gel is applied to the skin to ensure proper contact with the probe.  The display screen shows an internal view of the designated area as the probe receives the sound waves which are reflected from the body. After the test, your skin will be cleaned of any gel.  There are no side effects, so proceed as normal unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.  Your test results will be read by a board certified specialist.

Different ultrasonic procedures have different preparatory instructions.  If you are not sure what test you have been scheduled for, please call our office.  Follow the special instructions below for the test you are scheduled for.

Abdominal

Do not eat or drink anything for six to eight hours prior to the test.

Abdominal and Pelvic

Do not eat or drink anything for six to eight hours prior to the test, then one hour before the test, drink one (1) quart of water only.  Do not empty your bladder… it must be full for the pelvic exam.  Prior to the abdominal portion, we will instruct you to void.

Pelvic or Obstetrical

One hour prior to the test, drink at least one (1) quart of water.  Do not drink any other type of liquid.  DO NOT empty your bladder…it must be full for the test.

Renal (kidneys) or Reno vascular

Drink three (3) eight ounce glasses of water, no other liquids, one hour before the test.  Do not empty your bladder… it must be full for the test.  There are no other dietary restrictions.

There are no special preparations for the following tests:  Aorta, Arterial Peripheral, Carotid, Testicular, Thyroid, Trans vaginal, and Venous Peripheral  

Your doctor has scheduled you for ultrasonic testing to help in diagnosing your specific condition.  The information gathered will assist your doctor in developing the most appropriate treatment plan.  Although your doctor hmay have referred you within this office, you have the right to choose a different test facility.  You may call to have your procedure rescheduled for a later date at a different facility if you so choose.      

An echocardiogram is a safe, painless and non-invasive procedure using high frequency sound waves and electronic signals to observe and image the heart and blood flow.  Each individual test takes about 30 minutes to complete.  During an echocardiogram a probe is moved along the surface of the skin to scan the cardiac region.  A gel is applied to the skin to ensure proper contact with the probe.  The display screen shows an internal view of the designated area as the probe receives the sound waves which are reflected from the body. After the test, your skin will be cleaned of any gel.  There are no side effects, so proceed as normal unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.  Your test results will be read by a board certified specialist.

There are no dietary instructions for an echocardiogram, but you should wear comfortable clothing and avoid any gels or oils the day of the test.  Electrodes will need to be placed on your skin and these devises work best on dry, clean skin.

Your doctor has scheduled you for the echocardiogram to help in diagnosing your specific condition.  The information gathered will assist your doctor in developing the most appropriate treatment plan.  Although your doctor may have referred you within this office, you have the right to choose a different test facility.  You may call to have your procedure rescheduled for a later date at a different facility if you so choose.     

Neurological testing such as nerve conduction studies (or NCV) is important in diagnosing problems related to nerves, muscles, the spinal cord or the brain.  These tests measure the speed and intensity of electrical signals that travel through nerves and they calculate the time and velocity in which muscles respond to these impulses.  The test takes about an hour to complete.

Depending on the area being tested, you may be asked to either lie down or sit upright.  Certain areas of your skin may be cleansed with alcohol to ensure the best results.  Recording electrodes will then be attached to your skin with gel.  A stimulating electrode will be held against your skin and an electrical impulse will be sent through your nerves and recorded.  You may feel a slight impulse or twitch in your muscles, fingers or toes.  The impulse is part of the test and is harmless.

HOW DO I PREPARE?  

• There are no restrictions on diet, but please avoid tobacco or caffeine 2 hours before your test.
• You must bath or shower before your test and WASH YOUR HAIR well.
• Do not use lotions, bath oils, creams and - if at ALL possible - no hair products as they may interfere with test results.
• Please - if at ALL possible - do not have complicated hairstyles or up-dos on the day of testing.
• Please wear loose clothing (do not wear jeans) since the test will be administered on arms & legs.

 After the test, your skin will be cleaned of any gel.  There are no side effects, so proceed as normal unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.  Your test results will read by a board certified physician and sent to your doctor who will contact you.

Please arrive promptly at 7:00 or 15 minutes before your test time in order to complete paperwork

You will be responsible for a $100 fee if you miss this appointment or don’t cancel it at least a full day in advance.

Although your doctor may have referred you within this office, you have the right to choose a different test facility.  Should you choose to have your test done elsewhere, please call our office as soon as possible.  These appointments must be made and approved in advance.  One alternative facility in this area is:  Alabama Neurology Consultants, others may be available.