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     Annually for a routine pelvic and breast exam after age 18 or after becoming sexually active, whichever is first.

     When there is a need for contraception and contraception counseling.

     When considering becoming pregnant for a preconception counseling visit.

     As early as possible in a pregnancy.

     When you have any unusual signs or symptoms in your breasts, vagina, lower abdomen, urinary system, period or PMS problems, hormonal concerns, etc.

Choosing a gynecologist is like buying new shoes: They either fit you or not; you either like them or you don't. You will be examined from an angle usually reserved only for the most private moments, so be sure you find someone you are comfortable with. Go with your gut instinct when you first meet the doctor: Does he or she take the necessary time to make you feel welcome? Can you relax? Does he or she seem to care about your health? Do you feel respected? Can you speak freely? Do they provide additional health resources such as brochures, etc?

Obstetricians, Gynecologists or Both?
Gynecologists and Obstetricians (doctors who specialize in prenatal care and delivering babies) have similar basic training. Physicians who provide both kinds of care are called OB/GYNs. If having children is a goal far in the future, this may not be relevant now, but be aware that you would have to switch to an OB once you became pregnant. If obstetrics is not an issue you may prefer a gynecologist for your routine wellness visits and possible future surgical needs.

Certification?
The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology certifies Obstetricians and Gynecologists in the United States. All of the physicians at Women's Clinic, Ltd. are board-certified, meaning each physician has fulfilled all the necessary training requirements and passed the subsequent testing. Some of our physicians have had advanced training or fellowships in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, infertility surgery, menopausal management, osteoporosis, minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery and urogynecology/reconstructive pelvic surgery. If you have a specific problem, you may require one of these specialists. All of our physicians belong the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), which offers continuing education and conferences to keep doctors posted on the newest developments in women's health.

Gender?
Is the doctor's gender important to you?  Race, age, religion, and other commonalities may also be (or seem) important to you. Some women feel more comfortable with doctors who are more like them; other women feel differently. For patient convenience and preference, Women's Clinic, Ltd. is comprised of both male and female Obstetricians / Gynecologists. Remember, however, that while sharing values is nice, receiving quality healthcare is much more important.

Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants?
Feel free to ask questions regarding non-physician providers and their role in the office setting. Physician extenders are extremely valuable to providing patient care because they are very knowledgeable professionals who pride themselves in providing healthcare. They can usually accommodate appointments in the office schedule and assess patient needs in a timely fashion vs. most physicians. Women's Clinic, Ltd. has excellent Certified Nurse Practitioners (CRNP) and Physician Assistants (PA-C) with experience in women's health. They provide all basic gynecologic care and perform routine annual exams. If you need special treatment or present with a gynecologic problem-type visit, CRNPs and PA-Cs are trained to handle these matters independently however they will collaborate with our physicians. They are also specialty trained to perform in-office procedures such as sonohystograms, IUD insertions and colposcopy. Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistant' wellness exams, counseling, management of gynecologic problems and competence should never be underwritten.

How important are logistical concerns or affiliations?
Consider how far you're willing to travel, whether you want your gynecologist to be closer to your home or office, whether you will need to get there by public transportation or office appointment availability. Many patients consider which facilities or hospitals the physicians are affiliated with. The physicians at Women's Clinic, Ltd. are credentialed at The Reading Hospital and Medical Center, The Surgicenter at Spring Ridge and the Surgical Institute of Reading.

Areas of Expertise.
Lucky for us, Berks County women (and beyond) have Women's Clinic, Ltd. with many great gynecologic health providers. For adolescence and adulthood we have expertise in birth control, HPV-related concerns and diseases (including abnormal Pap smears), other sexually transmitted infections, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menstrual abnormalities, vaginitis, pelvic pain as well as pain with sex or other vulvar pain. Infertility and Endocrinology are sub-specialties in which Women's Clinic, Ltd. is nationally recognized for its physicians and patient pregnancy rate. Naturally, as women age, their gynecologic needs change. Menopausal women may need hormone or alternative therapy to relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, irritability and night sweats. Also, postmenopausal changes in the vagina and problems related to the bladder are common. Women's Clinic, Ltd. Uro-Gynecology Division specializes in the effects of prolapsed organs, incontinence, overactive bladder and many other pelvic floor dysfunction diagnoses.

