FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Care At Atreus Medical & Surgical Associates

Choosing a new ENT, pulmonary, speech pathology or hearing care provider often comes with questions. Whether you’re preparing for your first visit, wondering about a treatment option or looking for more information about our services, the team at Atreus Medical & Surgical Associates is here to help. Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often. If you don’t see your question, please contact our office. We’re always happy to help!

Patients reviewing frequently asked questions about ent, pulmonary, allergy, speech, and hearing care at atreus medical & surgical associates.

General FAQs

How can I schedule an appointment?

Simply call our office at (864) 800-0100 or request an appointment online. Our team will help schedule you with the provider best suited for your needs

Your patient portal allows you to view portions of your medical record, communicate with our office and access test results. If you need assistance accessing your account, our team will be happy to help.

Yes. Once your provider completes and signs your visit note, it will typically be available through your patient portal.

If your previous providers have sent us your records or you have authorized their release, our team will review them before or during your appointment. Bringing copies of outside records or imaging can also be helpful!

New medications can be excellent treatment options for some patients, but they are not appropriate for everyone. Dr. Boxwell, Dr. Stenbit or Andrea Storie, SLP, will evaluate your medical history, symptoms and testing to determine whether a specific medication is safe and may be beneficial for you.

Medications play an important role in controlling symptoms, preventing complications and improving your long-term health. If you have questions about why it’s necessary to take a certain medication long term, please discuss them with your provider. We want your treatment plan to work for you and can help you manage any side effects or other concerns.

Every patient is different. Some conditions improve within days or weeks, while others require ongoing management over several months. Dr. Stenbit and our team will discuss what you can expect based on your diagnosis and treatment plan.

At Atreus Medical & Surgical Associates, we welcome patients of different ages depending on the specialty. Our pulmonology services are available for adults ages 18 and older, while our speech-language pathology and ENT services are available for patients of all ages. Our Hearing Center and allergy services are available for patients ages 7 and older.

ENT FAQs

Is balloon sinuplasty performed in a hospital?

No—at Atreus Medical & Surgical Associates, we perform the balloon sinuplasty procedure right here in our office under local anesthesia!

Balloon sinuplasty is an FDA-approved procedure performed right here in our office in either Seneca or Powdersville, SC. The procedure helps to treat chronic sinusitis and other recurring sinus problems. To find out if you are a good candidate, request an appointment with the Atreus Medical & Surgical Associates team. Dr. Boxwell and our team will perform a comprehensive evaluation, assess your symptoms and determine if you are a good fit for this procedure.

While you can expect some minor congestion, drainage and/or pressure as you recover from balloon sinusplasty, most patients are able to return to normal activities within 24–48 hours after the procedure.

At Atreus Medical & Surgical Associates, we treat a variety of ear, nose and throat conditions, including sinusitis, nasal congestion, chronic nasal drainage, chronic cough and more.

Voice & Speech Pathology FAQs

How can I schedule a speech pathology appointment?

Your physician may refer you or you can request an appointment with Andrea Storie, SLP, by filling out our online form.

Symptoms may include chronic cough, voice problems, swallowing difficulties, trouble communicating or breathing disorders.

Many patients benefit significantly from speech-language therapy. Treatment focuses on improving breathing patterns, reducing strain on the voice, improving swallowing safety and managing chronic cough or airway disorders.

Yes. At Atreus Medical & Surgical Associates, we offer speech-language pathology services for patients of all ages.

Pulmonary FAQs

Can you help determine what's causing my shortness of breath?

Yes. Shortness of breath can have many different causes, including lung conditions, upper airway disorders, heart conditions or other medical issues. Dr. Stenbit will perform a comprehensive evaluation in order to identify the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate pulmonary treatment.

Using an inhaler properly is important to ensure the medication reaches your lungs effectively. During your appointment, we’ll demonstrate the correct technique, answer your questions and make sure you’re comfortable using your inhaler before you leave.

Pulmonary function tests help us measure how well your lungs are working and monitor changes over time. Even if you’ve had testing before, repeat testing allows us to evaluate whether your condition has improved, remained stable or progressed so we can make informed treatment decisions. Your pulmonary specialist will determine the appropriate schedule for pulmonary function testing based on your plan of care.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that is not considered curable. However, Dr. Stenbit and our pulmonary care team can help manage your COPD symptoms to live more comfortably and breathe easier.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea FAQs

Do I have to wear my CPAP?

CPAP remains one of the most effective treatments for obstructive sleep apnea. You should wear your CPAP as prescribed by your provider.

Yes. Our team evaluates patients who have difficulty tolerating CPAP therapy. In some cases, improving nasal airflow may make CPAP more comfortable and effective.

If the Inspire® therapy is appropriate for your care, we are happy to discuss that option with you.

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Personalized ENT, Pulmonary, Speech Pathology & Hearing Care Close To Home

Let’s start your healing journey.

Whether you are dealing with persistent breathing concerns, chronic cough, sinus symptoms, allergies, hearing changes, sleep apnea, voice concerns or swallowing difficulties, the Atreus Medical & Surgical Associates team is here to help. Our independently-owned practice provides advanced, personalized specialty medical care in Seneca and Powdersville, SC, with treatment plans built around your symptoms, health goals and everyday comfort. Request an appointment today for clearer answers and lasting relief.