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Common Questions Frequently Asked of Dr. Hodgson
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What is a neurotologist?
Dr. Hodgson is not a general ENT (ear-nose-throat physician) but is a sub-specialty physician that limits his practice to the diagnosis and management of disorders that affect the ear, its surrounding structures, and their relationship to the brain. This includes medical and surgical treatments for disorders affecting hearing and balance, facial paralysis, management of chronic ear disease, infections and tumor growths of the skull base.
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How do I make an appointment with Dr. Hodgson?
Please contact our office by telephone to schedule your appointment. Hearing impaired or Deaf patients are encouraged to use the relay service. Click here for our contact information.
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Will you accept my insurance?
While our office accepts most insurances, we advise our patients to check their benefits handbook or contact their customer service office to research your coverage. Many patients require a referral from a primary care physician and this should be coordinated PRIOR to your appointment.
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What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your primary insurance card and any secondary coverage (if applicable). It's helpful if you can hand-carry pertinent medical records from other physicians or facilities (such as chart notes, lab reports, hearing tests, films and other reports). If you wear hearing aids, please bring those along as well. You are welcome to bring along a friend, family member, spouse or partner if you choose. All new patients are asked to arrive 30 minutes early for their first visit so we can prepare a chart and verify insurance coverage.
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What happens at my initial consultation, and how long does it take?
Dr. Hodgson will obtain health history information from you. He will ask about your previous medical care, surgeries, chronic conditions, current medications and chief complaints. A thorough examination of your ears, nose, throat and neck will take place. He may request that you have a hearing test and if so, you will be seen by our audiologist. If other tests or studies are required (such as balance tests or CT/MRI scans) a scheduling coordinator will assist you with setting up these additional appointments. Most new patient appointments with Dr. Hodgson last from 30-45 minutes.
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My first appointment is not for several weeks. Do you have a cancellation list?
A cancellation list is available for new patient consultations and we are willing to add your name if you request. However, due to the sub-specialty nature of our practice, it is important to note that most patients do not cancel their appointments and our cancellation rate is extremely low. If you wish to be added to the new patient cancellation list, contact Dr. Hodgson's assistant, Dana McCray.
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Can I fill out my new patient paperwork before my appointment?
Feel free to download and print our new patient intake forms. Please fill them out completely with as much information as possible. If you have questions about the forms, you can call our office for help or allow extra time at your initial visit for one of our staff members to assist you.
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If the doctor decides I need surgery, what happens next?
If surgery is indicated, Dr. Hodgson will conduct a pre-operative conference with you to discuss the proposed procedure and answer any and all questions. New patient consultations for surgery and/or pre-operative conferences are NOT done by telephone. Dr. Hodgson is in surgery all day on Tuesdays and again on Thursday afternoons. Once your exact procedure has been decided, a surgery scheduler will begin working with you to determine a date for your procedure. Based on your insurance coverage, Dr. Hodgson's availability and the schedules of area hospitals, we will always strive to arrange your surgery as soon as possible.
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At which hospitals does Dr. Hodgson do surgery?
Dr. Hodgson operates at four facilities in the Portland Metro area: Legacy Emanuel, Legacy Good Samaritan, Providence Portland and Providence St. Vincent's.
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What is a neurotologist?