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Our goal is to partner with you and your family to create a thorough care plan. To help you get back to your usual state of health, and to help you and your family return to doing all the things you did before your inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms started. |
Clinic visit schedule and what to expect
The Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center has locations in Seattle, Bellevue, South/Federal Way and Olympia.
| Appointment |
What to expect? |
| 1st visit |
Talk about the diagnosis of IBD, possible causes and therapies |
| 2nd visit - 1 to 2 months after 1st visit |
Check in to see if therapies are working |
| 3rd visit – 2 to 4 months after 2nd visit then every 3 months after that |
General care and check-in |
It is very important to keep follow-up visits even when you are doing well.
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At each visit we will:
- Discuss how you are doing and how current therapies are working.
- Ask questions about symptoms such as abdominal pain, pooping, appetite, energy level and overall well-being.
- Do a physical exam.
- Send a detailed update to your primary care provider after each clinic visit.
- Discuss blood tests.
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Tests that may be scheduled
We may recommend that you have some tests to learn more about your IBD like:
- Blood and stool tests to check for inflammation
- Colonoscopy, upper endoscopy/flexible sigmoidoscopy, or wireless capsule endoscopy
- Imaging tests like MRI, CT scan, or upper GI study with small bowel follow-through
- Bone density scan
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Team members to partner with you
The primary healthcare providers and clinical staff you will see include:
- Medical Doctor/ Doctor of Osteopathy (MD/DO) - the doctors who will direct your care.
- Advance Practice Care Provider (APP) - includes advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) and physician assistants (PAs). Once you are doing better, you may have follow-up visits with our advanced practitioners who are specifically trained in IBD.
- Registered Nurse (RN) - a licensed nurse who provides and coordinates most of your IBD care and education. This is your main point of contact for communicating with the IBD team.
- Registered Dietitian (RD) - works with you on a plan for nutrition health, growth and development. Provides guidance on what foods to eat and avoid since diet plays an important role in IBD.
Based on your needs, you may also see these team members:
- Psychologist (PhD) - a mental health provider skilled in the psychological impact of gastrointestinal diseases. IBD is a chronic illness that will require lifelong care and we hope to prevent added stress.
- Social Worker (MSW, LICSW) - a skilled counselor who works with families to provide emotional support and get the resources they need. Assists you with barriers to treatment (such as medical costs, transportation, and school), and help with other concerns with lifestyle adjustments with IBD.
- Child Life Specialist - focuses on your emotional and developmental needs. Can create a coping plan you can use during a medical test or procedure and offers support during and after medical procedures.
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