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Frequently Asked Questions
New
Patient:
Can I make my appointment on the Web?
Yes, you may make an appointment request using our online
appointment request form. Our office will call you to confirm your
appointment. Click here to request an appointment.
When should I arrive and what do I need to bring at my first
visit?
You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment
time to complete your patient questionnaire as well as
payment/insurance information. If you arrive 15 minutes late your appointment may
be rescheduled. You need to bring a current insurance
card and a picture ID. If you are unable to obtain your insurance card
prior to your visit your coverage will need to be verified prior to
your visit with the doctor.
May I complete the patient questionnaire at home
prior to my appointment?
The patient questionnaire form can be requested by mail, fax,
or obtained on our web site by clicking here for completion. This
will ease your registration and allow you adequate time to answer all
the questions completely.
How do I get to your office?
Directions can be found by clicking this link.
I
have insurance questions. What insurance plans do you currently
participate with and will you file with my insurance?
We participate with most plans. The list is in the Insurance
Section or simply click on this link. We will file with
the insurance plans we participate. You are responsible for your co-pay
at the time of the visit. If you have other questions contact the
office at (703) 922-3434 press "4" to either speak to the
insurance manager or leave a message so plans may be made prior to your
arrival.
My insurance company requires a referral. Will you obtain it
from my primary care physician?
If your insurance carrier requires a referral, it is your
responsibility to obtain the referral and present it prior to your
visit. If you are unable to obtain a referral or pick it up prior to
your visit, please call the office to reschedule your appointment.
What should I do if I can not keep my appointment?
The doctors provide time for each visit. If you need to
reschedule your appointment, kindly call at least one business day in advance to avoid an administrative fee. We
realize a serious emergency may arise where less time is available under this condition there will be no administrative fee. We simply ask you kindly give
the office as much notice as possible so other patients may be
scheduled.
How long will my wait be to see the doctor and will I be
called if my appointment is cancelled?
No one enjoys waiting. We attempt to see patient within 15-20
minutes from the scheduled appointment time or sooner.
There are times when emergencies will arise
necessitating a delay or a rescheduling of your appointment. We will
call you as soon as we become aware of the situation. Kindly provide us
an accurate number where you can be reached that day when you make your
appointment.
Obstetrical:
I think I am pregnant what should I avoid and when should I
make my appointment?
Ideally, you should make an appointment prior to becoming
pregnant. At that visit, we can discuss diet, laboratory testing,
prenatal vitamins, and medications to avoid. Therefore, if you think
you are pregnant make your appointment now to be evaluated.
Home pregnancy tests are generally very accurate after a
missed period. Prenatal vitamins with iron and folic acid are
recommended. Pregnant women should refrain from smoking and alcohol
throughout the entire pregnancy.
What
medicines can I take in pregnancy?
Pregnant women should avoid all medicines during the first
trimester (13 weeks). There are exceptions based upon the medical
condition. Please refer to the handout given to you in your prenatal
packet for specific medications.
I'm
spotting in the first trimester (13 weeks) am I having a miscarriage?
Spotting can be a serious condition but in the first trimester
it also occurs many times without danger to the pregnancy. This
condition can occur after prolonged activity, heavy lifting, or
intercourse. This condition requires a medical evaluation.
Can
I color my hair or get a perm?
Hair coloring or permanents should be avoided in the first
trimester (13 weeks). However, if you have had your hair colored or a
permanent performed there is low risk to the pregnancy. There is less
risk during the second and third trimester.
Can
I use a hot tub or Jacuzzi?
Hot tubs or Jacuzzis are dangerous to your pregnancy. The
temperature of the water is often over 101 degrees F and this can cause
serious injuries to your unborn child. The temperature of the pregnancy
can become 1 to 2 degrees hotter than the water!
Can
I paint the baby's room/furniture?
Water based paints are not dangerous. The odors may be
particularly unpleasant to pregnant women. It is suggested the room
painted be well ventilated and unoccupied for two days after the
painting is completed.
How
late in pregnancy can I travel?
It is considered generally acceptable to travel until the 28th
week. Traveling until the 36th week is not discouraged. However, beyond
36th week the risk of delivering at your travel location is increased.
When
should I call the doctor?
It’s preferable to call during office hours as it is
easy to be checked and evaluated. You can also avoid unnecessary trips
to the hospital.
Before
37 weeks, it is important to report any regular
contractions greater than six (6) in an hour for two hours. Other
reasons to call include any vaginal bleeding, leaking of fluid from the
vagina, persistent head aches, or visual changes.
After
37 weeks, it is important to time your contractions before
you call. When your contractions are five minutes apart for two hours
you should call. Some exceptions for an immediate call include if your
membranes have ruptured (bag of water) with green fluid, vaginal
bleeding, persistent head aches, or visual changes.
Gynecological:
I
think I might have herpes, vaginal warts, Chlamydia ?
Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. Oral/Mouth herpes
(HSV-I) is very common perhaps as high as 80% of adults. Genital herpes
(HSV-II) is less common but occurs in nearly 20% of couples that are
sexually active. The diagnosis is made visually but usually confirmed
by a culture. Treatment is available to speed the healing and avoid
future out breaks.
Vaginal
warts (HPV) are viruses transmitted sexually. Usually they are noted on
the genitals as irregular growths but they may also be found as an
abnormal Pap smear. Diagnosis and treatment is available to control the
virus.
Chlamydia
is perhaps the most common sexually transmitted disease which is most
often unrecognized. Most with Chlamydia are asymptomatic. It is
therefore very important to be screened for these bacteria.
I
have a vaginal discharge could this be serious?
Vaginal discharges are very common. The most common causes
involve bacteria and yeast. However, contact irritation is also very
common. These can be due to vigorous activity, tampons or pads, changes
in cleaning products, as well as dryness.
While over the counter medications are available,
a diagnosis is important for an accurate and complete cure. It is
suggested first time as well as persistent infections be evaluated
professionally.
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