FAQs
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Q. What is a Pap test?
A. A Pap test looks for abnormal cells in the cervix that are caused by HPV. The sample of cervical cells is sent to a lab, where it is examined under a microscope for signs of abnormal changes.
Q. What is HPV?
A. HPV stands for "human papillomavirus." This common virus is estimated to affect 8 out of 10 women by the age of 50.
Q. How is HPV linked to cervical cancer?
A. Certain "high-risk" types of HPV cause cervical cancer. For most women, HPV goes away before it causes any problems. For some women, however, the infection persists. When the infection does not go away, abnormal cells may form on the cervix. These abnormal cells can develop into cervical cancer if they are not detected and treated early.
Q. How do you get HPV?
A. HPV is spread through intimate (genital) skin-to-skin contact, usually during sexual intercourse. Your chance of getting HPV increases if you have more than one sexual partner. But you can get the virus from just one person. The virus can "hide" in your cervix for months or years before it causes abnormal cell changes. Therefore, you may not be able to know for certain when you got an HPV infection.
Q. What is an HPV test?
A. The HPV test looks for the virus that causes cervical cancer. The sample of cells is sent to a lab, where advanced molecular technology is used to detect high-risk types of HPV. The HPV test plus the Pap test lets you and your healthcare provider know if you are at risk for cervical cancer and need additional exams. If both tests come back with normal results, then the tests don't need to be repeated for up to 3 years.
Q. How can cervical cancer be prevented?
A. There are two tests that can identify your cervical cancer risk: A Pap test and an HPV test. To perform these tests, a doctor or nurse collects a sample of cells from your cervix during your gynecology exam.
Q. Who performs my Mammography exam?
A. Your Mammography exam is performed by an MQSA qualified expert and ARRT registry certified mammography technologist. Your exam is then interpreted (read) by an MQSA qualified and board certified radiologist.
Q. When will I hear about my Mammography exam results?
A. If no additional follow-up is needed, you will receive a letter in the mail from Atrium within 5 business days of your exam. Occasionally additional views are needed. If so, you will receive a telephone call from Atrium within 5 business days to notify you of the need to reschedule an appointment. All mammography views taken at Atrium are compared to previous exams done within the last year. If we do not have your previous exam films, the results of your reading may be delayed. Although we will make every effort to have previous films forwarded to our office, if we are unable to obtain these films you will be contacted. If you do not receive the results of your mammogram from us within 15 days, please call 330.649.4219.
Q. When should my daughter schedule her first exam?
A. Our providers recommend annual exams when your daughter is ready for birth control or has gynecological questions or concerns. Cervical screening, known commonly as a pap smear, should begin at age 21.
Q. What should I do if I am pregnant?
A. If you are pregnant, please call us right away. We will help you find a provider that meets your needs and we will get you scheduled for an appointment.
Q. When will I have an ultrasound?
A. Your provider may order an ultrasound at your first visit, if indicated. It is important to remember this is a medical test that could be used to confirm your due date, evaluate maternal and fetal anatomy and evaluate amniotic fluid and placenta. An ultrasound will be performed at approximately 20 weeks to evaluate the baby's anatomy.
Q. Does your office perform 3D/4D ultrasounds?
A. Yes. 3D/4D ultrasounds are performed for entertainment only and are not reimbursed by your medical insurance. These ultrasounds are best performed between 25 weeks - 31 weeks.
Q. Do I see the same provider throughout my pregnancy?
A. Atrium Ob/Gyn offers the option to rotate through our physicians and certified registered nurse practitioners throughout your pregnancy or to remain with one or two providers. Although we are able to manage your obstetric care in the office during your pregnancy it is important to remember that our physicians share on call coverage and we cannot guarantee a physician to deliver your baby.
Q. How am I notified when my test results are in?
A. We typically notify patients of test results with a letter or a phone call.
Q. Can I schedule my annual one year in advance?
A. Unfortunately, no. We schedule our providers up to three months in advance.
Q. What do I do if I need a prescription refill?
A. We recommend calling your pharmacy first to ensure accurate and timely refills. If you are out of refills they can send a refill request to us. We do understand there are times you may need to call our office and leave a message for our medical staff.
Q. Why am I asked to verify my identity so many times when I am in the office?
A. We may ask you to verify your name, social security number and birth date during scheduling and during your office visit. This is for your safety to prevent errors in diagnosis and treatment. We are also complying with national patient safety goals by verifying this information.
Q. Why can't I leave a message on my provider's voicemail?
A. To assure that every issue is documented in your medical record and you receive the fastest and most appropriate response, we have staff dedicated to taking your message personally and directing it accordingly.
Q. How do I schedule an urgent appointment?
A. We will have you speak with one of our phone nurses who will assess your situation and determine the most appropriate next step, whether that is an appointment, a referral, a prescription, etc.
Q. How do I obtain a copy of my medical records? Is there a charge?
A. We will need a Medical Records Release Form completed and either faxed, mailed or brought to the office. By law, we are required to provide your records within 30 days if they are stored onsite or within 60 days if they are stored offsite, however, typically we complete your requests sooner. If you are requesting your records be sent directly to another provider for collaborative care, there is no charge. If you are requesting a copy for any other purpose, there will be a charge. A Medical Records Release Form is not required for us to send your records to your primary care provider or a provider to whom we have referred you. If you have any questions, please contact our Medical Records Department.
Q. How do I get disability, FMLA or other forms completed?
A. We will need a Medical Records Release Form signed prior to completion and release of those forms. The forms will be completed in the order they are received and typically take 7-10 days. Please consider this turn-around time when turning in your forms.
Q. What is a co-payment?
A. A copayment is the flat fee determined by your insurance company that you pay each time you receive medical care.
Q. What is co-insurance?
A. Co-insurance is the percentage of your medical bills that you will have to pay, typically after you have paid your deductible.
Q. What is a deductible?
A. A deductible is the amount you must reach before your insurance company starts paying for your care.
Q. What didn't my insurance pay?
A. Your insurance company processes claims based on your contract benefits and the best answer to this question will be answered by them.
Q. Do you charge a specialist co-payment for all visits?
A. Atrium Ob/Gyn, Inc. is a specialist practice. However, co-payments are determined by your insurance company and many insurance companies require only a primary care co-payment for certain types of visits. If you pay a primary care co-payment in our office and your insurance company requires a specialist co-payment, Atrium Ob/Gyn may bill you for the difference.
