Questions, answered
Frequently asked questions
The things people ask most before their first visit. If yours isn't here, just ask!
- Do I have to be pregnant to be seen here?
- 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.
- What is a Certified Nurse-Midwife?
- 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.
- Where are you located and who do you serve?
- 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.
- Am I eligible for telehealth?
- 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.
- How does home birth availability work?
- 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.
- Do you support VBAC?
- 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.
- Do you take insurance?
- The practice is currently self-pay, and commercial insurance credentialing is underway. Insurance options will be listed here as payer enrollment and contracts become active - we won't name a plan before it's confirmed. In the meantime, I can superbill at the end of your contract and you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
- Can I get prescriptions, labs or imaging?
- Yes, when clinically appropriate. Prescriptions, labs, imaging, referrals or an in-person evaluation can be arranged as part of your care.
- How do I send medical information?
- Please don't send health details through the website contact form. Once you're established, use the patient portal or call the office so your information stays inside a secure clinical system. The electronic healthcare system used by Lakeland Birth and Gynecology is fully HIPPA compliant.
- What if I have an emergency?
- 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.