Frequently Asked Questions

 

Pregnancy
How many ultrasounds are done during my pregnancy?

As a general rule you will have an ultrasound at your first visit.  This helps us determine an accurate due date as well as discover multi fetal pregnancies.  The next ultrasound takes place between 18-22 weeks.  This is a thorough review of the baby’s anatomy and of course many would like to see the gender at that time.  A 3-D image will be attempted though please understand that this is not always possible as the babies are quite small and in a variety of positions.  A more ideal time for a 3-D ultrasound is 24-32 weeks.

Many high risk conditions will require further ultrasound evaluations and sometimes even weekly.

Do you have a 3-D ultrasound?

Yes we have 3-D capability and do offer the service.  However, there are a few things to know.  First is that 3-D contributes little to medical knowledge and is therefore not covered by insurance plans.  The second is that images that appear satisfactory to the parents cannot always be obtained.  Fetal and placental position contribute greatly to the quality of the images.  If you do want an appointment only for 3-D or gender determination we would ask that you have already had your formal ultrasound between 18-22 weeks.  We additionally recommend that a 3-D ultrasound be performed between 24-34 weeks.  There is an additional charge not covered by insurance.

Can I have a 3D ultrasound?

An elective ultrasound is not covered by your insurance plan.  Payment for this elective exam is required prior to the service.  The cost of this service is $150.00.

Does this replace my regular Ultrasound?

Absolutely not.  You must have current prenatal care and your routine diagnostic ultrasound before we can schedule your 3D/4D ultrasound.

Will I be guaranteed a clear picture of my baby’s face and tell the sex of the baby?

Unfortunately there are no guarantees.  We are usually able to get a beautiful view of the baby’s face; however, depending on your baby’s position, fluid, placental location, and other maternal factors, it may not always be possible.  In most cases we can provide an indication of the sex of the baby.  However we cannot guarantee the baby’s cooperation during your session.

When should I have this done?

3D/4D images are best obtained between 28-32 weeks of pregnancy for a single pregnancy and 24-27 weeks for twin pregnancies.

Can I bring family and friends?

Yes! This is a special family event.  However, room space limitations allow only three additional individuals.  The provider reserves the right to excuse individuals for any reason.

Ultrasound Disclaimer:

This ultrasound is not diagnostic and is not intended to replace necessary diagnostic ultrasounds and obstetric care.  No attempt will be made to evaluate abnormalities and no measurement will be taken.  These images provided are solely for your enjoyment.

Can I have a vaginal delivery if I have had a c-section before?

Yes.  This in conjunction with Great Plains Health.  A trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC) is a high risk event.  It takes resources on our part as well as the hospital to offer this service.   Prospective candidates will meet with one of our physicians to review important parts of the medical history and calculate the success rate of possible vaginal birth after c-section (VBAC).  We request a predicted success rate of 70% before attempting a VBAC.

What happens if I lose my mucus plug?

The mucus plug accumulates at the cervix during pregnancy.  When the cervix begins to open wider, the mucus is discharge into the vagina and may be clear, pink or slightly bloody.  Labor may begin soon after the mucus plus is discharged or possibly several weeks later.

Can I travel during pregnancy?

For routine and uncomplicated pregnancies, travel can be acceptable up to 36 weeks and should be discussed with your doctor.

Which over the counter medications are safe in pregnancy for pain? For a cold?

Headache:  Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Indigestion:  Mylanta, TUMS, Maalox

Diarrhea:  Kaopectate, Imodium AD

Constipation:  Surfak, Fibercon, Citrucel, Metamucil

Cold / Sinus:  Sudafed, Robitussin

Seasonal Allergies:  Claritin or Zyrtec, Benadryl

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

While pregnancy is felt to be a normal and beautiful aspect of life, we do know that things can turn quite complicated and do so rapidly.  Many people enter pregnancy and are considered low risk and later find out they are high-risk.  The most common emerging complications we deal with are preterm labor, pre-eclampsia and fetal growth issues.  None of these should be taken lightly.  Rest assured, we have a tremendous amount of experience with these issues and will lead you through them.

