Office Policies
Billing & Insurance
Insurance coverage for obstetrics and gynecology can be complicated. At our office, we are familiar with several common local insurances, but since plans can vary, it is often a good idea to call your plan directly to find out what your coverage is. This is especially important for obstetrics patients as birth coverage varies wildly.
If you have a co-payment or co-insurance fee to pay, you must pay that at the time of your appointment.
If you have questions about your overall coverage for OB/GYN care, please call your insurance company directly.
Prior Authorization
For some surgeries and procedures, prior authorization is required. Do not try to get this yourself. For insurance to cover the service, the prior authorization must be obtained by our team. We have a administrative team that specifically works to obtain prior authorization for procedures like hysterectomy, sterilization, and more. We will let you know if we have any questions for you, or need any additional information.
Sometimes insurance initially denies prior authorization requests; don’t assume that this means you can never have your procedure covered. We generally have the right to appeal a company’s decision and try to get the service covered.
If you have questions about whether or not your insurance is accepted, or how to make sure your insurance is billed, contact Capital Women’s Care.
Frequently Asked Questions
To ensure seamless patient care, we cover most of our weekends; however, we do cross-cover with another wonderful group of doctors from Capital Women’s Care on some weekends. We truly appreciate your understanding and support, as this arrangement allows us to provide you with high-quality care while also giving our team the opportunity to spend more time with our families. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re committed to ensuring you have access to the care you need!
While some tests get results from our on-site lab, most do need to be sent to other facilities. Lab tests will send us results within 1-3 days, while PAP smears and other biopsies may take 1-2 weeks to get results. We highly recommend that you enrol in the Patient Portal as this is the fastest means of communication. Once enrolled, you will be able to see your own results. Once your results are received, your doctor will review them. Additionally, one of our advice nurses may contact you to discuss results. Sometimes you will be asked to make an appointment to discuss results with your physician.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that concern you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. During normal office hours, simply call our office, and you will be directed to the triage line. One of our compassionate triage nurses will contact you to assess your situation and guide you on the next steps. If you’re facing an urgent situation, such as bright red bleeding during pregnancy, and our office is closed, please call the on-call physician at 1-888-801-3988. For any life-threatening emergencies, it’s crucial to call 911 right away. Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we’re here to support you!
If you suspect you may be pregnant, it’s important to take a home pregnancy test for an initial check. If the test is positive or if you have any questions, please schedule an appointment with our office. Our team will guide you through the next steps, confirm your pregnancy with a medical test, and discuss prenatal care options. Please note that our first visit typically does not include an ultrasound unless there are specific concerns. We generally wait for your blood work to confirm that it’s the appropriate time for your first ultrasound, which is usually conducted during your New OB visit. Early prenatal care is crucial for a healthy pregnancy, so please reach out to us as soon as possible.
We are proud to perform all of our deliveries and major surgeries at Holy Cross Hospital, where you can expect compassionate and comprehensive care. If you find yourself in an emergency situation at a hospital other than Holy Cross, please understand that we won’t be able to oversee your care. For minor surgeries, we utilize the excellent services of The Maryland Surgical Center for Women, ensuring you receive top-notch treatment in a comfortable setting. Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we are here to support you every step of the way!
Determining if you are in labor can sometimes be tricky. Some common signs suggest that it is possible you are in labor, including regular contractions, lower back pain, and a change in vaginal discharge. If you notice consistent contractions that last 30 to 70 seconds and occur every 5 minutes or closer for 1 to 2 hours, it is possible that you are in labor. You should consider heading to the hospital when: Your contractions are regular and progressively getting stronger. Your water breaks, which may feel like a sudden gush or a steady trickle of fluid. You experience any other concerning symptoms, such as heavy bleeding or severe pain. If you are experiencing signs of preterm labor (labor occurring before 37 weeks of pregnancy), it is especially important to go to contact us. Symptoms may include frequent contractions, pelvic pressure, and changes in vaginal discharge. Quick evaluation and care are crucial for the health of both you and your baby. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to call our office or the hospital for guidance. We’re here to support you and ensure you receive the care you need at the right time!
If you think you may have broken your water, it’s important to pay attention to the details. When the amniotic sac ruptures, you may notice a sudden gush of fluid or a steady trickle. This fluid is typically clear, but it can also be tinged with blood or meconium (the baby’s first stool). To help determine if your water has broken, consider the following: Is the fluid clear or colored? Are you experiencing contractions or any discomfort? Did the fluid flow occur with a sudden sensation, or is it more of a continuous leaking? If you suspect that your water has broken, please contact our office or head to the hospital for evaluation. It’s important to check for any signs of infection and to monitor your baby’s well-being. We’re here to ensure that you and your baby receive the care you need!
To request a prescription refill, please call our office during normal business hours and leave a message on the prescription refill request line. Be sure to specify the medication(s) you need, along with the dosage. Additionally, please mention when you last had your well-woman exam or visit. Depending on how long it’s been since your last appointment, you may need to schedule a visit to ensure your prescription can be safely renewed. We kindly ask that you refrain from calling the on-call doctor or emergency line for routine prescription refill requests. Our team is here to help you, so don’t hesitate to reach out!