The Consultation Procedure
The consultation process involves the use of medical and nutritional history of the patient to aid diagnosis. This information is important as some things, no matter how small, can affect the hair and scalp.
Trichologists look at medications, blood test results, as well as family history of certain conditions. Many do not realize no matter how small a problem may be it could still cause a problem with the hair or scalp.
Tests, such as blood test or hair mineral analysis tests may be suggested for the patient to have done if diagnosis requires it.
Nutritional status of a patient will influence some patients. It may be a change in eating style or vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
If a patient has a predisposition to a problem any minor change can trigger the condition. Of course that is not the only process involved in the examination and diagnosis.
Microscopic Analysis of the area is performed. The unit used for this combines computer and microscopy technology to enable the trichologist to get a close view of the hair and/or scalp. This technology has increased patients understanding and confidence in the diagnosis. Patients now are able to see what the trichologist sees. The trichologist is then able to fully explain the patient’s condition with visual aids for reference.
Follow up visits also aid the patient and trichologist as we are now able to compare before, during, and after treatment processes. The patient is able to be assured that the treatment process is working and improving the problem.
Hair and hair bulb analysis is still performed. Hair will be manually removed and examined at a later stage. The patient will then be contacted regarding the results. This type of microscopic work is not done during consultation as it is more time consuming and involves delicate and intricate work.
Patient records are kept up to date and anything discussed is documented and kept for future reference. Any phone queries made after the consultation is also documented.
Patient confidentiality and privacy is very important to the Southern Trichology Clinic.
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