Amenities.
Consider a practice that offers more amenities than just an exam for example ultrasound capabilities, in-office laboratory, bone density, in-office procedures, etc. Be cautious that the office site, technicians and physicians are certified to offer and perform these tasks. Women's Clinic, Ltd. is a certified facility to provide gynecologic and obstetric ultrasounds. Our physicians are certified by the American College of Radiology (ACR) to interpret the ultrasound findings. Our ultrasonographers are certified by the ARRT and RDMS credentialing committees. Fertility Medical Laboratory is located in Suite 245 in Women's Clinic, Ltd. The laboratory is SART & CAP Certified and is available for drawing and running specimens including blood tests, male and female endocrine series, and semen analysis. Results are available in a timely fashion. Our bone density machine, also known as a dexascanner, is used to determine and gauge the intensity of osteoporosis. The machine and technologists are ACR certified as well as ISCD credentialed. Dexa Scan appointments are easily coordinated along with their physician/practitioner office visit. Many patients benefit from having these services available on-site because they can have immediate service (if needed) or they can schedule a diagnostic test along with their upcoming appointment (if recommended).

In-office procedures are growing more common with advancements in state-of-the-art technology and providing options for its patients. Women's Clinic, Ltd. is able to promote and provide in-office surgical procedures such as sterilizations and ablations. The Essure® sterilization procedure is a safe and effective way to ensure long-term contraception. The procedure is performed under mild sedation, is scar-free and is virtually painless. Patients can resume all normal activity following the procedure. Total time spent in our office is approximately 2 hours. A driver must accompany you to the office. We offer the HTA-HydroThermal Ablation, Thermachoice and the Novasure® procedure for women who suffer from heavy menses and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. These ablations are considered an alternative to a hysterectomy. Similar to other procedures, the total time estimated is 2 hours and a driver must accompany you to the office. The patient is given a mild sedative and the procedure is scar-free and virtually painless. Patients will testify the ease of the Essure, HTA, Thermachoice and Novasure in-office procedures and compliment our practice for offering this technique.

History of the Practice.
Although practice history may be low on your list of items, consider the community stability and office organization as an area to be explored. Your medical care may be jeopardized because of other inefficiencies and inexperience of a new practice. Women's Clinic, Ltd. has been providing women's health care for 60 years. Our history and legend for quality of care has shined through the community and hospital setting. We have had the honor of being part of generational changes such as ladies becoming mothers and mothers who become grandmothers. Our professional team of providers and staff members is proud of our heritage and the medical ethics we practice. Our corporation is strong in its history and stability for the future.

So keep all these factors in mind when choosing your Obstetrician/Gynecologist. Identify your specific needs in advance and inquire about a potential health provider's expertise in those areas before you set up your first appointment. And don't be shy to ask your girlfriends and colleagues for recommendations. Word of mouth is the best validation. Hopefully you'll choose Women's Clinic, Ltd. for all your women's health needs.

Gynecology Services Include:

• Routine gynecologic care
• Advanced medical and surgical care
• Advanced laparoscopic and intrauterine surgery for conditions such as endometriosis, adhesions, submucus fibroids and congenital anomalies
• Endometrial ablation by various modalities
• Microsurgical laparotomy
• Minimally invasive surgery by advanced laparoscopy
• Robotic laparoscopic surgery, including tubal reversal and hysterectomy
• In-office surgery including essure sterilizations & endometrial ablation
• Advanced, certified ultrasonography services
• Osteoporosis management, including a certified, in-office DEXA Scan program
• Gynecologic Urology program
• Complete urodynamics testing
• Pelvic floor physiotherapy, including EMG and biofeedback studies
• Laser vein and hair removal
• Dyslipidemia and pre-diabetic screening with medical management
• Global care of patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome & Insulin Resistance/Pre-Diabetes

• Patient Intake History Form
  
• Financial Policy
  
• HIPAA Authorization Form
  

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