Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make an initial appointment?

When making a new patient appointment, you can contact our office directly, or ask your primary care physician for a referral. If referred by your primary care doctor, it is in the best interest of your child that we have full details of what your primary physician's concerns are. We ask that any testing and/or x-rays that may have been done through your primary physician's office be forwarded to us; this will likely reduce the amount of repeat testing.

What can I expect at my first visit?

During your first visit with us you will be asked to fill in a history form for your child. Dr. Ulmer will ask you about your child’s problems. He or she will be examined and all the information your primary doctor sent will be reviewed. Dr. Ulmer will discuss further studies and treatment options with you. You will have time to ask any questions you might have.

Will my child experience any pain during his or her procedure?

Procedures such as upper endoscopies and colonoscopies are done under general anesthesia or sedation in consultation with an anesthesiologist. The goal of sedation or anesthesia is to prevent your child from experiencing any discomfort or memory of the procedure(s). You will meet with the anesthesiologist on the day of the procedure and will have the opportunity to ask further questions with regards to sedation/anesthesia at that time.

What can I expect the day of my procedure as an outpatient?

After your child is scheduled for a procedure, you will be notified of your procedure time 1 to 2 days prior to the procedure day. Patients are asked to arrive approximately 1 hour prior to their procedure time. All pediatric procedures are performed at the Watkins Building at 1405 North State Street (the building on stilts), 3rd Floor. This is where you and your child need to arrive on the day of the procedure.

After the procedure is completed your child will go to an adjacent room to recover. You will be able to join your child in recovery shortly after completion of the procedure. Your child will be discharged once he is able to drink and other discharge criteria are met. The gastroenterologist will speak with you shortly after the procedure. Plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours at the Endo Center.

When will I get results...

...after a procedure is done?
Shortly after an endoscopy procedure, Dr. Ulmer will talk to you about what was seen during the endoscopy procedure and may even share pictures with you. The tissue samples taken during the procedure are sent to a lab. A pathologist certified by the American Board of Pathology examines all biopsies. The pathologist writes a report for the chart. At the time of the endoscopy you will be informed of when the biopsy results should be available. After a diagnosis is established and treatment recommendations made, you will be notified of when to return to the office for a follow-up visit.

...after labs are drawn?
A nurse will call with any abnormal lab values when they are received (in approximately 5 to 7 business days). You may not be contacted if the laboratory values are normal. If you wish to know the results call our office at 601-355-1234 at least 3 business days after the labs were obtained.

How do I get my prescription refilled?

Call 601-355-1234, extension 495 or 496 for prescription refills. Please allow 1 business day after you've made the phone call to receive your refill request. When calling, please have pertinent information readily available: name, date of birth, medication, dose, pharmacy and pharmacy phone number.