How do I know when I am in labor?

Let us first explain that the patients who are asking this question should be in the last month of their pregnancy.  If you are earlier than 36 wees please see our discussion of preterm labor symptoms.

Labor is basically uterine contractions that lead to a change of the cervix.  A good rule of thumb is to time these contractions and assess their intensity.  We think you should be heading to the hospital when your contractions are closer than five minutes apart and are strong enough to make it difficult for you to walk or talk through them, and if they continue for about an hour.  This is a general guideline.  Many of our patients come from far distances or may be confused or scared.  In these instances, please call us.

During business hours, you can either call and speak to one of our nurses who will help you decide your next steps, or proceed directly to the hospital through the registration desk.

After business hours, you can either page the on-call physician (308-534-4804) or proceed directly to the hospital via the Emergency Room registration.

How does preterm labor feel?

This question would apply to you if you are less than 36 weeks.  If you have had a baby, you will of course remember what contractions feel like.  We would be concerned if you could readily time these contractions for greater than one hour.  First time moms may just simply feel ill and will even sometimes say they feel like they are getting a menstrual cycle.  They may also notice decreased baby movements as well as vaginal discharge or even spotting.  Of course, if you are in doubt, please call us.

General

What is an OB/GYN physician?

An OB/GYN physician is one who specializes in both obstetrics and gynecology.  As obstetricians we take care of normal as well as high risk pregnancies and deliveries.  As gynecologists we care for women of all ages and all aspects of women’s health to include cancer screening, birth control, urinary incontinence, pelvic support issues, and menstrual concerns such as heavy bleeding as well as well woman health maintenance.

We are uniquely trained to carry out these tasks as we trained exclusively for pregnancy and female reproductive disorders for four years after medical school.  It is only then that one is able to sit for the board examination and two years later for oral examination.   This is only the beginning our medical journey as we spend a lifetime continuing to develop our knowledge and skills.

Are we accepting new patients?

Yes.  All of our providers welcome new patients.

What insurance do you accept?

North Platte OBGYN participates in traditional and managed care insurance plans.  We are in-network providers with all major insurance plans.  To find out if a particular physician or clinician participates with your plan, please contact our office or your insurance company.

How can I make a payment?

There are two ways that payment is accepted.

  • North Platte OBGYN uses Solutions Healthcare Management as our billing and collection services. When you receive a bill from North Platte OBGYN it will ask you to make your payment to: North Platte OBGYN, PO Box 4049, Portland, OR 97208-4049

This is the PO Box that is used for all of our billing payments and correspondence.

  • Online at northplatteobgyn.com – Click Here
  • If you prefer, please call or stop by the office and we will accept payment.
I have a question about my bill.

North Platte OBGYN uses Solutions Healthcare Management as our billing and collection services.  For questions regarding your bill please contact Customer Service:  888-688-4838.

How do I get a refill on my medication?

Please call your pharmacy and they will notify us.  We ask you to allow 48 hours for the provider to review your request and reply to the pharmacy.  If there are concerns regarding you prescription, a nurse will contact you.

How do I get ahold of the on-call physician?

During office hours, all calls are filtered and triaged through the office and nursing staff.  After hours, please contact the office phone number, 308-534-4804.  We have an answering service that will take a detailed message from you and relay that to the physician.  A call will be returned to you as soon as possible.  Please recall that this physician is fielding many phone calls, seeing patients at the hospital, and doing deliveries.  A call is always returned after these acute issues are handled.

Do you offer laparoscopic procedures?

Of course.  We are actually quite progressive in our knowledge and techniques and have been offering total laparoscopic hysterectomies for nearly 9 years.  This does represent advanced laparoscopy and in many ways is analogous to robotic surgery.  Offering laparoscopic hysterectomies was a novelty many years ago when we started.  One would now have to consider it to be the standard of care when compared to large incision hysterectomies.  The great majority of these are done in an outpatient setting with same day dismissal.  Return to work has been as short as 48 hours but more typically 1-2 weeks.  Jobs requiring heavy lifting may need more time.