Browse F.A.Q. Topics

• Billing1
• General4
• Pregnancy13

Billing

• What health insurance carriers are you contracted with?

  We are contracted with the insurance companies listed below, however, each insurer has multiple specific plans and networks.  Please contact your insurance company directly to verify that your doctor is in the network for your plan.

  Accountable Health Plan PPO

  AHCCCS

  APIPA

  Care 1^st

  Mercy Care

  Health Choice

  Health Net ACCESS

  Maricopa Health Plan

  Phoenix Health Plan

  State AHCCCS

  Aetna HMO, PPO

  AMN

  Foundation For Medical Care ASPA

  Beech Street PPO

  Great West HMO, PPO

  Multi Plan

  Private Healthcare Systems EPO, PPO

  Pro – Net PPO

  Banner Choice

  Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

  Cigna

  CCN

  First Health

  Health Care Consortium of Arizona

  Health Net

  Humana – PPO

  Mayo

  PacifiCare PPO, HMO

  PHCS

  Schaller Anderson HMO, Advantage, Advantage Plus

  Tricare/Champus

  United Health Care – HMO, PPO, POS, Choice Plus

  United Payors, United Providers (UPUP)

   

General

• When can I reach someone by phone during normal business hours?

  Our hours for answering the phone are Monday-Friday 7:30am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-4:00pm. When you phone our office, please follow the prompts so your call will be directed to the employee who can help you best.

• How do I get a refill on my prescription

  Most pharmacies will automatically fax a refill request to our office when you need a new prescription. You can also call your pharmacy directly and ask them to fax your prescription refill request to the office. A prescription refill usually takes three business days to process, however filling your prescription may take longer if it requires a prior authorization or other information from your health insurer. To avoid running out of your medication, please start the refill process well in advance of finishing your current supply of medication.

• How do I reach someone by phone after business hours?

  We strongly encourage patients to call our office for medical problems during normal business hours, however, we recognize that problems may arise after business hours. After 4:00 p.m. daily, you can reach the provider on call through our answering service at 877-844-2858. You will be prompted to leave a message which will be sent to the doctor on-call. Please include your first and last name, date of birth, telephone number where you can be reached and a brief description of your problem. The doctor will call you back as soon as possible. No page will be sent if you do not leave a message. Please note that you may be charged for some phone calls returned to you after hours. This charge will not be billed to insurance, and you will be directly responsible for payment of this fee. Remember physicians on call overnight are responding to all patient needs including in-hospital emergencies so please restrict your after hours calls to matters requiring immediate care. Routine prescription refills, appointment scheduling and other non-urgent matters should be called in to the office on the next business day.

• How do I get the lab tests I need?

  As a courtesy to our patients, we have a staff person drawing blood in our office. Whenever possible, your samples will be collected in our office and sent to the lab indicated by your insurance company. The lab charges are billed directly from the lab facility. Billing issues related to lab work should be addressed directly to the lab facility and/or your insurance carrier. Some lab tests may not be covered by your insurance plan and you may be responsible for the charges. Make sure you read your policy and are familiar with your coverage.

Pregnancy

• What is the schedule of visits in a normal pregnancy?

  Pregnancy is a normal but altered state of health. The majority of women maintain perfect health throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. Pregnancy is however a time where the body is undergoing tremendous changes and health problems can arise. As long as you and your baby are doing fine, your checkups will follow a schedule as this one:  

  From the first visit to 28 weeks Every 4 weeks From 28 to 36 weeks Every 2-3 weeks From 36 weeks to delivery Weekly

    If you develop a problem during your pregnancy, or you had a significant medical problem prior to pregnancy, you will need to see a doctor more often.    

• What happend during my visits?

  At each visit, you will be asked to leave a urine sample, have your weight and blood pressure taken and be examined to check make sure your pregnancy is progressing normally. At certain points during the pregnancy, you will have blood tests and other specialized exams to monitor your health. Your provider will also talk to you about common concerns in pregnancy like recommended vaccines, diet and staying active during pregnancy. 

  It is a good idea to jot down your questions and concerns before each visit so they can be addressed during your visit. 

• What are my options for birth control after delivery?

