New Patient Information Page: How to get Started and How to Prepare for your Visit
Welcome to Falls Canyon Surgical Associates!
We are committed to making your first visit as smooth and comfortable as possible. Whether you are coming in for a consultation, procedure, or surgical follow-up, our team is here to guide you through every step of your care.
This page will help you understand what to expect before your appointment, what to bring, and how to prepare for your visit.
*Disclaimer
The information provided on this webpage and its external links, is intended for general informational and independent research purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the direct guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice based on information obtained from this site.
The First Thing We Need: A Referral
Our office requires a referral on file before scheduling or seeing new patients, even if your insurance company has stated that a referral is not required for specialist visits. A referral details what your condition is, how its progressed and gives us scope on how to approach your healthcare.
Please note:
- Due to insurance requirements, referrals from emergency rooms and urgent care clinics do not qualify as valid referrals for scheduling purposes. If you were seen in an ER or urgent care, after you are discharged, please contact your primary care provider (PCP) to send us a referral detailing your condition and any relevant imaging, labs or chart notes.
- If you are not currently established with a PCP:
- 1st Option: Call your insurance company who can provide a list of local PCP providers in your area that are in-network with your insurance plan.
- 2nd Option: Call your local PCP offices and inquire about providers that are taking new patients.
- Local PCP Offices Located in:
- Silverton, Oregon:
- Legacy Medical Group – Silverton Family Medicine
- Silver Creek Family Medicine
- Hope Family Medicine
- Mt. Angel, Oregon:
- Legacy Medical Group – Mt. Angel
- Woodburn, Oregon:
- Salud Medical Center
- Salem, Oregon
- Salem Health (Salem Hospital)
- Salem Clinic
- Lancaster Family Medicine
- WFMC Health
- West Salem Family Practice
- Silverton, Oregon:
- Local PCP Offices Located in:
- *The primary care provider (PCP) offices listed above are provided for patient convenience only, are in no particular order, and are not directly connected with or affiliated with FCSA.
- If you are not currently established with a PCP:
- The referral must clearly state the condition or reason for evaluation.
Due to insurance requirements, providers may only address the condition(s) listed in the referral on file during your visit. Additional concerns or diagnoses not included on the referral may require a new referral and/or another consultation appointment before they can be evaluated or treated.
Screening and Surveillance Colonoscopy Referrals
At this time, our office is no longer accepting new patient referrals for routine screening and surveillance colonoscopies. Screening and surveillance colonoscopies will only be performed for patients who are already established with our practice and have previously been seen by one of our providers.
Patients seeking a routine screening colonoscopy who are not established with our office will need to discuss alternative referral options with their primary care provider.
Other places to inquire about screening colonoscopies include:
- Dr. Roger Epstein – Gastroenterology
- Salem Gastro
- Northwest Gastroenterology Clinic and Endoscopy Center
- Salem Clinic Gastroenterology
The offices listed above are provided for patient convenience only, are in no particular order, and are not directly connected with or affiliated with FCSA.
Having the correct referral on file helps ensure your visit and treatment are properly covered and processed through your insurance plan.
Types of Appointment
It is important to understand which type of appointment you are scheduled for, as each visit is designed for a different stage of your care and may involve different expectations, discussions, or instructions.
Consult Appointment (New Patients)
- Your first visit for a new condition or concern. This visit may include:
- Review of medical history and symptoms
- Discussion of prior testing or imaging
- Physical examination
- Discussion of treatment options or next steps
Follow-Up Appointment
- Scheduled after a previous visit to review progress or results. This visit may include:
- Review of symptoms or recovery
- Discussion of imaging or pathology results
- Updates to your treatment plan
Post-Operative (Post-Op) Appointment
- Scheduled after surgery or a procedure to monitor healing. This visit may include:
- Examination of incision or procedure sites
- Review of recovery progress
- Discussion of activity restrictions or concerns
In Office Procedure Appointment
- Scheduled for an in office medical procedure or treatment. This visit may include:
- Review of the procedure
- Preparation and consent
- Discussion of recovery and follow-up care
Before Your Appointment
Preparing ahead of time helps your healthcare team provide safe, efficient, and personalized care.
Please Bring the Following to all Appointments:
- A valid photo ID
- Parent/Guardian ID required for adolescent and underage patients
- Insurance card(s)
- Completed intake forms for new patients (see below)
- Referral forms (not often – only if required by your insurance)
Completing Pre-Visit Paperwork
Completing forms before your appointment can help reduce wait times and allow more time with your provider.
