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What services do you provide? The providers at the Center for Women’s Health provide complete obstetrical and gynecological care for women of all ages. Services include: Family planning/Preconception counseling/Birth control What is the difference between a doctor and a midwife? Dr. Abbot and Dr. Plotnick are licensed physicians who have attended medical school and completed a residency program in obstetrics and gynecology. They offer all the services listed above and manages complex problems and performs surgery. Dr. Abbot and Dr. Plotnick are Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in the care of pregnant women. Our Nurse Midwives have privileges at North Colorado Medical Center and do all of their deliveries in the hospital. They also offer prenatal care, well woman care, and manage some common gynecologic problems. All of our midwives have master’s degrees in science. Dr. Abbot, Dr. Plotnick’s and the midwives’ philosophies are similar regarding obstetrical care. If the need to co-manage arises for a midwife patient, we know she will receive the best care possible. You will have the benefit of both the midwives’ and our physician’s expertise. What happens in an emergency? Of course, if it is an actual emergency, please call 911. Do I need to have a full bladder for an ultrasound? If so, how much water should I drink? If you have an ultrasound for reasons not relating to pregnancy, you will probably be having a vaginal ultrasound. You do not need a full bladder for this procedure. If your healthcare provider told you that you would be having an abdominal scan, then please come with a full bladder. For ultrasounds done during pregnancy you may or may not need a full bladder. For all ultrasounds beyond the first 12 weeks of pregnancy it is important that your bladder be full. If it is not, you may be asked to reschedule your appointment for another time. Please drink at least 20 ounces of water at least 1 hour before your appointment and do not empty your bladder until after your scan is performed. If I see a midwife for my pregnancy and birth, can I still have pain medication or an epidural? Our hope is that through childbirth classes you will gain familiarity with what is available. We know that you will come to labor with an open attitude about these options. We will support you in whatever you decide. The medicine we usually administer is fentanyl, a narcotic-like compound with short activity. We give this to you via your IV or buffcap. It will help you to rest, relax, and cope with your labor. Epidural anesthesia is available, and we believe it is safe and effective. Though most women don’t require this form of pain relief some electively choose it. If this is your preference, we will be happy to arrange for this to be available to you. The effect is to take away your labor pain by blocking pain nerves as they enter the spinal column. You would be numb from your belly button down and would be able to sleep and/or store up your energy for pushing. It is very helpful for long labors or if you are behind in your sleep and are having trouble coping. What medications are safe during pregnancy for headaches and general aches and pains? Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Excedrin are okay to use during pregnancy. All other pain relievers should be discussed with your medical provider before use. (Link to Medication List) How do I get my prescription refilled? When you need a prescription refilled, please contact your pharmacy and let them know. They will fax us a request with all of your information along with the details of the original prescription. We will contact them once your provider determines if the refill is appropriate. What should I do if I don’t feel the baby move for a few hours? If your baby seems quieter than usual, there is usually no need to worry. Babies have lazy days just like the rest of us. If you don’t feel any movement during baby’s normally active time, you should have a snack, drink a big glass of water, and lie down on your left side. Count how often you feel the baby move in one hour. If you don’t feel 5 movements in 1 hour, call the office. What should I do if I think I am in labor? If you are having contractions and think you are in labor, please call the office. During regular office hours one of our staff members will answer your call and help to determine if you are in labor. Outside office hours the midwife or doctor on call will help you decide whether it is time to head to the hospital. Do not go directly to labor and delivery without contacting us unless it is an emergency. What are bioidentical hormones? Bioidentical hormones are medications that are manufactured to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body. Bioidentical hormones have been around for years and can be individualized for each patient’s needs. Lab testing is performed in order to identify your current hormone levels and recommendations may be given to adjust those levels with the addition of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Do I have to make an appointment or can I simply walk in? You must make an appointment for all services performed in our office. Is payment required at the time of service? Yes, you are required to pay your co-pay and the portion of your bill that will be your responsibility after your insurance pays your claim. We would be happy to give you an estimate of that amount. What if I miss my appointment? We appreciate you keeping your appointment card handy to remind you of when your next visit is. If you can’t remember, you can call the office and we will check for you. We have a very busy office and ask that you call at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to keep your appointment so that we can make that time available to other patients. Why is my insurance not paying my claim? Every insurance plan has different criteria and procedures for payment. Even when we get a pre-authorization from your insurance company it is not a guarantee of payment. We will do everything we can to work with your insurance. If we are having problems getting your insurance to pay, we may ask you to call your insurance company to find out the status of your claim. When you speak with someone at your insurance company, it is helpful to get the name of the representative you talk to and document what is said. What is an EOB? It stands for Explanation of Benefits. This is a form your insurance company provides that explains your claim payment. It should tell you what insurance paid and the amount that is your responsibility. |