If
you need to reach our office after regular business hours, please call
the main office number at 972-238-7799 for assistance. If you feel you
are having a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest
emergency room.
Office Staff
We have 10 employees on staff here at Women's Health Associates.
Cori
Thomas, W.H.C.N.P., is our nurse practictioner. She started with us in
July of 2004. Working as an N.P. for Parkland Hospital's 'High Risk'
Obstetrical Clinic, she gained vital knowledge that accents her strong
gynecological and emergency care background. Cori shares call with our
physicians, assists them in surgery, and has her own daily schedule of
patients to see. She has been a great asset to our organization.
Katrina
is our new office manager. She came aboard in June, offering several
years of office management experience. She is a great problem solver
and is very in tune with the needs of our patients and staff. We are so
fortunate to have her!
Tina is our intake coordinator, greeting
our patients when they arrive for their appointments. She has been with
the office since 2003. With many years of front office experience, she
is a compassionate and caring addition to our front office personnel.
Heather
is our data entry specialist. She is responsible for seeing that all
patient results get downloaded into their electronic chart, as well as
answering the phones and covering at both check in and check out. She
has a very full day! She has been with the doctors since 2001.
Recently,
we welcomed Judy to the practice at the check-out desk. She has
approached her new job with enthusiasm and always has a smile for
patients and her fellow co-workers. She has been in the medical field
since 1999, and says that the highlight of her job is being able to
help patients. Her philosophy in life is to always be positive,
grateful, and happy in all that she does.
Ana is our medical
translator for the Spanish-speaking patients both in the office and at
the hospital. She has been with the practice since 2002, and is
invaluable in making our our Spanish population feel welcome.
Jennifer
is one of our three Medical Assistants. She has been with the doctors
since 2001. She one of the two assistants who will assist the doctors
during your patient visit. She is a dedicated and efficient addition to
our back office crew.
Robyn is our other M.A. in patient care.
She joined our staff in July of 2006 and has proven herself to be a
valuable asset to our group. She has an extensive background in
customer service and is eager to please.
Tiffany is our phone
M.A. and back office coordinator. She also performs bone densities and
assists during in-office procedures. She has been with Dr. Norton since
June of 2000. She loves her job and is a dedicated and loyal part of
our office staff.
In all, we have a great mix. Not only are we
commited to our patients and to this practice, we are commited to team
effort and assisting each other. Our relationship makes a great
environment for both staff and patients.
Pap Smear
Procedure Description:
What To Expect: Your
cervix will be visualized with a speculum. A soft brush will be used to
collect some of the cells from your cervix. This can sometimes cause
mild cramping, but should not be painful.
Preprocedure: If
you are bleeding on your scheduled appointment day, please contact our
office to reschedule. Do not douche prior to your visit.
Postprocedure: It is normal to experience light spotting following your pap smear.
Colposcopy
Procedure Description: Visualization of Cervix through Microscope
What To Expect: A
speculum will be placed into the vagina to visualize the cervix. A mild
vinegar solution is then applied to the area. The solution interacts
with any abnormal areas, which allows them to be more easily
visualized. Your cervix will then be examined under the magnified view
of a microscope. Small biopsies will be taken and sent to a
pathologist. A clotting solution is then placed on the biopsy sites to
stop any residual bleeding. Most patients find the procedure very
tolerable, experiencing only mild cramping, if any.
Preprocedure: If
you are bleeding prior to your appointment, please contact us to
reschedule. Do not douche prior to your appointment. You may want to
take two Ibuprofen 30 minutes prior to the procedure for cramping.
Postprocedure: You
may experience a small amount of bleeding following your procedure.
Because of the clotting solution used, you will probably experience a
mustard colored and/or brown discharge that can resemble coffee grounds.
Nothing should be placed in vagina for two weeks following procedure. Please
call office if you experience heavy bleeding, pain, or fever after the
procedure. Your pathology results will be back in about two weeks, at
which time you will come back in to the office to discuss them your
doctor.
LEEP
Procedure Description: Removal of Abnormal areas of Cervix
What To Expect: A
speculum is place and the cervix is visualized. The area is then
cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A local anesthetic is given at the
cervix. A biopsy of your cervix will be taken with a wire loop and
sent to the pathologist. Any bleeding from the biopsy site is then
cauterized.
Preprocedure: You cannot be beeding. If you are bleeding on the day of your scheduled procedure, please contact our office to reschedule. You will want to take two Ibuprofen prior to the procedure to help with any cramping you may experience.
Postprocedure: Light bleeding and discharge can be expected after the procedure. Nothing
should be inserted into the vagina for two weeks following procedure.
Call our office if you experience heavy bleeding, fever, or pain. Your
pathology results will be back in two weeks, at which time you will
come in and discuss them with your doctor. The biopsied area will be
checked as well, to insure proper healing.
