Saturday Appointment Queries for Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology

Q: Saturday Appointment Queries for Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology

Hello： General follow-up is acceptable, but if there is a need for antiviral medication due to hepatitis B, it is not permissible. <br>Best wishes, Dr. <br>Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.

Saturday outpatient registration issues?

Hello, a few days ago I inquired about the Saturday outpatient services for the Department of Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology.
You mentioned that I could use the general internal medicine registration on Saturdays.
However, I am a carrier of hepatitis B and need to be monitored.
Can I use the general internal medicine registration to have blood drawn and schedule an abdominal ultrasound, or do I need to specifically see the Hepatobiliary and Gastroenterology department? Thanks!

Yan Zi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/02/24

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: General follow-up is acceptable, but if there is a need for antiviral medication due to hepatitis B, it is not permissible.
Best wishes, Dr.
Chi-Feng Chen, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2012/02/24

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your questions regarding your follow-up care as a hepatitis B carrier. It’s important to ensure that you receive the appropriate monitoring and treatment for your condition, and I’m here to help clarify your options.

As a hepatitis B carrier, regular monitoring is crucial to assess liver function and detect any potential complications early. This typically includes blood tests to check liver enzymes (like ALT and AST), hepatitis B viral load (HBV DNA), and other relevant markers such as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies (anti-HBs). Additionally, imaging studies like abdominal ultrasound are often performed to evaluate the liver's structure and check for any signs of liver damage or complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Regarding your question about appointments on Saturdays, while it is possible to see a general internal medicine physician on Saturdays, it is generally recommended that you see a specialist in hepatobiliary and gastroenterology for your specific needs as a hepatitis B carrier. The hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialists are more familiar with the nuances of managing chronic hepatitis B and can provide tailored care, including interpreting your lab results and determining the need for further imaging or treatment.

If you choose to see a general internal medicine physician, they can certainly perform initial blood tests and may refer you to a specialist if they identify any concerns. However, given your history as a hepatitis B carrier, it would be more beneficial to have a direct appointment with a hepatobiliary specialist who can provide comprehensive care and follow-up tailored to your condition.

In summary, while you can utilize the general internal medicine services for blood tests and initial assessments, I strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department for a more thorough evaluation and ongoing management of your hepatitis B. This will ensure that you receive the most appropriate care and monitoring for your liver health.

If you have any further questions or need assistance with scheduling, please feel free to ask. Your health is important, and it’s essential to stay proactive in managing your condition. Thank you!

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