Frequently asked questions
At what age should I have my first colonoscopy?
Most adults at average risk should begin colon cancer screening at age 45. You may need to start earlier if a parent, brother, sister or child has had colorectal cancer or polyps, if you have inflammatory bowel disease or an inherited syndrome such as Lynch syndrome, or if you have symptoms like rectal bleeding or a lasting change in your bowel habits. Call us and we will help you sort out the right timing.
Do I need a referral to be seen?
In most cases, no. You can call our office directly and schedule. Some insurance plans do require a referral from your primary care provider, and if yours does, our staff will help you coordinate it. We are also glad to work alongside your regular doctor and send results back to them.
Where will my appointment be?
At our clinic at 3416 Old Greenwood Rd, Fort Smith, AR 72903, the same address for your first visit, your procedure and every follow-up. Call (479) 242-2888 to schedule, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Does a FibroScan hurt?
No. It feels like a standard ultrasound. You lie back, we put a little water-based gel on your right side, and a small probe sends gentle pulses through your liver. It takes about 10 minutes, there are no needles, and you can drive yourself home or go straight back to work.
Is hemorrhoid banding painful?
For most patients, no. The band is placed above the area where the nerves that sense pain are, so band placement is typically painless, and most people need no pain medication afterward. You may feel a dull fullness for a day or so. Most patients return to normal activities the same day and simply avoid heavy exertion until the next day.
Do you see patients from Oklahoma?
Yes. We regularly care for patients from Poteau, Sallisaw and the surrounding communities in eastern Oklahoma. We accept Oklahoma Medicaid, including the Aetna Better Health, Humana Healthy Horizons and Oklahoma Complete Health plans, along with Arkansas Medicaid, Medicare, HealthChoice and commercial plans such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Humana and Ambetter.
Is Dr. Herraka accepting new patients?
Yes. Dr. Herraka is currently accepting new patients at our Fort Smith office. Call (479) 242-2888 and our staff will find the first available appointment.
What does a gastroenterologist treat?
A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats conditions of the digestive tract and liver, including heartburn and reflux, ulcers, gallstones, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, colon polyps, colorectal cancer, and liver conditions such as fatty liver disease and hepatitis. Many gastroenterologists also perform colonoscopy and upper endoscopy.