Common Questions and Answers:

Below are the most common questions and answers we get in our office on a daily basis. Some of the questions relate to insurance plans, what to bring to your office visit and what to tell your employer. Other questions relate to specific types of surgery that we perform. If you do not see your question/answer listed below, please call us at 739-6467 and we will be sure to assist you.

What insurance plans do you take?

We can see patients in the office with any type of insurance. Whether or not your insurance will cover the visit depends on our provider contracts, which change from time to time. We are preferred providers for most major insurers as well as Medicare and Medicaid. Please ask our receptionist when you call for an appointment at 739-6467. We often see patients on an out-of-network basis when they want to take advantage of our unique services and compassionate, comprehensive approach to patient care.

What is Urogynecology?

Urogynecology is a subspecialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology that focuses on the treatment of women with disorders of the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor disorders include both pelvic prolapse and urinary incontinence. Prolapse refers to problems with support of the bladder, uterus, and/or vagina that can cause a bulging sensation or a feeling as if something is falling out. Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder. Urogynecologists complete an OB? GYN residency and then spend at least one extra year in a “fellowship” with specific training to diagnose and treat these disorders. They do not provide any obstetrical care. Our practice provides the first comprehensive testing and evaluation center for pelvic floor disorders in Las Vegas.

What is the difference between a Gynecologic Oncologist and an OB/GYN?

Gynecologic Oncologists provide sub-specialty care to women with cancers or pre-cancers of the reproductive organs. They complete the same type of medical school and residency training as general OB/GYN’s. Then they undergo an additional 3 or 4 years of training in a “fellowship” that specializes in the comprehensive care of women with cancers of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, vagina, or vulva. This provides them with the experience and background to perform surgery, administer chemotherapy, direct radiation treatments in conjunction with radiation oncologists, and continue long-term surveillance of women with cancers of the female organs. Gynecologic Oncologists have extensive experience and training in performing complex pelvic surgery, and sometimes they also perform surgery on women who don’t necessarily have cancer but who need a complex operation. They do not provide any obstetrical care nor do they see patients for routine gynecologic exams or birth control counseling. There are many excellent OB/GYN’s in Las Vegas to provide these services.

What should I tell my employer if I think I need surgery?

If you need to take time off from work to have surgery, you may need to apply for temporary disability. We charge a $25 fee to fill out disability forms, except for Federal FMLA forms which are filled out free-of-charge for the patient having surgery. Any forms filled out for family members are subject to the $25 charge. Our staff makes every effort to fill out these forms in a timely manner and they generally complete these forms on Fridays. Typical turnaround time is one week.

What should I bring to my office visit?

Please bring a picture ID, your insurance card, and a method of payment for any copays or deductibles due at the time of the visit. Also bring a list of your medications and allergies. Finally, bring any relevant records such as biopsy reports, operative reports, x-ray or CT Scan reports and films, previous treatment summaries, and PAP smear results.

What does a Colon and Rectal Surgeon do?

Colorectal surgery is a subspecialty of general surgery that specializes in the evaluation and treatment of anal problems and intestinal disorders. Colorectal surgeons see patients with conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal incontinence, and rectal prolapse, as well as anal, rectal, and colon cancers. They also care for patients with diverticular disease of the colon, and they perform routine colonoscopies. In addition, they are specially trained to perform surgery on patients with Ulcerative Colitis and Chrohn’s Disease. Colorectal surgeons complete a General Surgery residency and then receive subspecialty “fellowship” training in colon and rectal surgery. Our practice offers minimally invasive surgery for selected patients and innovative approaches for the treatment of anorectal problems. In addition, we have a comprehensive testing center for fecal incontinence. Dr. Wishnev is the only physician in Las Vegas who performs anorectal ultrasound, an important part of the evaluation of rectal cancer and fecal incontinence.