FAQ

The schedule for our providers does rotate so it depends on the day you deliver. You have the option of seeing multiple providers for your office visits, or just one provider if you prefer.  However, we cannot guarantee that a certain doctor will deliver your baby unless you have a scheduled induction or c-section.

This really depends on your reason for the ultrasound. Most OB ultrasounds require a full bladder.  This provides a chance for better images of your baby’s anatomy.  Some GYN ultrasounds also require a full bladder.  Please consult our staff before emptying your bladder in the office.

Yes. In an uncomplicated pregnancy, we recommend exercise as it makes labor easier and decreases the incidence of pre-term labor as well as cesarean section. If an exercise causes cramping, shortness of breath, or pain, then decrease the intensity or stop exercising and discuss with your doctor. You should be able to carry on a conversation while you exercise. Soccer, ice hockey, skiing, horseback riding, and water skiing and any high impact sports are strongly discouraged. Scuba diving is not safe at any time during pregnancy.

It depends on why you are being seen at the time of appointment. Please contact us if this is the case.

We accept most all major insurances including Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare/Medicare Replacement plans, Tricare Prime and Standard, United Healthcare, United Healthcare AARP, Medicaid (some forms).  However, there are some plans we do not accept so please be sure to verify this information when you make an appointment.

If you are signed up on the patient portal, we can submit results to your portal once your provider has reviewed them.  If you are not signed up on the portal, we will call you with your results or mail you a letter if everything is normal.  Please allow 7-10 business days for results to become available– some results may take longer than others depending on what is being tested.

No.  Emerald Coast OB/GYN chooses to exclusively use Gulf Coast Medical Center for childbirth care and surgeries.  Gulf Coast Medical Center is the only hospital in the area that has a neonatal intensive care unit.  The physicians also have privileges at Panama City Surgery Center for outpatient procedures.

With conventional 2D digital mammography, the radiologist is viewing all the complexities of your breast tissue in a one flat image. Sometimes breast tissue can overlap, giving the illusion of normal breast tissue looking like an abnormal area.  By looking at the breast tissue in one-millimeter slices, the radiologist can provide a more confident assessment. In this way, 3D mammography finds cancers missed with conventional 2D mammography. It also means there is less chance your doctor will call you back later for a “second look,” because now they can see breast tissue more clearly

We have on-call coverage 24/7.  If you are calling after hours, please select option #7 to leave a message for the on-call provider.  Please include your name, date of birth, phone number, a description of your emergency.  The on-call provider will return your call as soon as possible.  If you do not receive a call back within 30 minutes, please call Labor and Delivery at Gulf Coast Medical Center at 747-7700.

We are happy to provide Healthy Start services to our prenatal patients.  These services include care coordination, smoking cessation, parenting and child development education, bereavement counseling, breastfeeding education, and car seat safety education.  There is no cost to the family and this program is not base on income.  If you are interested in these services, please let your provider know.

We do not close for lunch and are open from 7:00am-4:30pm, Monday – Friday.  However, please be aware that our staff rotates lunches from 11:00am – 1:00pm and if you call during these times, you may be asked to leave a message.  Your call will be returned promptly!