Registry for first Pre-natal visit?

EmsyK · January 2012

Hi ladies,

I'm currently 6w3d pregnant and had been researching OB/GYN's in my area (making sure they were IN-NETWORK with my insurance, reviews etc). I rang up to make a first pre-natal visit and after a long wait was dealt with by a not so professional lady on the phone. Anyway she went off to check for appointments for another few minutes and came back with one for wednesday the 18th (I'll be 7w5d by then) but when i asked the doctors name and some other questions, she said it was just to register and take info (no doctor yet). It's not so much that I'm panicking about not been seen by a doc yet but wondering is this normal? and what to expect. She was not rude, but I'd say slightly ignorant in the way she asked me details and responded. She is just the person making my initial appointmet so i don't really care but was expecting to get a doc's appointment made. I'm new in this country and don't have a general doc here and am trying to get used to this insurance in-network thing. At home you would go to your general gp and they would refer you on. I'm finding this process a little frustrating. Anyway, any advice would be much appreciated,

Thanks a million in advance!

Ladiebug710 · January 2012

Different offices have a different intake process. Some Docs see you the first day, others have a nurse visit where they do your history and sometimes blood work and have you come back in a week or two.

SortaCrunchy · January 2012

Every office does things a little differently. When I was pregnant with my DS, my first appt was at ~6 weeks and was only for giving my medical history and getting the little pregnancy packet with safe meds and other info. There was no exam. Now, from what I'm told, that same office does group appointments the first time, where several pregnant ladies show up at the same time for the history taking, etc.

This time around, I'm being seen by another practice, and my first appoint, which is also at 6 weeks, will include a full exam and an u/s. Personally, I prefer this way. Smile

So, yeah, it's normal. I'm sorry you're frustrated, though! Medical insurance/billing can be such a PITA!

Laruen · January 2012

I have my "1st" appointment on the 17th I will be 8 weeks. For this appointment I am just going in to do blood work and paper work. After that they will make an appointment with my doctor.

I hope this helps you out.

stever · January 2012

Meh, I was supposed to see my OB for my annual but when I called to inform them of my BFP they pushed my appointment back 2 weeks and had me see a nurse. S'ok. My next appt is with my OB>

TheBug16 · January 2012

I had my first visit pretty much right away, but I did not see a doc. I filled out a bunch of paperwork, pee'd in a cup, had my blood pressure checked, went over some family history with a nurse, and she gave me a bunch of goodies. It lasted about 10 minutes, max.

EmsyK · January 2012

Great, that reassures me alot. Thanks so much for all the info ladies.x

EmsyK · January 2012

Thanks for all the great input ladies. I'm feeling more reassured now. x

MrsT0522 · January 2012

Typically my doctor's office makes your first prenatal visit for 8 weeks, and you are seen by a midwife or nurse practitioner. You fill out paperwork, they ask you a bunch of health questions, and ask what your preferences are for delivery, religion for your baby if applicable, where you want to deliver (if you have a choice, etc.)

The you see an OB after that.

I assume since you don't have an established OB, they will set you up with one or ask for your choice at this appointment, where you are registering.

mstroud23 · January 2012

This is not my experience at all-but I seem to be in the minority. Whether OB or midwife, my first appt is with that person (in my case midwife-but my OB would see me at my first visit also). My OB already has my medical history (problem with not having an OB already is I guess they have to collect that-though you should be able to have your medical records transferred without any problems or the need for an appointment just to do medical history). My midwife will get my medical file at my first appointment...maybe sooner if I get it sooner (or my OB's office will send it to her).

From my experience (which I know is not much), this type of appt they are giving you isn't necessary if you can have your medical records sent to their offices. Because honestly, you aren't registering to be admitted to the hospital (if you're going that route) yet, and you will have to fill out new patient paperwork anyway when you get there.This seems suspect to me, but other posters say it's the norm for them.

HeyJune · January 2012

I haven't seen a doctor that handled things this way before. I've used 3 different ob-gyns in the past and all of them schedule a first visit at 8 weeks that includes bloodwork, urine sample, vital signs to use as a baseline throughout the pregnancy, and an ultrasound. We even heard the heartbeat at our first visit.

It seems like they are making you have an extra, unnecessary visit if all they are going to do is write down your information.

andyandrachel · January 2012

TheBug16:
I had my first visit pretty much right away, but I did not see a doc. I filled out a bunch of paperwork, pee'd in a cup, had my blood pressure checked, went over some family history with a nurse, and she gave me a bunch of goodies. It lasted about 10 minutes, max.

This is the same experience I had the first time around. With this pregnancy, I have my first appointment next week.

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Registry for first Pre-natal visit?

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