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1st Trimester
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First Appointment = Disapointment
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I had my first appointment today and I'm 6w1d according to my LMP. I was beyond disappointment with the appointment. It wasn't as thorough as I thought it would be; seriously, the only things taken were vitals and blood for lab work. No physical; I don't get that until week 11. No ultrasound to confirm and make sure it's in my uterus, not my tube. I don't get an US until week 20. I left feeling less than thrilled.
We're military, so Tricare Prime is our insurance. I'm guessing the US issue is a Tricare issue. Has anyone else been disappointed with their first appointment?
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Re: First Appointment = Disapointment
I understand what you are saying, but your experience was very normal for most pregnancies. I'm sorry.
Just a thought for you, if you really want an u/s, you can get it. You just have to pay for it. Also, maybe you could discuss your expectations with your doctor so that you don't have future disappointments.
It isn't easy... but if you can shift your thinking about who's in control, you can avoid feeling like a victim of your doctors and insurance.
May Siggy: Baby in disguise
Tricare will cover all medically necessary ultrasounds.
So if you were presenting with pain or another indicator of ectopic or other issue then you would be given an ultrasound.
I was on Tricare Prime during my first pregnancy (m/c) and they did an ultrasound at 11 weeks for dating/viability (which is where they discovered my missed m/c). It was an MTF clinic. That was their routine. However, the only medically necessary ultrasound according to OB standard of care is the 20 week anatomy scan.
You can request an NT scan at 12 weeks if you desire. Tricare will cover those. However, that is more than a "yay! I see a baby" scan. That is a screen for genetic issues. I personally have had NT scans for both of my viable pregnancies.
Married 6/28/03
Kate ~ 7/3/09 *** Connor ~ 11/11/10
4 miscarriages: 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014
*~*~*~*~*
No more TTC for us. We are done, and at peace, as a family of 4.
"Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but – I hope – into a better shape.” — Charles Dickens
Completely normal. I also have Tricare and just had my first appointment on Monday. That is not a real OB appointment, its an orientation to get you into the system, get your vitals and blood work. My next apt is next Friday and that is my first real prenatal appointment. We only get one u/s at 20wks. But, like everyone said, that is fairly common no matter what insurance you have b/c there isn't a lot a doctor can do for you during the first trimester. They will probably use a Doppler to check the heartbeat at your next apt. I found out I might get lucky and have a quick u/s next week b/c the midwife I got assigned to likes to use them to just double check the EDD.
Connor - 12/15/10 Abby - EDD 11/29/13
And your response was unnecessary. This is my first kid and I wasn't sure what to expect.
Thanks to everyone else for being polite. I was feeling like I got the short end of the stick but now I don't feel so bad about it. Good luck to everyone in their pregnancies!
What?!?! I didn't say anything rude in the slightest. You can alleviate your disappointment in the future by asking these questions to your provider before you go to your appointment or by doing some research beforehand. You had unrealistic expectations; therefore you were disappointed. That isn't rude, it's a statement of fact.
FYI, picking up a hb on doppler does not confirm if a pregnancy is ectopic or not.
Good news though, you don't appear to have any risk factors that would warrant extra u/s. I'm still surprised when I hear of just one u/s for the whole pregnancy. I have seen 2 obs and they've both done dating u/s early in pregnancy. I guess my experience is rare.
My doctor also does an early dating U/S for everyone which I really appreciate.
I have a hard time understanding why one isn't done for everyone risk or not, just to ensure proper placement and viability. Well I guess its not that hard to understand, I'm sure it's a cost issue. Lame.
With my first pregnancy on Tricare prime I had an U/S at every appointment because they coded it as medically necessary. I never paid a single penny for any of my daughters appointments or birth. I will not complain that my new doc (moved) only does 2 because I won't pay a penny again. You could always look for a different doctor that is more willing to do one.
That must be so upsetting! I don't get to go to my doctor until almost 10 weeks. I have no idea how I'm going to be patient for that long. (I'm only 4 weeks 5 days now.) Good luck with getting to see your little bundle next appointment.