Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can you tell me about the
physician’s background?
A: Dr. Hassell graduated from the University of Western Australia.
He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Providence St.
Vincent Medical Center and is board certified in Internal Medicine.
In addition to private practice, he is the Director of the
Department of Integrative Medicine at Providence Cancer Center and
is a clinical instructor for internal medicine residents. Dr.
Hassell lives in Portland with his wife Anna and son Tor.
Q: How do you
approach patient care?
A: Very personally. We’re a small, low-volume internal medicine
practice, and we take time with our patients. For an initial
evaluation appointment or complete physical exam, plan to allow us
about an hour of your time. Follow up visits typically last about 30
minutes.
Although much of my work involves the diagnosis and care of
medically complex patients and includes the use of mainstream
investigation and treatment plans, I vigorously apply evidence-based
nutrition and lifestyle therapies whenever possible.
I expect patients to be closely involved in their own care and
encourage them to keep (and understand!) results of laboratory tests
and other reports. If we draw your labs, we prefer to send you the
original lab results with our comments added, rather than a
summarized form letter.
Along with primary care, we also schedule problem-oriented
consultations with patients who already have a primary care
physician.
…and if you are a smoker, we are expecting you to work with us to
quit . . . now!
Q: What should I expect at my first
appointment?
A: Your first appointment will include a review of your personal and
family history and current symptoms, a review of previous laboratory
or x-ray data, a physical exam, and recommendations for future tests
and treatments. New patient appointments and consultations are
scheduled for one hour.
As well as conventional therapies, we will discuss evidence-based
nutrition and lifestyle recommendations. We may also consult with
your other treating physicians.
Q: What is a problem oriented
consultation?
A: A consultation appointment addresses a particular set of issues,
or evaluates a difficult medical problem, or offers a second
opinion. It does not replace the role of your primary care physician
(PCP). We are happy to work closely with your PCP, if requested.
Treatment plans typically involve a combination of conventional
medications, nutritional suggestions, and exercise advice.
Laboratory or other testing is usually recommended, and often we
will request other specialty opinions.