Doctors vary in their dedication and commitment to patients. So, how should ileostomy patients go about determining who is the right doctor to perform their BCIR surgery? There are two reliable ways:

1. Judge the extent to which the surgeon is involved with the care of his patients, both during the hospital stay and in the long-term follow-up. This is best done by listening to what patients have to say about the doctor – testimonies speak volumes.
2. Judge the quality and length of the doctor’s professional medical experience.

Dr. Schiller has performed the BCIR longer than any other surgeon in the US

Dr. Don J. Schiller has performed the BCIR for 17 years – continuously without interruption longer than any other ileostomy surgeon in the United States, and he has practiced medicine for nearly 30 years.

Dr. Schiller is devoted to patient care. While recuperating in the hospital after surgery, his patients have often observed with surprise (even shock) that when his schedule is disturbed by an emergency, Dr. Schiller will not only call the nurse to get a report of the patient’s status, he will also call the patient directly in the hospital room and reassure them by letting them know exactly when he expects to arrive to see them.

After hospital discharge Dr. Schiller continues direct care by scheduling routine telephone appointments with out-of-town patients. Often, they comment that they have never experienced this kind of personalized devotion with other doctors of any specialty.

Dr. Schiller practices “longitudinal care.” Most surgeons deal with “vertical care” – a patient is treated, a diseased organ removed or repaired, and the patient recovers, with no need to see the surgeon again. But, BCIR patients require dedicated “longitudinal care.” This means the surgeon must always be available for any needs or questions a patient has – long after discharge from the hospital.

Personal commitment and dedication is the rule

• Rendering care even before the patient makes the decision to have a BCIR.
• Visiting the patient daily during hospitalization.
• Communicating directly with the patient’s local physicians.
• Maintaining active participation in the Quality of Life Association – the respected non-profit organization that supplies information and support to BCIR patients.

A convenient, private and no-cost consultation is available for everyone

When a prospective patient is deciding whether the BCIR is right for them, Dr. Schiller's policy is to schedule a personal telephone appointment consultation (at no charge to the patient or his or her insurance carrier) so that he and the patient have an opportunity to speak directly and privately - not through any screening nurse or office personnel. For his many patients who come from out-of-town, this important phone call substitutes for a customary pre-operative office visit. Of course, anyone who wants to meet and visit with Dr. Schiller personally, instead of by phone, is always welcome.

He encourages patients to call

Dr. Schiller is easily reached and is thorough in all matters. He wants and encourages patients who have a question or concern to call him directly, rather than to first try to speak with the hospital coordinator or office staff. His patients have always expressed sincere gratitude for him being available to them in this way. An office chart is maintained for each and every patient in Dr. Schiller’s private office, and every telephone conversation is recorded by him in progress notes. Any need for medication is dealt with by Dr. Schiller calling the patient’s local pharmacy that day to leave the orders. You are encouraged to speak with any of Dr. Schiller’s BCIR patients about these issues. Dr. Schiller can be reached by calling (310) 204-4565