Frequently asked questions
Our FAQ section gives you quick solutions to frequent questions, simplifying your search for information
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, we currently welcome new patients to our practice. Please call (973) 471-0707 to make an appointment.
What is your fax number?
Our fax line for all clinics is (973) 471-2112.
How do I refill prescription medication?
Please contact your pharmacy directly to request prescription refills. Pharmacies will then send your refill request to us electronically for approval. If you are on birth control, you must be seen every 6 months for safe refills. Please schedule your appointment in advance to avoid interruptions.
What type of insurance do you accept?
Ob-Gyn and Infertility Services of Northern New Jersey accepts most insurance plans. Please call 973-471-0707 to confirm coverage
Who can I contact with a billing question?
For billing inquiries, please call 973-471-0707 ext. 103.
When do you offer evening and weekend appointments?
Appointment duration varies depending on the reason for your visit.
How long are your appointments?
Appointment duration varies depending on the reason for your visit.
Can I bring family or friends to my ultrasound?
Yes, but please maintain a quiet and respectful environment. Rooms are small and dimly lit, and bringing small children is discouraged.
How do I reach the office for an after-hours emergency?
We are available 24/7/365. Call the office number and follow the prompts to reach the on-call provider.
General
Why are annual well-woman visits necessary if I don’t need a PAP smear every year?
Even without a yearly PAP smear, annual pelvic and breast exams are important. These visits also allow you to discuss concerns and update your medical history.
What’s considered normal for irregular mid-cycle bleeding?
Occasional spotting can be normal. Possible causes include missed birth control pills, stress, or weight changes.
If bleeding continues for more than 3 months, becomes heavy, or includes symptoms like dizziness or weakness, schedule an appointment.
Post-menopausal spotting should always be evaluated.
How can I skip my period while on birth control pills?
Skip the placebo pills and start a new pack immediately. Some breakthrough bleeding may occur. For regular use, consult your provider.
What is an Annual Well-Woman Exam?
An annual well-woman exam is a preventive healthcare visit focused on a woman’s overall gynecologic and reproductive health. It may include a review of your medical history, breast exam, pelvic exam, Pap smear (when appropriate), contraception counseling, and recommended health screenings. These yearly visits help detect potential health concerns early and support long-term wellness.
What Are Preventive Health Screenings?
Preventive health screenings are routine tests and evaluations designed to detect potential health issues before symptoms develop. Depending on your age, medical history, and risk factors, screenings may include Pap smears, HPV testing, breast exams, mammogram referrals, blood pressure checks, osteoporosis screening, and other assessments that support your long-term health and well-being. Early detection can help prevent complications and improve treatment outcomes.
What Are Pap Smears & Cervical Cancer Screening?
Pap smears and cervical cancer screenings are important preventive tests that help detect abnormal cervical cells before they develop into cancer. A Pap smear collects cells from the cervix to identify changes that may require monitoring or treatment. Depending on your age and risk factors, your provider may also recommend HPV testing, which screens for the virus most commonly linked to cervical cancer. Regular screening is one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer and maintain reproductive health.
What Is HPV Testing & Vaccination Guidance?
HPV testing helps detect high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common infection that can increase the risk of cervical cancer. HPV vaccination helps protect against the most common cancer-causing strains of the virus. During your visit, your provider can discuss whether HPV testing is appropriate for you, review your vaccination status, and provide personalized recommendations based on your age, health history, and risk factors.
What Is Breast Awareness?
Breast awareness means becoming familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel so you can recognize any changes. During your annual exam, your provider will discuss breast health, perform a clinical breast exam when appropriate, and review any concerns such as lumps, pain, skin changes, or nipple discharge. Breast awareness and regular screening recommendations help support early detection and overall breast health.
Learn More About Breast Awareness
Watch our patient education video to learn how to become familiar with your normal breast health, recognize potential changes, and understand when to contact your healthcare provider.
â–¶ Watch the Breast Awareness Video
What Is Birth Control & Contraceptive Counseling?
Birth control and contraceptive counseling helps you choose the method that best fits your lifestyle, health needs, and family planning goals. During your visit, your provider will review available options—including birth control pills, IUDs, implants, injections, patches, rings, and permanent contraception—and discuss the benefits, risks, effectiveness, and potential side effects of each. The goal is to help you make an informed decision that works best for you.
What Is Menopause & Perimenopause Care?
Menopause and perimenopause care focuses on helping women manage the physical and hormonal changes that occur as reproductive years come to an end. Symptoms may include irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, and changes in sexual health. Your provider will evaluate your symptoms and discuss personalized treatment options, lifestyle recommendations, and hormone or non-hormonal therapies to help improve your quality of life and overall well-being.
What Is STI Screening?
STI screening involves testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and others. Regular screening can help detect infections early, even when no symptoms are present, allowing for prompt treatment and reducing the risk of complications. Your provider will recommend appropriate testing based on your age, medical history, symptoms, and individual risk factors. Early detection is an important part of maintaining your reproductive and overall health.
What Is Preconception Counseling?
Preconception counseling is a consultation designed to help you prepare for a healthy pregnancy before conception. During the visit, your provider will review your medical history, medications, lifestyle factors, and any existing health conditions that may affect pregnancy. You will receive guidance on prenatal vitamins, nutrition, fertility, genetic considerations, and steps to optimize your health, helping to support the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby.
What Is an Osteoporosis Risk Assessment?
