Miami OB-GYN Associates

Call us to make your appointment (305) 854.2899

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. When was the practice founded?

Original practice founded in 1990.

2. What languages are spoken in the office?

All doctors speak English and Spanish fluently.

3. What insurances do you take?

AETNA
AVMED
BEECH STREET
BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD (Commercial Only - No Medicare)
CIGNA
DIMENSION
FIRST HEALTH
GREAT WEST
HEALTH OPTIONS
HUMANA (Commercial & Medicare Only)
MEDICA
MEDICARE
NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH
UNITED HEALTHCARE
VISTA (Commercial Only - No Medicare)

4. What do I need to bring for my first visit?

Any test results that you may have.

5. Do I need a referral?

If you have HUMANA, VISTA, or MEDICA, then you will need a referral.

6. If I have my menstrual period can I go to my appointment?

Pap smears can be performed during menses, if it is light.

7. Do you take walk-in?

If you have a referral.

8. If I am late for my appointment, should I re-schedule?

Call the office before coming to verify if your doctor is still available.

9. How long do the results take to get into the office?

Biopsies, labs, radiology and genetic studies – may take 2 - 4 weeks depending on the studies.
Pap smears – 2 Weeks.

10. Do I need to sign a release form in order to obtain my medical records?

Yes. Please fax it to Medical Records attention. Open attachment.

11. What insurance information do I need before calling the office for my appointment?

Name of the insurance.
Primary name and date of birth.
Group number.
Member ID Number.

12. What hospitals do the doctors have privileges?

OBSTETRICS:

MERCY HOSPITAL
- All antenatal admissions, including antenatal emergencies/procedures
- All laboring patients for Vaginal Deliveries
- Scheduled Cesarean Sections
SOUTH MIAMI HOSPITAL
- All Scheduled Cesarean Sections With Bilateral Tubal Ligations

GYNECOLOGY:

MERCY HOSPITAL / BAYSIDE AMBULATORY CENTER
- All major Gyn surgeries (Including Laparotomy, Laparoscopy and DaVinci Robotic surgeries)
- Minor surgeries (Including Hysteroscopy, Endometrial Ablation and Urogynecology)
SOUTH MIAMI HOSPITAL / MEDICAL ARTS SURGICAL CENTER (MASC)
- Minor surgeries (Including Laparoscopic Bilateral Tubal Ligations, Hysteroscopy, and Endometrial Ablation)

13. After delivery, when should I schedule for a post partum appointment?

Vaginal Deliveries follow-up in 6 - 8 weeks.
Cesarean Sections (With or without tubal ligations) follow-up in 1 - 2 weeks.
Deliveries complicated by pre-eclampsia, diabetes, infections, etc. may be asked to follow-up in 1 week.

14. What does it mean that Miami OB-GYN is a participant of NICA?

NICA is the Florida Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association. If your physician is a participating physician and your child is born in a hospital, your child may be eligible for NICA. Florida law defines the birth-related neurological injuries for which NICA coverage is provided, and the final decision on whether a child is covered is made by an Administrative Law Judge. Please go to the official website at www.nica.com for further explanation of NICA.
Don’t settle! Contact NICA before you settle a malpractice lawsuit. Click here to view brochure
Click to view NICA notice brochure
Read more about Affordable Florida KidCare health insurance program. www.FloridaKidCare.org

15. I am an international patient, what are my rights as a patient in Florida, United States?

According to Florida’s Patient’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, every patient who is provided health care services retains certain rights to privacy, which must be respected without regard to the patient's economic status or source of payment for his or her care. This right extends to even international patients. Please visit the Florida Department of Health website for a full explanation of the your rights.

16. What are my options if I don’t have medical insurance?

For self-pay patients, you can apply for a HealthOne credit card. This organization has a rapid turnaround time to accept patient application. Please visit their website to learn more or see if qualify.

