FAQ's & Additional Information
Which location will my appointment be held?
Your appointment will be pre-scheduled at one of our four office locations in Phoenix, Glendale, Estrella, & Chandler.
What is my appointment time?
When you contact us, you will be provided a date and time for your appointment is scheduled for. Should you receive two different times if scheduled for multiple appointments, please go to the earliest time provided.
What is your visitor policy?
You may bring up to 3 guests with you. If you choose to bring a child under 5, you must bring another adult guest to supervise during the appointment.
Why can't we schedule without a referral?
Due to the nature of our specialty our practice requires referrals and medical records prior to scheduling, this ensures we provide you with the best and most accurate care
Why did I receive a bill?
You may contact our Billing department directly at 480-765-6000 extension 8031.
Why do I need a Viability Ultrasound?
A viability ultrasound is a medical imaging procedure used during early pregnancy to assess the health and well-being of the developing embryo. This ultrasound provides essential information about the pregnancy’s progress, confirms the presence of a gestational sac, and checks for signs of a viable pregnancy. This patient education guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of viability ultrasounds, their purpose, procedure, significance, and role in prenatal care.
Purpose of Viability Ultrasound: The viability ultrasound is typically performed in the first trimester of pregnancy, usually around 6 to 10 weeks after the last menstrual period. Its primary purpose is to:
- Confirm Pregnancy: The viability ultrasound confirms the presence of a gestational sac in the uterus, indicating a pregnancy.
- Assess Pregnancy Viability: The ultrasound evaluates the heartbeat of the embryo, confirming that the pregnancy is developing as expected and is viable.
- Determine Gestational Age: By measuring the size of the gestational sac and the embryo, healthcare professionals can estimate the gestational age of the pregnancy.
Why Do I need a first Trimester Ultrasound?
A first trimester ultrasound is a crucial prenatal screening tool used to monitor the development of the embryo and assess the health of both the mother and the baby during the early stages of pregnancy. This non-invasive procedure provides valuable information about the pregnancy’s progress, confirms gestational age, identifies potential issues, and offers a glimpse of the growing baby. This patient education guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of first trimester ultrasounds, their purpose, procedure, significance, and role in prenatal care.
Purpose of First Trimester Ultrasound: The first trimester ultrasound is usually performed between weeks 6 and 10 of pregnancy. Its primary purposes include:
- Confirm Pregnancy: The ultrasound confirms the presence of a gestational sac within the uterus, confirming that a pregnancy is underway.
- Determine Gestational Age: By measuring the size of the gestational sac and the embryo, healthcare professionals can estimate the gestational age of the pregnancy.
- Check Viability: The ultrasound assesses the embryo’s heartbeat and confirms its viability, ensuring that the pregnancy is developing as expected.
- Detect Multiples: If you’re carrying more than one embryo (twins, triplets, etc.), the ultrasound can identify multiple gestational sacs.
What is Nuchal Translucency Screening
A first trimester ultrasound is a crucial prenatal screening tool used to monitor the development of the embryo and assess the health of both the mother and the baby during the early stages of pregnancy. This non-invasive procedure provides valuable information about the pregnancy’s progress, confirms gestational age, identifies potential issues, and offers a glimpse of the growing baby. This patient education guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of first trimester ultrasounds, their purpose, procedure, significance, and role in prenatal care.
Purpose of First Trimester Ultrasound: The first trimester ultrasound is usually performed between weeks 6 and 10 of pregnancy. Its primary purposes include:
- Confirm Pregnancy: The ultrasound confirms the presence of a gestational sac within the uterus, confirming that a pregnancy is underway.
- Determine Gestational Age: By measuring the size of the gestational sac and the embryo, healthcare professionals can estimate the gestational age of the pregnancy.
- Check Viability: The ultrasound assesses the embryo’s heartbeat and confirms its viability, ensuring that the pregnancy is developing as expected.
- Detect Multiples: If you’re carrying more than one embryo (twins, triplets, etc.), the ultrasound can identify multiple gestational sacs.
Understanding Detailed Obstetrical Ultrasound
A detailed obstetrical ultrasound, also known as a level II ultrasound, is a specialized prenatal imaging procedure that provides a more comprehensive view of the developing baby and the mother’s reproductive organs. This advanced ultrasound helps healthcare providers assess the baby’s growth, anatomy, and overall well-being, while also checking for any potential issues. This patient education guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the detailed obstetrical ultrasound, its purpose, procedure, significance, and role in prenatal care.
Purpose of Detailed Obstetrical Ultrasound: A detailed obstetrical ultrasound is typically performed between weeks 18 and 22 of pregnancy. Its primary purposes include:
- Detailed Anatomical Assessment: The ultrasound allows healthcare professionals to examine the baby’s organs, bones, and other structures in greater detail, ensuring they are developing normally.
- Identify Abnormalities: The detailed ultrasound can detect potential abnormalities or anomalies, which may require further evaluation or monitoring.
