Locations
Billings Area Office of Indian Health Service
My office hours
Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Show morePhone
Practice website
Insurances accepted
Medicare
Medicaid
Anthem BC Life & Health Insurance Company
About
Bio
Currently the Chief of Pathology Services for the Billings Area of the Indian Health Service tasked with directorship of 5 moderate to high complexity labs and consultant for 5 other labs in the area.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Critical Care
Pathology
Doctor Q&A
84 Answers
166 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 25-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Doubtful: Many things can cause your period to be late including stress. With three negative test it is doubtful you are pregnant unless you performed those te... Read More
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Yes: Yes but not normally.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Pretty difficult: I suggest a repeat sample using clean catch instructions.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Combination: of when you last had intercourse and are you normally regular. You can repeat your home pregnancy test in a week after the last one or go see your pr... Read More
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Liver function tests: They tested a group of chemistries that when properly interpreted can tell if there isdamage or dysfunction to how well the liver is working. Things ... Read More
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Benign: Should be no problem but continue to follow up with your provider since you are under 50.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Distraction: Distraction is one technique. Also condoms that contain numbing cream to encourage longer lasting action and also the squeeze technique which usually... Read More
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 16-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Low: Low at hour current age if you no longer smoke.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Many possibilities: Given your age more history is needed. Such as have you had a back injury in the past? This could be from a compressed nerve in your spine if you ha... Read More
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 53-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Repeat lab test: Next step would be for lab to repeat test and check quality control results.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
See OB: This change should be evaluated by your OB provider to ensure your endometrial lining in not developing harmful changes. Given your age it most likel... Read More
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Possibilities includ: e meditation training, and behavioral modification seminars. Also a lot of martial arts assist with breathing techniques and may be of assistance. P... Read More
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
See provider: He should see his primary care provider as soon as possible as long as there are just streaks but if there is free flowing blood like with a paper cut... Read More
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Question: Not sure of your question but 15 mm lining that is increased should be looked at and evaluated by your Gyn provider.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Yes - possible: It is possible you were pregnant before (or later depending on circumstances). Cannot say definitively without more history. Rate of Plan B failure ... Read More
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Type of chair: As well as how you are sitting in it may be the cause. If you are not sitting fully facing forward, the chair back may be leaning against your back m... Read More
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 66-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Depends on reason: The reason for the level is important. A therapeutic blood draw can be done but before you do anything see you medical provider.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Provider visit: Would suggest a visit to your provider for an evaluation and history with a blood pregnancy test. Other things such as extreme exercise can cause mis... Read More
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Highly likely: Given the size and the result being reported in T format. It is highly likely to be cancer however, biopsy should have been taken and radiology corre... Read More
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
See OB soon: I would see your OB provider as soon as possible. This could be an infectious process but needs visual exam to be sure proper therapy is initiated.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Hmmmm: It would make it unlikely but a blood HCG may be a better test for a definitive answer.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Repeat test: The first thing would be to have the test redrawn and repeated. If there is still a low platelet count, then I would suggest follow-up with your medi... Read More
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Depends: On how long after you finish the medication.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Discovery: It was discovered at a Legionnaire's convention hence the name.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Evaluation ASAP: Even without pain this should be evaluated ASAP. It is always a good idea when something supposedly stable suddenly changes.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Do preg test first: Before jumping to conclusions, you should perform a pregnancy test.
3.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Most likely: Most likely but if concerned get a second opinion for your piece of mind.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
See provider: if your period does not come in the next 7 days then see your provider for direct assistance and appropriate testing...
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Weakness, dizziness: And possible death if too much is lost. There needs to be immediate transport to the nearest ED if the person involved is not able to stay awake or c... Read More
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Mostly no: A properly done blood transfusion is not dangerous. There are possibilities of problems, but they are rare and it is best to ask about them before yo... Read More
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 51-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Await biopsy: Before worrying I would wait for the biopsy results. Then a more complete picture of what is going on will be available for your medical provider to ... Read More
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
See your provider: There could be issues but I recommend you see and talk to your OB as soon as you can about your concern.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Missing issue: It seems your question got cut off. As to hyperplasia it depends on whether it is simple or complex and if there is atypia (weird cells). What type ... Read More
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Cells: RDW is the calculation of the difference in cell size. The MCV is a better indicator of the actual size of the red cells and if below 80 is considere... Read More
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Should see Doctor: Until late in the course of a malignant ovarian tumor there are very few specific symptoms. With both malignant and benign tumors some describe a fee... Read More
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Not necessarily: There could be other causes including infectious to consider. I would await the CT Scan results and then conference with your provider.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Yes: Yes you can test after two weeks. Depending on the brand it will be accurate in a high number of cases but read the packaging to ensure this.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Depends on reason: You should be fine by now but the reason is important. Was this directed by your medical provider or was this a dosage you decided for yourself. In ... Read More
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Depends: Depends on why you got the stitches in the first place and the appearance of the wound.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Not likely: More likely your date of conception was in late March.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Yes: Expected range is 5-50 at 2-3 weeks. Recheck at 4 weeks. Should rise. 5-426 is range at 4 weeks.
1.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Immediately call 911: Get that person to the Emergency Room ASAP. In the meantime, keep the patient as still as possible and turn the head to one side to prevent issues wh... Read More
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Very low: They are very low unless there is an underlying issue such as Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer) or Familial adenomatous polyposis ... Read More
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Short answer - yes: it can. but more often, the stomach is not damaged to the point of ulceration.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Ignore: You should drink water if you notice your urine is a darker yellow than lemonade.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Very doubtful: Very doubtful but a pregnancy test may be a good idea for piece of mind.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
In that case: it would be hard to answer your concerns in 400 characters. I suggest that an appointment with your primary care provider may be be the best option t... Read More
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Most likely no: Very rarely will this resolve without treatment. While it is possible for the pain to fade, it would be best to get evaluated by you medical care pro... Read More
1.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:

Dr. Robert Bates jr.answered
Critical Care 25 years experience
Probably but...: I would suggest one more test three months after the last one to be sure and have protected sex in the future.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
4
Recommendations
87
Thank you notes
Jul 20, 2014
I endorse Dr. Bates and welcome him to Healthtap. His responses are clear & accurate. He is providing an excellent to the public via Healthtap.
Jul 14, 2014
I recommend Dr.Bates for specializing in critical care medicine. It is a specialty only for some of the best internists.
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Bates jr. is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! I have reg periods, usually lasting 4 days..also feel slightly dizzy?
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! Thank u soooo much I only wished u practiced in my city! :-)
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! Thanks the second doctor said the xray showed no sign of a aaa
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, MD
Graduated 1997MD
Residency
Wilford Hall Medical Center, USAF
Awards
Army Commendation Medical
Air Force Commendation Medal
Honorable Discharge U.S. Air Force, U.S.A.F.
Affiliations
College of American Pathologists
United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology
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