Frequently asked questions.

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When should I have my first gynecologic visit?

According to ACOG, the first gynecologic visit should occur between the ages of 13 and 15 years. This visit may be just a talk between you and your provider. This talk may include a lot of questions about you and your family; some of them may seem very personal, such as questions about your menstrual period or sexual activity. If you are concerned about confidentiality, you and your provider should talk about it before you answer any questions. Most of the information you share can be kept confidential.

During your first visit, you may have certain exams performed. If you choose, a family member can accompany you for any part of the exam. Most often, these exams include a general physical exam, and an external genital exam. You usually do not need to have a pelvic exam at the first visit, unless you are having problems, such as abnormal bleeding or pain. If you are sexually active, you may have tests for certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Most of the tests that teens need can be done by the doctor with a urine sample. You also may have certain vaccinations.

What are the pelvic exam and Pap test?

A Pap test is a screening test for cervical cancer. It checks for abnormal changes in the cervix that could lead to cancer.

The pelvic exam has three parts:

  • Looking at the vulva and external genital area

  • Looking at the vagina and cervix using a speculum

  • Checking the internal organs with a gloved hand

When you have a pap test, a sample of cells is taken from your cervix with a small brush.

To check your internal organs, the provider will gently place one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into the vagina and up to the cervix. The other hand will press on the abdomen from the outside.

Screening for cervical cancer with a Pap test should begin at age 21 years. From the ages of 21 to 29, patients should have a Pap test every three years. HPV testing is not recommended. At the age of 30 years, your provider will add a screening test for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which has been associated with increased risk of cervical cancer. If the Pap test is normal and the HPV test negative, then repeat Pap tests with HPV testing (co-testing) should be repeated every five years through the age of 65. It is also acceptable to have a Pap test alone every three years.

What concerns can be discussed with a gynecologist?

  • Cramps and problems with menstrual periods

  • Acne

  • Weight

  • Sex and sexuality, including gender-related questions

  • Birth control

  • Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs)

  • Alcohol, drugs, and smoking

  • Emotional ups and downs

  • Changes related to menopause and the pre-menopausal years

  • Problems with urination, including leaking urine

  • Changes and problems with the pelvic floor, including “bladder falling" and other problems with pelvic support

What can I do to stay healthy?

According to ACOG, making good lifestyle choices can help you to be strong and healthy for years to come:

  • Maintain a healthy weight by eating a well-balanced diet and exercising often.

  • Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illegal drugs.

  • Seek help if you have emotional ups and downs or feel depressed.

  • Use birth control if you are having sex and do not want to have a baby.

  • Protect yourself from STIs by using a latex condom. Know your partners and limit their number.

  • Keep up with routine exams, tests, and immunizations.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray picture of the breast. It is used to look for early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are the best tests for early detection of breast cancer, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt. For women at average risk of breast cancer, screening mammography is recommended every 1-2 years beginning at age 40 years. If you have not started screening in your 40s, you should start having mammography no later than age 50 years. Screening should continue until at least age 75 years.

What is telehealth?

“Telehealth” typically refers to using technology such as computers or phones to remotely provide health care to patients.

Preventive services are critical to ensuring the health and well-being of women. During this time of social distancing and stay-at-home restrictions, women’s health care professionals have an increased opportunity to use telehealth to promote a healthy lifestyle, screen for various conditions, and counsel patients on risk-reducing behaviors. Although some patients may face technology barriers to telehealth, the availability of virtual visits may increase accessibility for health care to many women who were previously unable to schedule routine preventive visits because of lack of transportation, child care, or paid leave. 

What kinds of screening, problems, or concerns can be addressed during a telehealth visit?

Many preventive services on the Well Woman Chart (link) that involve screening, assessment, and counseling can be done via telehealth. It is important to note that in some situations, a physical examination may be indicated to address the particular preventive service being addressed. However, some aspects of the preventive visit, such as obtaining relevant medical history, family history, review of systems, counseling, education, and potential prescription could occur via telehealth, with the physical examination conducted at a later time during a subsequent in-person visit.

The following list contains preventive services that may be done via telehealth:

General Health

  • Alcohol screening and counseling regarding alcohol use

  • Anxiety Screening and referral

  • Blood pressure screening (if patient has appropriate resources available such as a blood pressure cuff)

  • Contraceptive counseling, discussion of methods, and prescribing contraceptives that do not require an in-person visit such as intrauterine devices or implants

  • Depression screening and referral

  • Fall Prevention counseling

  • Counseling regarding folic acid supplementation

  • Healthy diet and activity counseling

  • Interpersonal and domestic violence screening and discussion of available resources

  • Obesity screening (if patient has appropriate resources available such as a scale)

  • Substance use assessment (drug use)

  • Tobacco screening and cessation counseling

  • Urinary incontinence screening
     

Infectious disease

  • HIV risk assessment

  • Sexually Transmitted Infection prevention counseling

Cancer

  • Counseling and possible prescribing of medications to reduce breast cancer risk 

  • Risk assessment for BRCA testing

  • Skin cancer counseling

Where can I find additional telehealth resources?

Find additional telehealth resources at the links below and at the WPSI website.

ACOG

CMS

HealthIT.gov

National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers

Center for Connected Health Policy

What insurances do you accept?

We are currently contracted with the following insurance companies:

  • First Choice

  • IHN (Oregon MedicAid, OHP)

  • Moda Health

  • PacificSource

  • Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield

  • Medicare

  • United Healthcare

  • Providence

  • Humana

  • Samaritan

If you do not see your insurance company listed, please Contact us for further assistance. This list is always in flux; there are some companies that we are currently working to establish with. Additionally, if you would like us to look into establishing with your insurance provider, we would be happy to discuss it with you directly.

We also have individual arrangements for self-pay patients. We will never turn a patient away because of an inability to pay for their care.

Still have questions?