What to expect at your visit
If you are reading this, you have probably been putting it off. Most of our patients have. They lived with the pain, the bleeding, or the worry for months, sometimes years, hoping it would go away on its own.
We understand why. This is one of the hardest things to bring up.
So we built a practice where bringing it up is the easy part. Here is exactly what happens, start to finish, so that nothing about your visit is a surprise.
We understand why. This is one of the hardest things to bring up.
So we built a practice where bringing it up is the easy part. Here is exactly what happens, start to finish, so that nothing about your visit is a surprise.
Before you come in
Getting an appointment
Call or text the office. Consultations are scheduled daily from 8:30 to 4:00. If you reach us after hours, we will schedule you for the next day. Same-day and next-day appointments are reserved for urgent problems.
What to bring
All required information will be completed through the patient portal before your visit. Nothing else is required beforehand.
How to prepare
Nothing. There is no bowel preparation, no enema, and no fasting before a standard first visit. Come as you are.
When you arrive
Precision Proctology sees patients from across the greater Seattle area, Puget Sound, and Vancouver, British Columbia. Many patients travel for care that is not available closer to home.
Write down your license plate number before you come in, since you will register it at our front desk when you arrive.
We are in a shared building. Our suite is 212.
Mountlake Terrace
Dr. Kratz sees patients here on Thursdays. There is a parking lot and a garage, and parking is free.
Checking in
Check-in is brief. You will not be asked to describe why you are here in front of anyone else.
Your appointment with Dr. Kratz
Nothing happens without you knowing what is coming next. You control the pace of this visit from the moment you sit down.
A staff member is always present.
For every examination, a member of our team is in the room with you. You will never be alone during an exam.
Your Health History
Your appointment begins with giving a health history and what brings you in to see Dr. Kratz.
Internal Examination
An internal examination called Anoscopy provides Dr. Kratz the information that he needs to formulate a plan that is best for your needs and concerns.
Evaluation
Dr. Kratz will explain what he found, what it means, what your options are, and what he recommends.
Treatment
Many problems can be treated during the same visit. Others are scheduled once you have had time to think about your options. It depends on what you are dealing with, and Dr. Kratz will tell you at the visit which applies to you.
Not everything requires surgery. Many conditions are managed with medication, in-office procedures, or other non-surgical treatment. Dr. Kratz will tell you plainly when an operation is warranted and when it is not.
Not everything requires surgery. Many conditions are managed with medication, in-office procedures, or other non-surgical treatment. Dr. Kratz will tell you plainly when an operation is warranted and when it is not.
Comfort during in-office procedures are performed using topical and local anesthetic. Nothing we do in the office requires sedation, so you will not need to arrange a driver. Nitrous oxide gas is also available for an additional cost if you would like extra comfort during your procedure. If you are anxious about discomfort, let us know. We will work with you to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
Privacy
These are private problems, and the practice is built around that.
Your visit is confidential and handled under HIPAA standards. Scheduling is discreet. The staff here discuss these conditions every day and treat them as ordinary, because they are. Nothing you describe will be a surprise, and nothing will be treated as embarrassing.
You will not be asked to explain your symptoms to a series of people before reaching the person who can treat them.
Your visit is confidential and handled under HIPAA standards. Scheduling is discreet. The staff here discuss these conditions every day and treat them as ordinary, because they are. Nothing you describe will be a surprise, and nothing will be treated as embarrassing.
You will not be asked to explain your symptoms to a series of people before reaching the person who can treat them.
How long it takes
That depends on you.
Some visits are quick. Others need more time, because the problem is complicated or because there is a lot to talk through. We do not schedule these appointments to a stopwatch, and you will not be moved along before your questions are answered.
You will get the time you need.
Some visits are quick. Others need more time, because the problem is complicated or because there is a lot to talk through. We do not schedule these appointments to a stopwatch, and you will not be moved along before your questions are answered.
You will get the time you need.
After your visit
Dr. Kratz follows up with his patients directly about ongoing treatment and next steps. The surgeon who evaluated you is the surgeon who treats you and follows your recovery. You will not be handed to someone else partway through.
Cost and insurance
Many of the services we provide are covered by insurance. Our billing team will review your benefits and give you pricing over the phone before your visit, so your appointment can stay focused on your health.
Common questions
Do I need to prepare anything before my visit?
Will I be examined at the first visit?
Will someone else be in the room?
How long will I be there?
Can my problem be treated the same day?
Will I need someone to drive me home?
How quickly can I be seen?
Do I need a referral?
Is my visit private?
The hardest part is making the call.
Call or text and you will reach the practice directly. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.