Rajiv V. Datta, MD

How do I schedule an appointment?

To schedule an appointment, please call the office at 516-632-3350. If your insurance requires a referral, kindly make the request to the referring physician's office prior to your appointment date.

Can my family and/or friends accompany me?

Patients are encouraged to bring a family member or a friend with them for support and to act as your liaison. Dr. Datta believes in building strong relationships with both his patients and their families. It is not only comforting to have a family member with you, but this person can serve as your advocate, asking questions you may have forgotten.

What do I need to bring with me to my office visit?

When you schedule your appointment, the staff will ask you to have your records faxed to our office as soon as possible. This is requested so that we can accordingly schedule those patients in need of an urgent visit. On the day of your visit, you may need to bring original or copies of your radiology studies - for example, CAT scans, mammograms, sonograms or PET scans.

How do I obtain my records and films?

In accordance with the Privacy Act, in order to obtain your written reports and records, you (as the patient) must request that they be sent to our office directly. For originals or copies of radiology films, you'll need to request them from the radiologist that performed the study(s). There may be a fee associated with this, depending on the radiologist's policies. If you have had your studies done at South Nassau Communities Hospital, you do not need to get your films, since we can access them.

How quickly will surgery be scheduled?

All patients requiring immediate, emergency surgery will be accommodated accordingly. Some patients may require further work-ups prior to surgery, including radiological exams and/or biopsies. Every effort is made to schedule a date that is convenient for the patient and their families.

Where does Dr. Datta operate?

Dr. Datta operates at Mount Sinai South Nassau exclusively, where he is the chair of the department of surgery, director of the Gertrude and Louis Feil Cancer Center, and director of surgical oncology and head and neck surgery.

What is Pre-Surgical Evaluation and where is it done?

Typically, you will need to undergo pre-surgical evaluation at least one week prior to your scheduled surgery date. If your surgery is being scheduled quickly it may only be a few days prior to surgery. Our office will schedule this appointment for you and give you a form to bring with you. If you prefer, you can complete your forms through the Mount Sinai South Nassau website.  Click the welcome tab, scroll to patient registration, then select ONE MEDICAL PASSPORT. Registration for pre-surgical evaluation is completed at the outpatient registration area located at the Washington Avenue entrance of the main Hospital in Oceanside. All patients are routinely required to have lab tests, an EKG and a chest X-ray. In some cases, additional studies may need to be performed. These tests are standard requirements for procedures involving anesthesia, and the results will be sent to your primary care physician for medical clearance.

What is Medical Clearance and how do I get it?

Medical clearance is a letter from your primary care physician stating that you can undergo anesthesia - and your planned procedure. You must make an appointment with your primary physician once you have a date for surgery. When making this appointment with your physician, it is best to schedule it after your pre-surgical evaluation date (which was made by our office), and at least 3 days before your surgery in order to avoid any complications. During your appointment, your physician will review the results of your pre-surgical evaluation and base his or her recommendations accordingly.

How do I prepare for surgery?

Some of our patients may require special preps for their bowels if they are undergoing colon surgery. If this is the case for you, instructions for this prep will be given to you at the time of your visit. Some patients will also be asked to maintain a special diet - for example, a clear liquid or soft diet.

What Insurance does the doctor participate in?

For any questions regarding insurance participation information, please call 516-632-3350.