  There are several forms of contraception available to you and your partner. Before choosing a method you should consider how well the method works, how likely you are to use it, how safe it is, how much it is going to cost and how well it will fit into your lifestyle. Each method of birth control has benefits and side effects. In general, methods containing estrogen should not be started until at least six weeks after birth.  A woman who is interested in breastfeeding should make sure to establish a good milk supply by breastfeeding regularly and consistently before starting an estrogen containing method.  Progesterone only methods like Depo Provera and progesterone pills can be started immediately after birth and usually do not affect breast milk supply. Other forms of birth control include the intrauterine device or IUD and barrier methods like the diaphragm, cervical cap, condom (male and female), and spermicides. Finally there is sterilization for those women or couples who are positive they do not want any more children.  For women, there are several methods of blocking the tubes from the ovaries (fallopian tubes) to prevent pregnancy.  For men the procedure is called a vasectomy. The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia in the doctor’s office or a clinic. (See section on birth control more more details on each method listed.) Sterilization is meant to be a permanent form of birth control.  If there is a chance you may want to have a baby later, you should not choose this method. Not having vaginal intercourse is the only method 100% effective.

• Is sex safe during pregnancy?

  Sexual activity and intercourse are safe in a normal pregnancy. Your doctor will tell you if there are any reasons you should not be having intercourse.  

• Should I breast or bottle- feed?

  Breastfeeding provides the right amount of all nutrients and contains antibodies that help protect baby from disease. Breastfed babies tend to be less constipated and have fewer infections and allergies. It is free, always available, the perfect temperature and requires no preparation or cleanup. Breastfeeding is good for the mother, too. The baby’s sucking releases hormones that contract the uterus, helping it return to its normal size more quickly. Breastfeeding burns calories, therefore you will lose any extra weight you gained quicker. Bottle feeding allows more versatility when it comes to who is feeding the baby. Bottle fed babies tend to go longer between feedings. It is possible to measure exactly how much your baby is getting at each feeding (however there is no way to tell exactly how much your baby needs). There are different types of formula to meet different needs. Both breast and bottle fed babies can grow up to be healthy and well adjusted.

• Can I get highlights, dye my hair or get my nails done?

  Yes. There is no medical evidence that any of these things is harmful to your pregnancy in any way.

• What are some signs that I should seek medical care?

     

  There are many reasons you may need care outside your routine prenatal visits. The list below highlights some things that may arise but it does not cover all situations where you might need help.  Use your own best judgement but remember we would prefer to hear from you and reassure you rather than wish you had called.  Seek medical care if you experience any of the following:

   

  • You are less than 36 weeks pregnant and having more than 6 contractions per hour for two hours in a row or your water breaks.
  • You have vaginal bleeding more than spotting on a pad,
  • You have constant, severe pain with no relief,
  • You have fever or chills,
  • The baby seems to be moving less.

  Our number after normal business hours is 877-844-2858. For life threatening emergencies, call 911.

     

• How do I know if I’m in labor?

  Many women have contractions before labor begins. This is sometimes called 'false labor' or  "Braxton-Hicks" contractions.  Sometimes your uterus gets hard and can be painful enough to make you think you're going into labor.  Other times you may notice a tightening of your belly  without really feeling the contractions. These contractions do some of the early work to help soften, thin, and perhaps even slightly open your cervix and they occur more often as your due date draws near.  They tend to occur in the afternoon or evening, after physical activity, or when you are tired.

   If you have contractions, rest and have some fluids.  If contractions are very painful, last more than two hours or are more than 6 in one hour and you are less than 36 weeks, go to the hospital.  Don't feel silly if you go to the hospital, sure that the big day is here, only to be sent home again.

   

   

• What is a labor attendant?

  Most women throughout the world have used a labor attendant during childbirth. This is not a new concept and dates back to the earliest days of mankind. The ancient Greeks called their assistants "doula." This term is used by women who are trained labor assistants.

• Can I work while I’m pregnant?

  Working during pregnancy is usually not a problem and most women can work until delivery. However, if you have any special concerns, please call the office.  

• Can I travel while I’m pregnant?

  Travel during pregnancy is okay but this is a situation where common sense should prevail. Long drives should be broken up so that you can get out of the car every two to three hours and walk. This will help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. The same is true of travel by plane. Make sure you walk or vigorously move your legs every two to three hours to maintain active circulation in your legs. Traveling far away from home in the third trimester could result in having your birth in an unfamiliar place.  Use your best judgment when planning trips during pregnancy.

• Is exercise safe during pregnancy?

  Yes. Exercise is safe during pregnancy and should not be avoided. However, there are a few considerations that need to be kept in mind. Your center of balance is constantly changing and you will need to be more careful with physical activity. Also, prolonged periods of time standing should be avoided. As your uterus grows, it will place more pressure on the large blood vessels that leave and enter your heart. The best activity for pregnant women is swimming. Other good activities for pregnant women include walking and stationary biking. Exercise reduces such discomforts as backache, constipation, fatigue and bloating. Exercise promotes muscle tone, strength, and endurance.

• Can I take hot baths or use a hot tub?

  Yes. There is no data that either baths or hot tubs are harmful. However, like so many other things during your pregnancy, keep things in moderation.  If you feel too hot, your baby is too hot too.