Category: FAQ

What is ECNU certification?

ECNU is a professional certification in the field of neck ultrasonography for physicians who perform consultations and diagnostic evaluations for thyroid and parathyroid disorders through both diagnostic ultrasound and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (UGFNA).

What is Thyroid fine needle biopsy?

This is a short procedure that is done in the office. It involves taking tissue samples from one or more areas in the thyroid gland. It is done under local anesthesia, and with ultrasound guidance.

What is the Afirma GEC (gene expression classifier)?

We use the latest in thyroid fine needle biopsy techniques with ultrasound guidance. We also use the most advanced technologies for evaluating thyroid biopsy specimens. We participated in a research trial which led to the use of molecular diagnostics for evaluating selected thyroid biopsy specimens and now we routinely use the Affirma gene expression classifier (GEC) to evaluate thyroid biopsy specimens. The Affirma test is done on specimens in which the result is not clearly benign or cancerous. It tests proteins inside of the cells to determine if characteristics are consistent with benign or cancerous findings. This technology has reduced the number of patients requiring surgery.

Appointments

We see patients by appointment only. All urgent appointments will be scheduled with a provider that has availability to see you. This may be an Advanced Practice Provider. All referrals must be received prior to your appointment.

You may schedule an appointment by calling our main number: 512-458-8400, option 2. Schedulers are available Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Our telephone lines are closed daily from 12:00 – 1:30. Should you require a thyroid ultrasound prior to your appointment, we will try to schedule these on the same day as your office visit so that you do not have to make multiple trips to the office.

Please make sure to bring the following items to every appointment that you schedule:

  • 
Insurance card
  • 
Complete list of all medications you are taking
  • 
Blood sugar log (if you have been diagnosed with Diabetes)
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