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• Do I need a Referral for my visit?
• Will my insurance cover my visit?
• What type of payment do you accept?
• What do Genetic Counselors do?
• What is an amniocentesis?
• When will my CVS/amniocentesis be ready?
• When can the gender of my baby be seen?
• When will my obstetrician see my sonogram?
• What is a non-stress test?
• How is a NST done?
• What is a Biophysical Profile (BPP) and modified BPP?
• What is the First Trimester Screening Test?
• Is the First Trimester Screening Test for all women?
• Do I need another blood test after the First Trimester Screening test?
• Do I need a full bladder?
• Should I call your office if I have symptoms that worry me?
• Will I always see a doctor at each visit?

Q. Do I need a Referral for my visit?

Yes. The Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor will partner with your OB in treatment.

Q. Will my insurance cover my visit?

To check to see if your insurance will cover your visit, the best thing to do is contact the member services number on your insurance card. If you have any questions about what procedure codes might be billed, please contact our office at (937) 610-3220.

Q. What type of payment do you accept?

We take Cash, Check, Visa or MasterCard.

Q. What do Genetic Counselors do?

Genetic Counselors:

• Take a pregnancy history to identify any risks based on exposures during pregnancy.
• Take a family history to identify possible genetic conditions.
• Talk to families about their risks for genetic conditions based on age, family history, screening test results, etc.
• Discuss carrier screening options or results.
• Explain testing options, help with decisions, arrange special testing if necessary, and provide test results.
• Provide additional resources to families, including written materials, support groups, and referrals to other specialists.

Q. What is an amniocentesis?

An amniocentesis involves taking a small sample of amniotic fluid by putting a needle into the uterus.

Q. When will my CVS/amniocentesis be ready?

Results from CVS/amniocentesis typically take 10-14 days. One of the genetic counselors will call you when these results are available.

Q. When can the gender of my baby be seen?

Most of the time the gender of the baby can be seen by about 20 weeks of pregnancy and very often as early as sixteen weeks. On the other hand, as the correct visualization of any fetal part depends on a host of factors such as fetal position, there are times when the gender is unable to be determined.

Q. When will my obstetrician see my sonogram?

We usually send a report to your doctor within 24 hours after your visit. If necessary, our perinatologist will contact your doctor directly if findings need to be discussed at the time of the visit.

Q. What is a non-stress test?

A Non-stress Test (NST) is a simple, painless procedure. We will be "listening" to and "seeing" your baby's heartbeat. We do this by electronic fetal monitoring. This monitoring is a way of observing your unborn baby. We will listen to and see the baby's heartbeat while the baby is resting and moving. It usually takes 20-40 minutes to do a NST.

Q. How is a NST done?

You will be more comfortable if you empty your bladder before the NST. Ask your nurse if she needs a urine specimen from you before using the restroom. You will be seated in a recliner positioned with the feet up. The nurse will place two elastic monitor belts around your abdomen; this does not hurt you or your baby. One of the monitor heads listens to the baby's heart, the other monitor head records any contractions you may have during the test. You will be given a button to push each time you feel.

Q. What is a Biophysical Profile (BPP) and modified BPP?

A biophysical profile (BPP) includes a NST and a special ultrasound to look at the baby's movement, amount of amniotic fluid and to see if the baby is practicing "breathing". It usually takes 15-30 minutes to do the ultrasound portion of a BPP. The modified BPP is simply a NST with an ultrasound to measure the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby. This ultrasound only takes a few minutes.

Q. What is the First Trimester Screening Test?

The First Trimester Screening test is a new method of screening for Down syndrome and Trisomy 18. It involves a specialized ultrasound and a blood test at 11-14 weeks of pregnancy.

Q. Is the First Trimester Screening Test for all women?

Anyone can have the First Trimester Screening test. Women who are over 35 years of age should also consider CVS or amniocentesis.

Q. Do I need another blood test after the First Trimester Screening test?

Yes, all women should consider AFP screening for spina bifida and related conditions.

Q. Do I need a full bladder?

A full bladder is usually necessary when the scan is done abdominally and up until 28 weeks of pregnancy if you are having a sonogram or procedure. This helps us to visualize the fetus, and the lower segment of the uterus.

Q. Should I call your office if I have symptoms that worry me?

If you feel you need immediate emergency treatment you should call 911. Otherwise, you should always call your obstetrician first so that you can discuss your concerns with him/her. Your obstetrician may wish to call the Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician to discuss the issue, or have you call during business hours to schedule an appointment.

Q. Will I always see a doctor at each visit?

On your first visit to our office, you will have the ultrasound exam performed by a sonographer and then visit with the doctor to discuss the exam. At follow-up visits you may often see the sonographer only; she will document the exam and a perinatologist will review the pictures later and send a report to your obstetrician. Of course, if the sonographer sees any thing during the exam that concerns her she will have the physician come in to your room and review the sonogram.