- Assess Placental and Uterine Health: The procedure also assesses the health and position of the placenta and examines the mother’s uterus for any abnormalities.
What is a Fetal Echocardiogram
A fetal echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound examination that focuses on assessing the structure and function of the developing baby’s heart while still in the womb. This advanced imaging procedure is used to detect and evaluate any potential heart abnormalities or congenital defects, ensuring timely intervention and appropriate medical care. This patient education guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of fetal echocardiograms, their purpose, procedure, significance, and role in prenatal care.
Purpose of Fetal Echocardiogram: A fetal echocardiogram is usually recommended when there’s a higher risk of heart abnormalities due to factors such as family history of heart disease, maternal medical conditions, or abnormal findings in routine prenatal ultrasounds. Its primary purposes include:
- Detect Heart Abnormalities: The echocardiogram can identify structural or functional abnormalities in the developing baby’s heart, allowing for early detection and management.
- Assess Blood Flow: It assesses the blood flow within the heart and major blood vessels, which is crucial for diagnosing specific heart conditions.
- Plan for Care: The information gathered from a fetal echocardiogram helps healthcare providers plan for necessary interventions, surgeries, or medical care after birth.
What is a Complete Obstetrical Ultrasound
A complete obstetrical ultrasound, often referred to as a comprehensive ultrasound or level III ultrasound, is a comprehensive imaging procedure that provides an in-depth assessment of the developing baby’s anatomy, organs, and overall well-being. This advanced ultrasound offers a detailed view of the baby’s structures and is used to detect potential abnormalities, monitor growth, and ensure a healthy pregnancy. This patient education guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the complete obstetrical ultrasound, its purpose, procedure, significance, and role in prenatal care.
Purpose of Complete Obstetrical Ultrasound: A complete obstetrical ultrasound is typically performed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, around weeks 18 to 22. Its primary purposes include:
- Detailed Anatomical Assessment: The ultrasound provides a thorough examination of the baby’s organs, bones, limbs, brain, and other structures to ensure they’re developing normally.
- Identify Abnormalities: The comprehensive ultrasound can detect potential abnormalities, allowing for further evaluation, medical intervention, or planning.
- Monitor Growth: The procedure assesses the baby’s growth and position, helping healthcare providers track development over time.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consultation
A maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) consultation is a specialized medical evaluation provided by experts in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. This consultation is recommended when there are higher risks or complexities involved in a pregnancy. Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are trained to address the unique needs of both the expectant mother and the developing baby, ensuring optimal care and outcomes. This patient education guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of maternal-fetal medicine consultations, their purpose, benefits, what to expect, and their role in prenatal care.
Purpose of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consultation: A maternal-fetal medicine consultation is typically sought when a pregnancy is considered high-risk due to factors such as maternal medical conditions, previous pregnancy complications, advanced maternal age, or fetal abnormalities. The primary purposes include:
- Risk Assessment: Maternal-fetal medicine specialists assess the risk factors associated with the pregnancy and develop strategies to manage and mitigate these risks.
- Expert Guidance: The consultation provides expert advice and guidance for expectant mothers and their healthcare providers to ensure the best possible care and outcomes.
- Monitoring and Management: Maternal-fetal medicine specialists closely monitor the pregnancy’s progress, conducting specialized tests and imaging to detect and manage any potential complications.
Benefits of Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consultation: A maternal-fetal medicine consultation offers several key benefits:
- Specialized Expertise: Maternal-fetal medicine specialists have advanced training in managing complex pregnancies, providing tailored care and interventions.
- Comprehensive Assessment: The specialists thoroughly assess both maternal and fetal health, offering a holistic view of the pregnancy.
- Customized Care Plans: Consultations lead to personalized care plans that address the specific needs of the pregnancy, enhancing the chances of a healthy outcome.
Understanding Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic procedure that involves collecting a small sample of amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac surrounding the developing baby. This procedure is often recommended to gather valuable information about the baby’s health, genetic conditions, and potential chromosomal abnormalities. This patient education guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of amniocentesis, its purpose, procedure, benefits, risks, and role in prenatal care.
Purpose of Amniocentesis: Amniocentesis is typically performed between weeks 15 and 20 of pregnancy. Its primary purposes include:
- Genetic Testing: The collected amniotic fluid contains fetal cells that can be analyzed for genetic conditions, chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down syndrome), and other disorders.
- Prenatal Diagnosis: Amniocentesis helps diagnose certain conditions early in pregnancy, allowing for informed decision-making and appropriate medical care.
- Assessment of Fetal Lung Maturity: In some cases, amniocentesis is performed to assess the maturity of the baby’s lungs in situations where early delivery is being considered.
Obstetrical Non-Stress Test (NST)
An obstetrical non-stress test (NST) is a simple and non-invasive prenatal monitoring procedure that assesses the well-being of the developing baby by tracking their heart rate in response to their own movements. This test is commonly used to evaluate the baby’s health, especially in high-risk pregnancies or when there are concerns about fetal well-being. This patient education guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the obstetrical non-stress test, its purpose, procedure, significance, and role in prenatal care.
