Birth Control Initial Appointment
Published May 9, 2013Question: Hi…I was wondering what an appointment is like if someone wants to start birth control. I know a pap test isn’t mandatory if you’re not 21…but is a full physical needed?
Answer: You are correct, a pap test is no longer required for someone to start birth control. The patient will remove their clothing and wear a gown, and the nurse will check the heart and lungs, and will do a visual check to make sure there are no abnormal symptoms. If you have any more questions about the process, please call us at 440-352-0608.
What happens during a birth control appointment?
Published April 4, 2013“What all happens at birth control appointment? I called the Painesville location and they said a regular exam without the pap test..but what exactly will they do? I”d really rather not get a pelivc exam i have no problem with a breast exam though.”
A: At the Family Planning Association, if a person is under the age of 21, they will not need to have a pelvic exam unless they are showing symptoms of an infection. If no symptoms are present, the nurse practitioner will do a visual exam.
STD testing?
Published December 20, 2012“Do i need an apointment at my local family planning place to get a doctor to look at what might be a std. Or do i just show up?”
A: Yes, we do have walk-in Teen Clinics. Depending on which Family Planning location you go to, they are every other Monday. If you are showing symptoms of an STD, we recommend making an appointment to get in sooner.
How to get tested for herpes?
Published December 20, 2012“Do you have to call ahead of time to get checked for herpes or any disease? Also if you are infected with herpes do they show signs that you have it?”
A: To get tested for STI’s, you will need to call and schedule an appointment. When a person is infected with herpes, the person may or may not show visible symptoms.
Getting tested in Ashtabula?
Published December 20, 2012“What days can you get tested in Ashtabula Ohio?”
A: To find out the availability of appointments at the Family Planning Clinic in Ashtabula, you can call 440-992-5953.
Where can I consult with a physician?
Published December 20, 2012“I do not heave health insurance. I am married and my husband is leaving for Iraq in January or shortly thereafter. We want to go off my pills and see what happens, but I am on other medication that I am afraid would harm an embryo. Do you know of anywhere that I can go to consult a dr. before I might get pregnant? I have endometriosis and I have never been off of birth control so I’m fairly sure nothing will happen right away but I would have liked to talk to a Dr. first. We recently moved up here and my former Drs are all 3 hours away. Thanks.”
A: You could make an appointment with one of the nurse practitioners that the Family Planning Association to discuss your medical situation and the possibility of becoming pregnant. We operate on a sliding fee scale, so our fees are based on income and family size. Please be aware it is possible to become pregnant as soon as you stop taking pills, even if you have been taking them for a long time
Medicaid
Published December 20, 2012“Hi, I am currently pregnant and need proof of pregnancy for medicaid, the lady at job and family services said to come to family planning. She also said it would be free since it would be for medicaid. Is this true? I really need to schedule an appt. I believe im about 4 1/2 I found out super late, would being so far along already influence the cost or anything for the first visit? Thanks!”
A: Yes, here at Family Planning we do provide pregnancy verifications for Medicaid. The cost of your visit will depend on your income and family side. It will be based off of a sliding fee scale. Medicaid will not cover the appointment because you have not yet applied for it. We recommend calling and making an appointment at the Family Planning Clinic as soon as possible.
How much does an appointment cost?
Published December 20, 2012“How much does an appointment cost?”
A: “The Family Planning Association operates on a sliding fee scale according to income and family size. The cost of an appointment varies and is determined by income and family size. Family Planning also accepts insurance and medicaid.”
How long does the entire exam for birth control pills last?
Published December 20, 2012“How long does the entire exam for birth control pills last? Do i have to get the pills or can i get the shot? I’m under 18, what do i bring to my first appointment?”
A: “If you are 15 or younger, you need to make an appointment for a separate orientation and education session first, which lasts about 30 minutes. After you attend the orientation, you can schedule an exam. If you are 16 or 17, you can schedule an exam for the same day as your orientation and education. An exam lasts approximately 1-1 1/2 hours. Whether or not you get birth control pills or the shot is your decision. If you have Medicaid, bring your card with you.”
How long does it take to get an appointment?
Published December 20, 2012“how long does it take to get an appointment? after you get one, how long would it take to get birth control pills.?”
A: We recommend calling to make an appointment as soon as possible because our appointments are limited. Once the exam has been done, the patient can get on birth control.