Patient Education

WOMEN'S HEALTH

1. GENERAL INFORMATION:

WomensHealth.gov: English
National Cancer Institute (including Gyn Cancers): English and Spanish

2. ROUTINE SCREENING/EXAMS & RADIOLOGICAL STUDIES:

Your First Gynecologic Visit -- Especially for Teens (2010): English and Spanish
The Pap Test (2009): English and Spanish
The HPV Test: English and Spanish
Hysterosalpingography (2010): English and Spanish
Breast Self-Exam (2009): English and Spanish
Mammography (2008): English and Spanish
Ultrasound Exams (2006): English

3. AGING:

Growing Up -- Especially for Teens (2007): English and Spanish
Menstruation -- Especially for Teens (2007): English and Spanish
Midlife Transitions: A Guide to Approaching Menopause (2003): English
The Menopause Years (2007): English and Spanish

4. NUTRITION & EXERCISE:

Healthy Eating (2006): English and Spanish
Keeping Your Heart Healthy (2004): English
Cholesterol and Your Health (2004): English
Exercise and Fitness (2006): English and Spanish
Weight Control: Eating Right and Keeping Fit (2006): English and Spanish

5. PREVENTION/VACCINES:

Extensive Vaccine Informational Website (Flu.gov): English and Spanish
Reducing Your Risk of Cancer (2006): English and Spanish
Protecting Yourself Against Hepatitis B (1998): English and Spanish
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV)(2007): English and Spanish
Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (2010): English

6. NON-GYNECOLOGICAL HEALTH ISSUES:

Depression (2008): English and Spanish
Diabetes and Women (2005): English
Digestive System Problems (2006): English and Spanish
Domestic Violence (2008): English and Spanish
Managing High Blood Pressure (1998): English and Spanish
HIV and Women (2008): English and Spanish
Thyroid Disease (2002): English and Spanish
Osteoporosis (2007): English and Spanish

GYNECOLOGIC PROBLEMS

1. HORMONAL ISSUES:

Premenstrual Syndrome (2010): English and Spanish
Herbal Products for Menopause (2003): English and Spanish
Peri & Post Menopausal Hormone Therapy (2007): English and Spanish

2. BREAST ISSUES:

Detecting and Treating Breast Problems (2004): English
Fibrocystic Breast Changes (2000): English and Spanish

3. PELVIC PAIN ISSUES:

Pelvic Pain (2006): English
Pain During Intercourse (1999): English and Spanish
Disorders of the Vulva (2007): English and Spanish
Vulvar Pain (Vulvodynia) (2007): English and Spanish
Endometriosis (2008): English and Spanish
Ovarian Cysts (2009): English and Spanish
Bowel Control Problems (2008): English and Spanish

4. PELVIC PROLAPSE AND INCONTINENCE ISSUES:

Pelvic Support Problems (2010): English and Spanish
Kegel exercises: English
Urinary Incontinence (2005): English

5. PELVIC INFECTION ISSUES:

Urinary Tract Infections (2008): English and Spanish
Vaginitis (2010): English
How to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases (2008): English and Spanish
Sexually Transmitted Diseases(CDC.gov): English and Spanish
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (2010): English and Spanish
Genital Herpes (2008): English and Spanish
Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Syphilis (2000): English and Spanish

6. INFERTILITY ISSUES:

Evaluating Infertility (2007): English and Spanish
Treating Infertility (2007): English and Spanish
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (2007): English and Spanish

7. UTERUS AND MENSTRUATION ISSUES:

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (2008): English and Spanish
Perimenopausal Bleeding and Bleeding After Menopause (2010): English and Spanish
Painful Menstrual Cycles (Dysmenorrhea) (2006): English and Spanish
Uterine Fibroids (2009): English and Spanish
Endometrial Hyperplasia (2001): English and Spanish

8. PAP SMEAR AND HPV ISSUES:

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection (2006): English and Spanish
Understanding Abnormal Pap Test Results (2009): English and Spanish
Abnormal Pap Smears/HPV and Procedures (ASCCP.ORG): English
Colposcopy (2009): English and Spanish

9. GYNECOLOGICAL CANCERS:

Cancer of the Cervix (2004): English and Spanish
Cancer of the Uterus (2008): English and Spanish
Cancer of the Ovary (2007): English and Spanish

CONTRACEPTION

1. GENERAL INFORMATION:

Natural Family Planning (2003): English and Spanish
Lactational Amenorrhea(LAM): La Leche League: Nov 2001 Article English and Spanish
Hormonal Birth Control: English and Spanish
Birth Control (2007): English and Spanish
Birth Control Pills (2006): English
Continuous Dose Birth Control: English
Barrier Methods of Contraception (Including Condoms)(2008): English and Spanish