Please note that the patient information and health history forms provided by our office are separate from MyChart pre-appointment forms. FCSA is an independent private practice, and not all information entered through Legacy is shared directly with our office.
ALL NEW PATIENTS MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING FORMS PRIOR TO THEIR APPOINTMENT:
Arriving for Your Visit
Please arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment to allow time for:
- Check-in
- Insurance verification
- Completion of paperwork (if not completed before and brought to your appointment)
- Reviewing medical records
- Any additional steps pertaining to your visit
What if I am going to be late?
Patients who arrive 15 minutes late will be required to reschedule their appointment depending on provider availability.
No-Show Policy: Patients who are unable to attend their scheduled appointment are asked to notify our office in advance whenever possible. Failure to attend an appointment without prior notice may result in a $50 no-show fee. Patients who accumulate three no-show appointments may be dismissed from the practice and will need to return to their primary care provider (PCP) for referral to another specialist or office for continued care.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
During your visit, a medical assistant will call you back to an exam room, review your information, and help get you checked in for your appointment. This portion of the visit may include:
- Reviewing your medical history and current medications
- Taking your vital signs (Blood Pressure, Pulse, Oxygen, Weight and Height)
- Discussing your symptoms and reason for your visit
- Updating any needed health information
Your provider will then meet with you to review your condition, discuss any prior testing or imaging, and determine the next steps in your care. Depending on your needs, your visit may also include:
- A physical examination
- Discussion of treatment options
- Ordering additional tests or imaging
- Consent for Surgery (if applicable)
- Questions about recovery, medications, or activity restrictions
We encourage you to ask questions and discuss any concerns during your appointment.
Medications and Medical Conditions
Please notify your provider if you:
- See a cardiologist or have seen one previously
- Take blood thinners or aspirin
- Have diabetes
- Use oxygen or a CPAP machine
- Have a pacemaker or implanted device
- Have allergies to medications, latex, or adhesives
Providing accurate information helps reduce risks and improves your care.
Preparing for Procedure Visits
Some office visits may be for minor procedures such as minor mass excisions. Depending on your condition, you may receive instructions regarding:
- Medication adjustments
- Transportation arrangements
Your care team will provide detailed instructions as needed per individual patient. Ask your provider or assisting care team if you have any questions about this.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How early should I arrive for my appointment?
Please arrive 15 minutes early for your visit. If we are running ahead of schedule, we may call you back before your scheduled appointment time.
What if I forget my insurance card or ID?
Your appointment may need to be delayed or rescheduled until required information is provided.
Can I bring a family member or friend?
Yes, patients are welcome to bring someone for support or assistance. Procedure visits may be limited to the patient only or to one chaperone at provider preference.
Can I Bring My Children?
For the comfort and safety of all patients, we ask that children not accompany patients to appointments unless they are supervised by another adult who is not the patient.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being evaluated if possible. If you are wearing a binder, please wear it to your appointment.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Please contact our office as soon as possible so we can assist you and offer the appointment time to another patient. Patients who no show their appointment may be subject to a fee.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
We are a referral-based clinic and require an authorized referral on file for all patients in order to be seen. Due to insurance requirements, we require that all referrals must come from a primary care physician (PCP) as referrals from emergency rooms and urgent care clinics are not recognized as valid referrals.
Will I have testing done the same day?
Possibly. This depends on your condition and provider recommendations.
Can I eat before my appointment?
Yes, unless you were specifically instructed not to due to testing or a procedure. Please do not eat immediately before or after a procedure visit however if you have, just notify the medical assistant who can advise any next steps as needed.
What if I’m running late?
Please call the office as soon as possible. Late arrivals at or past 15 minutes will need to be rescheduled.
How long will my appointment take?
Consultation visits typically last 30–60 minutes depending on your condition and evaluation needs. Post Op and Follow Up appointments may range from 15-30 minutes but may take longer or shorter depending on the patient. In office procedures are scheduled as 1-hour long appointments but most take less time typically anywhere from 20-45 minutes.
Have Questions Before Your Visit?
Our team is here to help make your experience as easy and stress-free as possible. Please contact our office if you have questions about your appointment, paperwork, insurance, or how to prepare for your visit.