Purpose of Obstetrical Non-Stress Test: The obstetrical non-stress test is typically recommended in the third trimester of pregnancy, especially when there are risk factors such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, decreased fetal movement, or a history of complications. Its primary purposes include:
- Assessing Fetal Well-Being: The NST monitors the baby’s heart rate patterns to ensure they are responding well to their own movements, indicating a healthy oxygen supply.
- Identifying Distress: The test helps identify if the baby is experiencing any distress that might require further evaluation or medical intervention.
Biophysical Profile Ultrasound
A biophysical profile ultrasound is a specialized prenatal assessment that combines ultrasound imaging with fetal heart rate monitoring to evaluate the well-being of the developing baby. This comprehensive test assesses several factors, such as fetal movement, amniotic fluid levels, and heart rate patterns, providing valuable information about the baby’s health. This patient education guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the biophysical profile ultrasound, its purpose, procedure, significance, and role in prenatal care.
Purpose of Biophysical Profile Ultrasound: A biophysical profile ultrasound is typically recommended in the third trimester of pregnancy, especially when there are risk factors such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, decreased fetal movement, or a history of complications. Its primary purposes include:
- Assessing Fetal Well-Being: The biophysical profile evaluates various aspects of the baby’s health, including their movements, muscle tone, breathing, amniotic fluid levels, and heart rate patterns.
- Identifying Distress: The test helps identify any signs of fetal distress or potential issues that might require further evaluation or medical intervention.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is a specialized prenatal diagnostic procedure that involves collecting a small sample of placental tissue to obtain genetic information about the developing baby. This test is typically recommended for pregnancies with higher risks of genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities. This patient education guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS), its purpose, procedure, benefits, risks, and its role in prenatal care.
Purpose of Chorionic Villus Sampling: CVS is usually performed between weeks 10 and 13 of pregnancy. Its primary purposes include:
- Genetic Testing: The collected placental tissue contains genetic material from the baby, allowing for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities, genetic disorders, and other conditions.
- Prenatal Diagnosis: CVS helps diagnose certain genetic conditions early in pregnancy, providing expectant parents with important information to make informed decisions.
Uterine Artery Doppler
Uterine artery Doppler is a specialized ultrasound technique used during pregnancy to assess blood flow in the uterine arteries, which supply the uterus and placenta with oxygen and nutrients. This non-invasive procedure helps healthcare providers monitor the health of the placenta and the developing baby, particularly in cases where there might be concerns about blood flow. This patient education guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of uterine artery Doppler, its purpose, procedure, significance, and role in prenatal care.
Purpose of Uterine Artery Doppler: Uterine artery Doppler is typically performed in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Its primary purposes include:
- Monitoring Placental Health: The test evaluates blood flow in the uterine arteries to assess the function of the placenta and ensure optimal oxygen and nutrient supply to the baby.
- Detecting Complications: Uterine artery Doppler helps identify potential issues with blood flow, such as reduced blood flow (uteroplacental insufficiency), which might lead to growth restriction or other complications.
Prenatal Genetic Counseling
Prenatal genetic counseling is a supportive and informative process that provides expectant parents with valuable insights into the risk of genetic conditions or birth defects that may affect their unborn baby. This counseling empowers parents to make informed decisions about their pregnancy and understand the potential implications of genetic factors. This patient education guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of prenatal genetic counseling, its purpose, process, benefits, significance, and role in prenatal care.
Purpose of Prenatal Genetic Counseling: Prenatal genetic counseling serves several crucial purposes:
- Risk Assessment: Genetic counselors assess the risk of genetic conditions based on family history, medical background, and sometimes, specific genetic tests.
- Informed Decision-Making: Expectant parents are provided with accurate and balanced information about potential genetic concerns, allowing them to make well-informed decisions regarding testing, pregnancy management, and future planning.
- Emotional Support: Prenatal genetic counselors offer emotional support, addressing concerns, answering questions, and helping parents cope with the complexities of genetic information.
Prenatal Telemedicine
Prenatal telemedicine is a modern approach to healthcare that utilizes technology to connect expectant parents with healthcare providers remotely. Through video calls, phone consultations, and digital platforms, prenatal telemedicine offers convenient and effective ways to receive prenatal care and support without the need for in-person visits. This patient education guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of prenatal telemedicine, its purpose, benefits, procedures, significance, and role in modern prenatal care.
Purpose of Prenatal Telemedicine: Prenatal telemedicine serves various important purposes:
- Convenient Access: Prenatal telemedicine allows expectant parents to access healthcare from the comfort of their homes or workplaces, reducing travel time and inconveniences.
- Regular Check-ins: Remote consultations enable regular check-ins with healthcare providers, ensuring that the pregnancy is progressing well and any concerns are addressed promptly.
- Support and Education: Telemedicine platforms offer opportunities for education, discussing prenatal care, nutrition, exercise, and addressing any questions parents may have.