Welcome to Potomac Family Planning Center and thank you for choosing us to provide your services. Frequently we are asked questions concerning the procedure. We have tried to anticipate and answer some of your questions.

CANCELLATION

All patients will be charged $40.00 for an office visit if they are cancelled but have an examination, laboratory work and/or counseling. Cancelled patients who return for surgery within three weeks will have the $40.00 fee deducted from the surgical fee.

TOTAL LENGTH OF STAY

You should plan to be in the clinic at least four (4) hours. Please be patient relax and know that the staff is making every effort for your stay to be as brief and as comfortable as possible. However, in addition to the surgery, which takes about 4 to 10 minutes, your visit also includes a medical history, laboratory evaluation, pelvic exam, medical screening, counseling and recovery time. Please be assured that everything we do is necessary and that it does take time.

REGISTRATION

You have been given a form to fill out which is the first part of your medical chart. It is important that you give accurate and complete information.

METHOD OF PAYMENT

You may use cash, money order, charge card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express) or a pre-verified participating health plan to cover the cost of your service. If you are using a health plan, you must present the receptionist with your health plan card, a legal picture i.d. and a referral form if required by your health plan. If you are using a credit card, please give the receptionist your charge card. We do not accept personal checks.

LABORATORY WORK

Mter we chart your initial information, you will be escorted to the laboratory area for specific tests. Each patient has a pregnancy test blood typing, hemoglobin or hematocrit test and urinalysis performed in our laboratory.

MEDICAL HISTORY

A member of our professional staff will take your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and a detailed medical history. You may be required to have a pelvic exam by the physician at this time if there is some question about the length of your pregnancy. Otherwise, your pelvic exam will take place immediately prior to the surgery.

COUNSELING

A counselor will meet with you privately to explain the surgical procedure and to answer questions. Past and present birth control methods will be discussed with you. This will enable the counselor to assist you in helping to determine your future method of birth control.

PROCEDURE AND FOLLOW-UP

The surgery is completed in about 4 to 10 minutes. A nurse will be with you throughout the procedure. Afterward, you will be taken to the recovery area to rest You will be carefully monitored by a nurse, who will take your vital signs and check your progress. Soon you will be ready to go home. Further instructions will be given to you regarding your recuperation and follow-up care. You will be given an antibiotic prescription which you may have filled at the clinic for a small fee or you may take to your pharmacy. Have your antibiotic prescription filled right away. Sex may be resumed after 2 weeks and please remember to have your follow-up examination within 2 weeks. Call us the day after the procedure to schedule the follow-up exam. The cost is included in the fee you pay today. After 2 weeks, there will be a fee for the follow-up examination. Pap smears are an additional cost.

Please read carefully and follow all of the post-operative Instructions given to you in the recovery area. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. If you have any complications or emergencies following your surgery, call us 24 hours a day at 301 251-9124.

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