GENERAL INFORMATION

Welcome to our office. Thank you for choosing our practice during this difficult time in your life. We are here to support the decision you have made regarding this pregnancy. We strongly support your ability to decide what's best for you and are here to guide you and provide you with information. We promise to provide excellent medical care and respond to your needs to the best of our ability. Your visit here is completely confidential.

We will try to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible. Surgical patients can expect to be here from 2-4 hours. Non-surgical patients are normally here about 1 hour. There is some waiting time between the stages of your medical work-up and we advise you to read all the information you were given so that if you have questions we can answer them before you leave. During your visit you will:

Complete a medical history
Have an ultrasound to estimate the length of your pregnancy
Have pre-operative lab work
Meet with a counselor who will explain the abortion procedure, aftercare instructions, and options for birth control. She will also address any concerns you may have.
Have a pelvic exam with the physician prior to your surgery.

LENGTH OF PREGNANCY(for surgical and pill patients)

We will perform an ultrasound to determine the length of your pregnancy and to confirm the pregnancy is in the uterus. An ultrasound is a pain free test using sound waves to see the uterus. It is not an x-ray and there is no radiation. It is considered the most reliable method in determining the duration of the pregnancy. Although you may have had an ultrasound done elsewhere, we need to perform one here.

LAB TESTING:(for surgical and pill patients)

We will take a sample of blood from your finger to test your iron count and Rh factor. If your blood is found to be Rh negative, you will need an injection of Rhogam after your abortion. There is an additional charge for this service. Rhogam prevents antibodies from forming in your blood that would cause problems with future pregnancies. Approximately 10-15% of people are Rh negative and it is necessary for these people to receive a Rhogam injection with every pregnancy.

PAYMENT(surgical and pill patients)

Payment is accepted in cash or major credit cards. Debit cards with a Visa logo are also accepted. We will collect payment during your intake. At this time we will ask to see a picture ID. Our fees include pre-operative medications, all medications given during the abortion, a medication to prevent infection and a medication to help your uterus return to its normal size. There is an additional fee if you are Rh negative or if you want a depo provera injection for birth control. All other available methods of birth control are free when taken on the day of your procedure If an abortion is not performed because a patient has changed her mind or if the physician feels that it is not medically advisable, you will be responsible for any services that have been provided, e.g., lab work, sonogram, counseling, etc. All unused fees will be returned to the patient.

PAIN MANAGEMENT: (surgical patients only)

Local Anesthesia: In addition to the medication we give you pre-operatively, the physician will give you an injection of pain blocking medication in your cervix. You will remain fully awake but feel less pain. You will feel cramps during the abortion.

Oral Anxiety Medication: If you are feeling unusually anxious, please speak to your counselor about pre-operative oral medication. There is an extra fee for this service but you must have a driver on site.

IV Sedation Medication: This is done by injecting medication into your vein. It will help you with pain management and relaxation. You may or may not be asleep during the abortion but you will be sedated and comfortable. Please let a staff person know if you desire this service. There is an extra fee involved, you must have a driver on site and you must have had nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to your visit.

AFTER YOUR ABORTION: (surgical patients only)

After your surgery is complete, you will be escorted to the recovery room. Your vital signs will be monitored. You will be given something to eat and drink. We will also check to be sure you are not bleeding heavily. You will receive some medications, a method of birth control if you have selected one. Most patients are discharged from care after about 20-30 minutes.

FOLLOW UP VISIT:(surgical and pill patients)

This visit is included in the cost of your abortion visit. You should call and schedule an appointment to be seen between 17 and 21 days after your abortion. If you come back for your follow up visit more than 4 weeks after your initial appointment, the cost is $25.00.

FINALLY…

This information sheet is not intended to answer all of your questions – just the ones most often asked! This is your visit and we are here to serve you and meet your needs. If you have additional questions or concerns, just ask.