Question 1

What conditions can a general surgeon evaluate?

Accepted Answer

A general surgeon can evaluate a wide range of conditions that may or may not require surgery, including hernias, gallbladder conditions, lumps and soft tissue masses, hemorrhoids and other anorectal concerns, selected breast and thyroid conditions, abdominal concerns that may require surgical evaluation, and tumors or other conditions requiring surgical assessment. Dr. Anton also evaluates patients who have been referred for possible surgery, have abnormal imaging or biopsy results, or would like to better understand their treatment options.

Question 2

Does consulting a surgeon mean I will need surgery?

Accepted Answer

No. Seeing a surgeon does not automatically mean you will need an operation. A surgical consultation starts with understanding your symptoms, medical history, examination, and available test results. Dr. Anton can then discuss whether surgery is appropriate, whether further tests are needed, or whether another treatment or specialist may be more suitable.

Question 3

What services does Dr. Anton offer?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Anton's surgical expertise includes General Surgery, Minimally Invasive & Laparoscopic Surgery, Robotic Surgery, Advanced Cancer Surgery, and Sarcoma, Peritoneal & Rare Tumor Surgery. Patients with a diagnosis, referral, imaging, or test result may schedule a consultation for proper evaluation and discussion of their treatment options.

Question 4

How do I book a consultation?

Accepted Answer

To request an appointment, send the following details to your preferred clinic: full name and age, preferred consultation date, reason for consultation, contact number, HMO/health card if applicable, and whether you are a new or follow-up patient. Walk-ins may also be accommodated, subject to clinic availability. For scheduled appointments, please wait for the clinic's confirmation before your visit.

Question 5

Where are Dr. Anton's clinics?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Anton currently holds consultations at The Medical City South Luzon, Healthway QualiMed Hospital, VRP Medical Center, Manila Doctors Hospital, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Las Piñas. See the Locations page for current clinic schedules, contact numbers, and directions.

Question 6

Is online consultation available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Online consultation with Dr. Anton is available through SeriousMD/NowServing. If you have laboratory results, imaging reports, pathology results, or previous medical records, please have them available during your consultation.

Question 7

How quickly will my appointment request be confirmed?

Accepted Answer

Appointment requests are reviewed by your selected clinic, and confirmation is sent by text message or phone call once your schedule is verified. Please wait for this confirmation before your visit.

Question 8

Can I request a same-week consultation?

Accepted Answer

Same-week consultations may be accommodated depending on clinic schedule availability. If you need an urgent evaluation, please call or text your preferred clinic directly for expedited booking.

Question 9

How do I reschedule or cancel my consultation?

Accepted Answer

If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please notify your preferred clinic at least 24 hours before your scheduled consultation so the time slot can be reallocated to another patient.

Question 10

What should I bring to my consultation?

Accepted Answer

If available, please bring laboratory results, imaging scans and reports, biopsy or pathology results, previous medical records, referral, a list of current medications, and your HMO/health card if applicable. You do not need to have all of these before consulting.

Question 11

Does Dr. dela Fuente accept HMO or health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr. Anton is accredited with several HMO/health insurance providers. Major providers may include MediCard, Maxicare, Intellicare, and Avega, along with other providers depending on the hospital or clinic. HMO availability, accreditation, coverage, and LOA requirements may vary by hospital, clinic, and plan.

Question 12

Do I need a Letter of Authorization (LOA)?

Accepted Answer

LOA requirements depend on your HMO provider, plan, clinic, and the service you need. Please contact your HMO provider or preferred clinic before your appointment to confirm whether an LOA is required and how it should be processed.

Question 13

How much are consultation fees and what payment methods are accepted?

Accepted Answer

Consultation fees and payment options may vary by clinic. For the most updated information, please contact Dr. Anton's clinic at your preferred location before your visit.

Question 14

How should I prepare if I am scheduled for surgery?

Accepted Answer

Preparation depends on your procedure and medical condition. You will receive specific instructions regarding fasting, medications, admission, and any required tests before your surgery. Please follow the instructions provided by Dr. Anton and your hospital or surgical team.

Question 15

Should I stop my medications before surgery?

Accepted Answer

Do not stop or change your medications unless instructed by your doctor. During your pre-operative assessment, inform Dr. Anton of all prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and blood-thinning medications you currently take.

Question 16

What should I do if I experience pain or swelling after surgery?

Accepted Answer

Some discomfort may occur after surgery, but the expected recovery differs depending on the procedure. Follow the post-operative instructions given to you and contact your surgical team if you have concerns. For severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, or another medical emergency, proceed to the nearest Emergency Department.

Question 17

How should I care for my surgical wound?

Accepted Answer

Wound care instructions vary depending on the procedure, incision, and dressing used. Follow the specific instructions provided after your surgery. If you notice increasing redness, swelling, discharge, bleeding, wound separation, fever, or other concerning changes, contact your surgical team.

Question 18

Are there dietary restrictions after surgery?

Accepted Answer

Dietary instructions depend on the procedure and the patient's condition. Follow the individualized instructions provided by Dr. Anton and the hospital or surgical team after your procedure.

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