An osteoporosis risk assessment evaluates your risk of developing osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and more prone to fractures. Your provider will review factors such as age, family history, menopausal status, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle habits that may affect bone health. If appropriate, additional screening, such as a bone density test, may be recommended to help detect bone loss early and support long-term skeletal health.
What Are Personalized Women’s Wellness Plans?
Personalized women’s wellness plans are customized healthcare strategies designed to support your unique health needs, goals, and stage of life. Your provider will consider factors such as your medical history, reproductive health, lifestyle, family history, and preventive care needs to create a tailored plan. These plans may include recommendations for screenings, nutrition, exercise, hormonal health, family planning, and ongoing wellness support to help you maintain optimal health throughout every stage of life.
Gynecology
What foods should I avoid during pregnancy?
Avoid unpasteurized foods and raw or undercooked meats (including sushi).
Limit white tuna to 6 oz/week. Avoid tilefish, shark, swordfish, and king mackerel.
Is it safe to travel by airplane during pregnancy?
Flying is generally safe up to 36 weeks if the pregnancy is normal.
Walk every hour, perform ankle exercises, and schedule a check-up before travel.
What over-the-counter medications are safe for allergies?
Claritin, Zyrtec, and Sudafed (follow package instructions).
What can I take for nausea?
Vitamin B6 (25 mg, 2–3 times daily) and Unisom (half tablet in the morning, full tablet at night).
Note: Unisom may cause drowsiness.
Which OTC medications are safe during pregnancy?
What Is First Trimester Screening?
First Trimester Screening: What Expecting Parents Should Know
Pregnancy is filled with exciting milestones, and one of the earliest and most important is first trimester screening. Performed between 11 weeks and 13 weeks 6 days, this screening helps assess your baby’s early development and provides valuable information about the health of your pregnancy.
What Is First Trimester Screening?
First trimester screening is a prenatal evaluation that combines a specialized ultrasound examination with maternal blood testing. Together, these assessments help estimate the risk of certain chromosomal conditions while also providing an early look at your baby’s growth and anatomy.
This screening is considered optional but is commonly recommended as part of routine prenatal care.
What Happens During the Ultrasound?
During the ultrasound, a specially trained sonographer evaluates several important markers, including:
- Baby’s overall growth and development
- Fetal heart rate
- Pregnancy dating
- Early fetal anatomy
- Placental location
- Nuchal translucency (NT) measurement
The NT measurement evaluates a small fluid-filled space at the back of the baby’s neck. This measurement is one component used in calculating risk for certain chromosomal conditions.
What Conditions Does First Trimester Screening Assess?
First trimester screening helps estimate the risk for:
- Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
- Trisomy 18
- Trisomy 13
- Certain structural abnormalities
It is important to understand that screening tests do not diagnose a condition. Instead, they identify pregnancies that may benefit from additional testing.
Is First Trimester Screening Accurate?
First trimester screening is a valuable tool, but no screening test is 100% accurate. Results are reported as a risk assessment rather than a diagnosis.
If a screening result indicates an increased risk, your healthcare provider may discuss additional options such as:
- Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
- Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
- Amniocentesis
- Follow-up ultrasound evaluations
Why Is Early Screening Important?
Early prenatal screening can:
- Provide reassurance when results are normal
- Identify pregnancies that may require additional monitoring
- Help families make informed decisions
- Allow healthcare providers to plan appropriate follow-up care
- Detect certain concerns earlier in pregnancy
What Is a Detailed Anatomy Ultrasound?
Detailed Anatomy Ultrasound (Level II Ultrasound): What Expecting Parents Should Know
A detailed anatomy ultrasound, often called a Level II ultrasound, is one of the most important examinations during pregnancy. Typically performed between 18 and 22 weeks, this comprehensive evaluation allows your healthcare provider to assess your baby’s growth, development, and anatomy in detail.
What Is a Detailed Anatomy Ultrasound?
A detailed anatomy ultrasound is an advanced prenatal examination that carefully evaluates your baby’s organs, structures, and overall development. The examination helps identify many structural abnormalities while also providing reassurance when findings are normal.
This ultrasound is recommended for most pregnancies and is especially important for patients with high-risk pregnancies or specific medical concerns.
What Does the Anatomy Scan Evaluate?
During the examination, the sonographer and physician evaluate:
✓ Baby’s head and brain
✓ Face and facial structures
✓ Spine
✓ Heart and major blood vessels
✓ Stomach and abdominal organs
✓ Kidneys and bladder
✓ Arms, hands, legs, and feet
✓ Placenta location
✓ Umbilical cord
✓ Amniotic fluid volume
✓ Fetal growth measurements
Can the Anatomy Scan Determine Gender?
In most cases, fetal sex can be identified during the anatomy ultrasound if parents wish to know. However, visualization depends on fetal position and imaging conditions.
How Long Does the Examination Take?
A detailed anatomy ultrasound typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on:
- Baby’s position
- Maternal body habitus
- Number of babies being evaluated
- Whether additional imaging is required
Sometimes a follow-up scan may be recommended if certain structures cannot be adequately visualized during the initial examination.
What Conditions Can Be Detected?
The anatomy scan may help identify:
- Congenital heart defects
- Neural tube defects
- Cleft lip and palate
- Abdominal wall abnormalities
- Kidney abnormalities
- Skeletal abnormalities
- Growth concerns
- Placental abnormalities
While many conditions can be detected, no ultrasound can identify every possible abnormality.
Is the Anatomy Scan Safe?
Yes. Diagnostic ultrasound has been used safely in pregnancy for decades and does not involve radiation. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your developing baby.