2. LONG TERM CONTRACEPTION:

The Intrauterine Device (2007): English and Spanish
- Mirena: English
- ParaGuard.com: English and Spanish

3. PERMANENT STERILIZATION:

Sterilization for Women and Men (2005): English
Sterilization by Laparosocopy (2003): English and Spanish
- Filschie Clips English
Sterilization by Hysteroscopy
- Essure: Several languages
- Adiana: English

PREGNANCY

1. GENERAL INFORMATION:

Good Health Before Pregnancy (2007): English and Spanish
How Your Baby Grows During Pregnancy (2010): English and Spanish
Nutrition During Pregnancy (2008): English and Spanish
Exercise During Pregnancy (2003): English and Spanish
Travel During Pregnancy (2010): English and Spanish
Car Safety for You and Your Baby (2009): English and Spanish
Having Twins (2004): English and Spanish
A Father's Guide to Pregnancy (2009): English and Spanish
Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs and Pregnancy (2008): English and Spanish
Pregnancy Choices -- Raising the Baby, Adoption, and Abortion (2007): English and Spanish

2. What do I do if there is a hurricane projected to land in Miami?

Please refer to Mercy Hospital advisories prior to hurricane arrival for latest updates on recommendations. Below is a general guideline ONLY.
Hurricane Category I, II: 37+ weeks (who do not evacuate) seek shelter with one family member at Mercy Hospital. NO CHILDREN
Hurricane Category III+: 37+ weeks (who do not evacuate) seek shelter with one family member at South Miami Hospital. NO CHILDREN
Patient responsible for bringing pillows/blankets/toiletries/medicines/cash

3. NUTRITION IN PREGNANCY:

FISH ADVISORY (Mercury Contamination)

We know that fish can be very nutritious and are packed with great nutrients such as omega-3’s, the B vitamins and lean protein. But unfortunately, fish can also have some unhealthy contaminants. Mercury is a contaminant found in fish that can affect brain development and the nervous system. The FDA has released guidelines for children, women who are pregnant and women who are trying to become pregnant. These guidelines state that no more than 12 oz of low mercury fish should be consumed weekly. "Highest" mercury fish should be avoided and "high" mercury fish should be kept to only three 6-oz servings per month. What does this mean for women who are pregnant but also trying to get some of their much needed nutrients from the critters of the sea? It is all about moderation. Recent information released in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine says that no one should cut fish out of their diet altogether. Fish contains too many healthy nutrients that are essential for growth and development, especially in a pregnant mom and baby. There are 4 types of fish that should be on the list to avoid due to mercury levels. These include: shark, king mackerel, swordfish and tilefish.

For information regarding other types of fish, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has released a list of fish and their mercury levels so that people can be informed on what they are consuming.

Highest Mercury (AVOID Eating)
- Grouper
- Marlin
- Orange roughy
- Tilefish
- Swordfish
- Shark
- Mackerel (king)
High Mercury (Eat no more than three 6-oz servings/month)
- Bass
- saltwater
- Croaker
- Halibut
- Tuna (canned, white albacore)
- Tuna (fresh bluefin, ahi)
- Sea trout
- Bluefish
- Lobster (American/Maine)
LOWER MERCURY (Eat no more than six 6-oz servings/month)
- Carp
- Mahi Mahi
- Crab (dungeness)
- SnapperCrab (blue)
- Herring Crab (snow)
- Monkfish Perch (freshwater)
- Skate Cod Tuna (canned, chunk light)
- Tuna (fresh Pacific albacore)
LOWEST MERCURY (Enjoy two 6-oz servings/week)
- Anchovies
- Butterfish
- Calamari (squid)
- Caviar (farmed)
- Crab (king)
- Pollock
- Catfish
- Whitefish
- Perch (ocean)
- Scallops
- Flounder
- Haddock
- Hake
- Herring
- Lobster (spiny/rock)
- Shad
- Sole
- Crawfish/crayfish
- Salmon
- Clams
- Shrimp
- Tilapia
- Oysters
- Sardines
- Sturgeon (farmed)
- Trout (freshwater)

Chart obtained from the Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC); data obtained by the FDA and the EPA.

