1. Efficient, and HIGH quality - allows you as much time as needed (obviously within realistic limits), and I'm so glad I've finally got a great Gastro!I'd heard elsewhere that the office had long waits at appointments, but compared to most others, it's actually an average wait time, often less than - of course I might be scheduled at 'just the right time', but out of a handful of visits, none seemed outrageous lengths at all. If you don't often visit a doctor, and specifically a Specialist, it's hard to gauge what a "long wait" really is. If you see a lot of doctors, over time, then you understand they all have varying degrees. This office is definitely within my "completely reasonable" range, especially for the level of care I receive. I needed a gastro, and was referred to Dr. Ugheoke. I was nervous, as I've had a few bad eggs in the past regarding gastroenterology. Not to worry! He's wonderful and really seems to tailor care to the patient's needs rather than order unnecessary… tests 'just because'. 2. He knows his stuff, and certainly made me feel confident in his abilities. He's incredibly polite, very good at taking time to answer your questions, and allay your worries. He's quiet in demeanor, and I don't know about others he sees, but: I've spent more time than I care to with doctors and due to illness, so in my case I learned to ask docs to be frank with me, and using fewer laymen's terms. Unlike most physicians, he wasn't at all put off by that, nor by my asking for specific information, and having a short discussion on a more detailed level than most would typically ask.3. He's patient enough to let you write down what you need, and explain it more in depth if necessary. He speaks softly, yet with better English than most people I know. Yah, he's foreign, but don't let that put you off from having a high quality doc! His accent doesn't affect the ability to understand him and in fact is a rather soothing tone. Unless, of course, it's an odd medical term I haven't heard - then out comes the pen and notepad with request for spelling. Note: That's *not* due to his accent, it's because I don't know the term he used, or what it means; so he's happy to explain it. If you're new to seeing a specialist or gastro (I was scared, my first time, for sure!) here's a couple notes to think about, helps make all Doctor visits a little less scary and a little more empowering:A.) The caveat here is that no matter the doctor, or accent, or specialty - you'll always hear terms you need to write down and ask a definition for, so don't be afraid to speak up. For any doc visit, anywhere, never forget to take a pen & paper. Even if it's just for your annual. Ask them to repeat it and spell it if you don't know what it is - heck, even if you think you know what it is - so many terms and medicines these days sound alike and are easily confused. It's your money, your appointment, and helps you do a better job of taking care of yourself. B.) If it's not mentioned, always ask if you need a follow-up appointment, or what to do if medications aren't working.C.) Consumer Report's Survey a year or two ago stated that doctors overwhelmingly applauded patients who brought questions with them, and wrote things down - it made them more confident that the patient would go home with good information. And over 95% liked it when they had that notepad, and also if they had a family member who could help remember things or at least be the note taker. It really makes a difference, and I walk out with answers, instead of more questions or regret from not remembering the 'right' things to ask. As a tip - After jotting any questions or symptoms so I have it all ready before hand, on the next page I list: What? Why? Next? Why? How? Why? What can I change? Why?These remind me, during the appointment, to ask about: What's next, or what the issue is/comes from; how to deal with it or how it occurred - even how to take meds - anything and everything. Most important of all - Why - like a three year old, it's a refrain. Why does it help/hurt? Why do I need this or that? Why does whatever do which? Or just plain "Why?" It's okay to ask, politely of course, as with any professional you're doing business with. It's the most helpful question that can get the most bang for your buck in understanding the Whats and Hows and Such.
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