About the Clinic

The Clinic for Colon and Rectal Surgery employs general surgeons who have additional training and special interest in colorectal disease. The surgeons at the clinic are trained in general surgery techniques, laparoscopy, and colonoscopy. All surgeons at the clinic are Fellows of the American College of Surgery and all are Board Certified by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery.

In 2005, 2,371 new patients were seen and there were 13,701 total patient contacts. Four hundred and eight (408) abdominal operations were performed. The most common operations were colon or rectal excision for cancer and colon resection for diverticulitis. Five hundred forty-two (542) anorectal operations were performed, including surgery for hemorrhoids, fissure, abscess, and fistula. Three thousand two-hundred seventy-one (3,271) colonoscopies were performed.

In the office, most patients are seen for diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of various diseases. However, minor surgery procedures may be performed such as rubber band ligation of hemorrhoids, excision of thrombosed external hemorrhoids, incision and drainage of abscesses, and biopsies. Flexible sigmoidoscopic examination of the rectum and lower colon is performed in the office for diagnosis and for cancer screening. Medical management is initiated and diagnostic tests are ordered when indicated. Referrals to other health care professionals are made when indicated.

The Clinic for Colon and Rectal Surgery is located three blocks north of Huntsville Hospital at 115 Manning Drive.Routine inquiries, appointments, and calls should be made during these hours. The phone is answered 24 hours a day (256-533-6070) and Drs. Baird, Nuessle, Campbell, and Golzarian can be contacted at any time if needed.

Our practice is limited to surgery of the colon and rectum, and colonoscopy. Minor surgery may be recommended in the office or more involved surgery for the hospital. If surgery is recommended, we will try to explain the procedure and its benefits, possible complications, alternative treatment options, and the consequences of no treatment. When more than one surgical option is available or if a surgical procedure is associated with some risk, a second opinion can be easily arranged if the doctor thinks it is indicated or if the patient desires. For patients with upper gastrointestinal (stomach, liver, biliary tract, pancreas) problems, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease), or irritable bowel syndrome, we frequently make referrals to our gastroenterology colleagues.

We will see any patient who may benefit from our services. Appointments may be obtained by referral from another doctor or by calling our office directly. Our office personnel will try to arrange an appointment which is convenient for you. We treat patients at and admit to Huntsville Hospital Systems, Crestwood Medical Center, and The Surgery Center.

Insurance:

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Aetna, and United Health Care, as well as other health plans. Please call our office to obtain the current list. If you have insurance with one of the carriers with whom we have a contract, our office will file the insurance for you. Please notify our office if your insurance contract carries any special requirements, such as precertification prior to treatment or hospitalization, or treatment or testing at a specific facility. Patients in a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) should contact their primary care physician for a referral.Failure to fulfill such insurance requirements could lead to out-of-pocket expenses.

Initial Appointments

For your first appointment in our office, come a few minutes early in order to fill out the necessary paperwork. Bring your insurance card and a list of any allergies and current medications (with dosages). It is important to call the office prior to your initial appointment for instructions concerning preparation for the examination.

We attempt to see all patients in a timely manner. However, new patients and patients who have not been seen recently may take more time than estimated.Therefore, delays may occur but our routine is to see everyone within a few minutes of their appointed time.

Thank you for visiting our web site. This site is continually under construction in an effort to provide information for patients and provide important links to other sources on colon and rectal disease.