Frequently asked questions

No. Most patients here are not pregnant. Annual exams, contraception, IUDs, period problems, STI testing, hormones, perimenopause and menopause, and medical weight management are all core parts of the practice. 

A CNM is an advance practice registered nurse practitioner (APRN) with graduate-level education in nurse-midwifery including national board certification. CNMs provide full-scope women's healthcare across the lifespan including teens and adults for gynecology, contraception, pregnancy, birth and menopause care. This includes labs, imaging, and prescription medications as appropriate. 

Lakeland Birth & Gynecology is based in Lakeland, Florida and serves Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Plant City, Polk County, Central Florida. Eligible telehealth patients can be seen anywhere in Florida. 

If you're physically located in Florida at the time of the visit and your concern can be appropriately evaluated virtually, yes. Some concerns need labs, imaging or an in-person exam first.

Home birth spots are intentionally limited by due date so each family receives personalized care. Whether planned home birth is appropriate for you is determined through individualized assessment that continues throughout pregnancy.

Birth after cesarean is discussed individually, including the evidence, the risks and the safest setting for your situation. Eligibility is never assumed or guaranteed, but yes- VBAC is supported when appropriate.

We are pleased to now accept Florida Medicaid for eligible health services and prenatal care. Florida Medicaid is not accepted for home birth. Coverage depends on Medicaid eligibility, specific health plan participation, and covered benefits. Contact us to verify coverage before your visit. Self-pay options and HSA/FSA payments for eligible services remain available. We are currently out-of-network with Florida Blue / Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, with in-network participation anticipated soon but not yet active. Superbills are available upon request for possible out-of-network reimbursement, which is not guaranteed.

Florida Medicaid is accepted for eligible health services, including women's health and gynecology, and prenatal care only. Coverage depends on Medicaid eligibility, specific health plan participation, and covered benefits. Contact us to verify coverage before your visit. Florida Medicaid is not accepted for home birth services. Self-pay options remain available for home birth care.

Yes. Lakeland Birth & Gynecology accepts HSA and FSA cards for eligible medical services. Individual plans determine which expenses qualify, so we recommend checking with your HSA or FSA administrator if you have questions about a specific service.

HSA and FSA funds may be used for eligible maternity-related medical expenses. Eligibility can vary depending on your individual plan and the specific service, so we recommend confirming coverage with your HSA or FSA administrator.

Yes, when clinically appropriate. Prescriptions, labs, imaging, referrals or an in-person evaluation can be arranged as part of your care.

Please don't send health details through the website contact form. Use the Patient Portal or call the office for questions about your care. The contact form is only for general requests.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. The website and contact form are not monitored for urgent or emergency concerns.  If you have noticed a decrease in fetal movement, experienced heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, seizure, severe headache or vision changes, or believe you or your baby may be experiencing an emergency, seek immediate medical care. If you are an established obstetric patient with an urgent pregnancy or postpartum concern that is not life-threatening, please use the after-hours contact instructions provided to you rather than the website contact form.