FAQ topics:
What do I do if there is a medical emergency?
If you have an emergency that requires immediate help it is best to call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room.
If you are pregnant and need medical care, or think you are in labor, and have time to go to St. Johns or Missouri Baptist, then proceed there where our doctors are on staff, and the nursing staff will call the doctor on call when you get there.
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How do the Nurse Practitioners work with doctors?
Our Nurse Practitioners work under a collaborative practice agreement with our doctors: They diagnose and treat you based on agreed treatment plans that are decided upon and written by our doctors. In all cases our Nurse Practitioners are working under the guidance of the doctors and are an extension of their usual practice to make the care you receive from them consistent with what our doctors offer.
Nurse Practitioners do not do OB deliveries or Surgery. They are office based which makes them more accessible.
Why do we have Nurse Practitioners as part of our practice team?
Our Nurse Practitioners help our doctors concentrate on your most
severe problems, and offer you more time and attention when you need it. Our
NPs are able to see you if the doctor is called to a delivery or emergency
so you don't have to reschedule.
Why would seeing an NP be an advantage?
The NPs have less waiting time in general than our doctors. They are less imposing to adolescents and young women who are afraid of doctors. They are taught to have a relaxed and educational approach that is an attractive advantage for many of our patients.
How much time should I schedule out for an appointment?
At least 1–1.5 hours. In general paperwork and urinalysis, weigh
in and new history takes 15-30 minutes. If the office is running
on time, and the patients before you have not been late, then you
should be seen by the NP or MD in the next 15-30 minutes. Check out should
take a little more time.
Appointments early in the day are generally more on time than the end of the day.
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Who will deliver my Baby?
The doctor you have chosen is your primary doctor. She will deliver your baby during non-call hours if at all possible. Weekends and night call rotates between the doctors and the doctor on call will deliver your baby if you come in, in labor and deliver during those times.
If you are scheduled for an induction or C-section you will be scheduled on a day your doctor is on call, and she will deliver you.
When should I ask non-emergent OB questions?
Bring a list of your questions to your OB visits. Your OB visits are for education and following the health of your pregnancy. Please save your questions for your visits, unless they are emergencies.
How many OB ultrasounds will a patient receive during her pregnancy?
One ultrasound is generally necessary to document your due date and make sure your baby has no physical abnormalities. Other ultrasounds may be scheduled to diagnose and follow problems during a pregnancy.
If there is a difference between the information I receive in books and at my prenatal classes and the Balanced Care for Women Prenatal Book, which information should I go by?
We advise all of our patients and their partners to read our book and use it as the final word over other advice, unless your doctor gives you other specific instructions. Our Prenatal Book is required reading. Please refer to it before calling the office.
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What is a Well Woman Visit?
It is a yearly preventive visit that is meant to address your current health, pelvic and breast exam, refill prescriptions and order tests that need to be fulfilled before the next year. It is scheduled for 15 minutes.
What if I have new GYN problems?
These issues will be considered and a plan will be decided on. In general, problems will require another visit to go over testing and a treatment plan.
What is a Consultation Visit?
If you have complicated problems with hormones, pelvic pain, infertility, or menopause, as well as need surgery, we will schedule a longer visit to address these issues. We block out 30 minutes for these visits.
How long is a Procedure Visit?
Procedures are scheduled for 30 minutes in our office. This includes explanation of the procedure, the risks, answering your questions about the procedure, and the procedure itself. Please make sure you get all the instructions before the procedure so you are properly prepared.
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How do I get my blood lab results?
Blood lab results are delivered during a visit in our office unless we specify that you will receive a letter with the results. We will not give blood lab panel results over the phone.
How do I get my Pap results?
All normal pap results are noted in your chart and you will not be
notified. If you choose, you may call Quest labs to get your results two weeks
from the date of the collection of your Pap test. Their number is 1-800-392-1208.
You will be asked to provide your Social Security number, your date of birth,
your physician Pin number (3075400), your name, and your ordering physician's
name. If your test results are abnormal, you will receive a letter telling
you the problem and what the plan is for treatment.
How do I get Mammogram results?
By Missouri state law, the facility that does your mammogram must notify you of the results. If we get them before you do and they are abnormal we will call you and tell you what the treatment plan is.
How do I get Bone Density results?
You must make an appointment to discuss results and treatment. If you would rather have your results by mail then we can mail the results to you.
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What if I need Surgery?
If you need surgery we will schedule an appointment with your doctor first. This will be a consultation so you can go over options, the procedure, risks and benefits of the procedure. Please bring all your questions about the surgery with you.
How is surgery scheduled?
Wendy is our surgery scheduler. After your doctor discusses the medical issues of your surgery, Wendy will go over the timing of the procedure, the pre-surgical instructions (which are also in a handout) and give you your scripts for pre and post op. Surgery will only be done on our doctors surgery days.
Wendy pre-certifies the surgery with your insurance company and will take care of the details of your pre-operative testing. Any questions or if you have to cancel, please call Wendy before the day of your surgery.
What if I get sick the day before surgery?
Call Wendy or the exchange if it is the weekend and talk to one of our nurses.
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