Tuna mercury levels can be different based on the type of tuna and where it was caught. The NRDC created the chart below as a guideline to how much tuna can be eaten by children, pregnant women or women wanting to conceive, based on their weight.

Weight in Pounds	Frequency a Person Can Safely Eat A 6-ounce Can of Tuna
	White Albacore	Chunk Light
11 22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 110 121 132 143 154 165 176 187 198 209 220	1 can/4 months 1 can/2 months 1 can/5 weeks 1 can/4 weeks 1 can/3 weeks 1 can/3 weeks 1 can/3 weeks 1 can/2 weeks 1 can/2 weeks 1 can/12 days 1 can/11 days 1 can/10 days 1 can/9 days 1 can/9 days 1 can/8 days 1 can/week 1 can/week 1 can/week 1 can/6 days 1 can/6 days	1 can/6 weeks 1 can/23 days 1 can/2 weeks 1 can/12 days 1 can/9 days 1 can/8 days 1 can/week 1 can/6 days 1 can/5 days 1 can/5 days 1 can/4 days 1 can/4 days 1 can/4 days 1 can/3 days 1 can/3 days 1 can/3 days 1 can/3 days 1 can/3 days 1 can/2days 1 can/2 days

Source: Food and Drug Administration test results for mercury and fish, and the Environmental Protection Agency's determination of safe levels of mercury.

Compiled using information from the following sources:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, www.fda.gov
- Natural Resources Defense Council, www.nrdc.org
- American College of Preventive Medicine, www.acpm.org

4. MEDICINES IN PREGNANCY:

Common Symptoms and safe medicines to take:

COMMONLY ACCEPTED PREGNANCY MEDICATIONS & REMEDIES: No medication can be guaranteed to be absolutely safe when taken during pregnancy. Medications should be used only if the potential benefits are greater than the potential risks. Medications should especially be avoided during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
PAIN, HEADACHE, GENERAL DISCOMFORTS: Do Not Use Aspirin (Bayer, Anacin, Excedrin, BC or Goody’s powders) and Ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin and Aleve). Use Acetaminophen (Tylenol-regular or extra strength) 2 tablets every 4-6 hours. For headaches increase fluid intake & eat frequent meals.
COLDS OR SINUS CONGESTIONS: Consume plenty of fluids, use Acetaminophen products if necessary, and rest. Robitussin products for cough. Sudafed,Actifed, or Chlortrimeton for congestion. Multi-symptoms use Tylenol cold tabs, Tylenol sinus tabs or Tylenol Flu. Saline Nasal Spray may be used during pregnancy.
DIARRHEA: Consume plenty of fluids especially sports drinks such as Gatorade, Powerade, etc. Kaopectate, Donnagel, or Immodium AD as directed on package. Bland diet.
CONSTIPATION: Most Important: Drink eight, 8 oz. glasses of water daily. Fiber Laxative: Take Metamucil, Citrucel or FiberCon daily. Stool softeners such as Colace or Surfak are very good. Glycerin or Dulcolax suppositories may be used. Milk of Magnesia as a last resort.
INDIGESTION, HEARTBURN: Liquid over the counter antacids such as Maalox, Mylanta, etc. Chewable antacid tablets such as Tums, Rolaids, etc.
HEMORRHOIDS: Avoid constipation!! Increase water intake, use Tucks pads, Preparation H or Anusol as directed. Use sitz baths two-three times daily. Apply ice packs.
MORNING SICKNESS: Try 6 small meals a day. Vitamin B6 50mg every 12 hours. Emetrol as directed. Bananas, ginger tea, ginger ale & a low fat diet may help. Wear Seabands wristbands.
YEAST INFECTION: Monistat Vaginal Cream or a generic equivalent may be used during pregnancy.

Alternative Therapies Considered Safe in Pregnancy:

Nausea in early pregnancy: acupuncture, acupressure, ginger root (250 mg capsules 4 times a day), and vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine, 25 mg two or three times a day) work well. Sipping the thick syrup from inside a can of peaches, pears, mixed fruits, pineapples, or orange slices may also help.
Backache: Massage, Stretching, Exercise, Heating Pad.
Pain relief in labor: Epidurals are most effective. Relaxation techniques, patterned breathing, emotional support, and self-hypnosis are already widely used alternative therapies in labor.

Alternative Therapies That Should be Avoided in Pregnancy:

The following substances have the potential to harm a developing baby when used in a concentrated formulation (Not as a spice in cooking). Some are thought to cause birth defects and encourage early labor.

Avoid these oral supplements: Arbor vitae, Beth root, Black cohosh, Blue cohosh, Cascara, Chaste tree berry, Chinese angelica (Dong Quai), Cinchona, Cotton root bark, Feverfew, Ginseng, Golden seal, Juniper, Kava kava, Licorice, Meadow saffron, Pennyroyal, Poke root, Rue, Sage, St. John's wort, Senna, Tansy, White peony, Wormwood, Yarrow, Yellow dock, vitamin A (Large doses can cause birth defects).
Avoid these aromatherapy essential oils: calamus, mugwort, pennyroyal, sage, wintergreen, basil, hyssop, myrrh, marjoram, and thyme.

If you have any doubt regarding the safety of a medication, both traditional and alternative, contact your health care provider before taking the therapy.

5. PREGNANCY TESTS AND GENETIC ABNORMALITIES:

Routine Tests in Pregnancy (2009): English and Spanish
Later Childbearing (2006): English and Spanish
Screening Tests for Birth Defects (2007): English and Spanish
Diagnosing Birth Defects (2005): English
Birth Defects (2009): English and Spanish
Genetic Disorders (2005): English
Cystic Fibrosis: Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis (2009): English and Spanish
The Rh Factor - How It Can Affect Your Pregnancy (2005): English and Spanish

6. FIRST TRIMESTER PROBLEMS IN PREGNANCY:

Bleeding During Pregnancy (2008): English and Spanish
Ectopic Pregnancy (2009): English and Spanish
Early Pregnancy Loss: Miscarriage and Molar Pregnancy (2002): English and Spanish
Repeated Miscarriage (2005): English
Morning Sickness (2008): English and Spanish

7. 2nd & 3rd TRIMESTER PROBLEMS IN PREGNANCY:

Early Preterm Birth (2009): English and Spanish
High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy (2004): English
Diabetes and Pregnancy (2009): English and Spanish
Seizure Disorders in Pregnancy (2006): English and Spanish
Skin Conditions During Pregnancy (2008): English and Spanish
Special Tests for Monitoring Fetal Health (2006): English
Easing Back Pain During Pregnancy (2009): English and Spanish

8. INFECTIONS IN PREGNANCY:

Childhood Illness (family and work) and Pregnancy (2002): English and Spanish
Hepatitis B Virus in Pregnancy (2008): English and Spanish
Group B Streptococcus and Pregnancy (2009): English and Spanish
HIV and Pregnancy (2008): English and Spanish

LABOR, DELIVERY, AND POSTPARTUM CARE

How to Tell When Labor Begins (2009): English and Spanish
Labor Induction (2009): English and Spanish
Preterm Labor (2004): English
Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring During Labor (2001): English and Spanish
Pain Relief During Labor and Delivery (2004): English
Cesarean Birth (2008): English and Spanish
Breastfeeding Your Baby (2010): English and Spanish
Breast Feeding (La Leche League): Several languages
Newborn Circumcision (2008): English and Spanish
Getting in Shape After Your Baby is Born (2009): English and Spanish
Postpartum Depression (2009): English and Spanish

SPECIAL PROCEDURES

Preparing for Surgery (1999): English and Spanish
Dilation and Curettage (D & C) (2005): English
Endometrial Ablation (2009): English and Spanish
- NOVASURE: English
- Hydro ThermAblator® System (HTA® System): English
Hysterectomy (2010): English and Spanish
Hysteroscopy (2008): English and Spanish
Laparoscopy (2009): English and Spanish
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (2009): English and Spanish
Surgery for Urinary Incontinence (2006): English and Spanish

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Miami OB-GYN Associates, LLC
3659 S Miami Ave, Miami FL | (305) 854.2899