Do we stock IUDs or order them?

In the United States, IUD’s are considered a pharmaceutical drug. Hence, they are only stocked or dispensed through either pharmacies or designated medical facilities.

What is “buy and bill”?

This means that the medical facility will buy the IUD from the manufacturer and then bill the patient’s insurance.

Why don’t all offices buy and bill for IUDs?

The approximate costs of IUDs vary from between $800-1000. If we purchase the IUDs upfront then we first have to pay this amount to the manufacturer without any guarantee of reimbursement.

To complicate things further, the insurance company may not cover the full cost of the IUD or they may apply a portion to you as a co-pay, co-insurance or a deductible. Either way, the medical office has a high chance that they will lose money in this process.

Hence, due to already tight financial conditions being faced by us in an effort to keep our doors open, we do not participate in the “buy and bill” program.

Why does my plan cover only “buy and bill” and not allow the pharmacy to purchase the IUD and deliver it to the medical office if the cost to the insurance is the same?

That’s a great question and that is something you can totally ask your insurance company.

What can I do if my insurance covers only Buy and Bill and I need an IUD?

There are some other medical offices that might participate in the plan, you can through your insurance website and call other GYN offices to see who can provide that service to you.

In addition, there are federally and state funded health centers such as FQHCs and Planned Parenthood who can provide the IUDs on site since they receive grants for such programs.

What are the next steps after I get an IUD inserted?

 You may experience some cramping, pain and bleeding for 2-3 days. OTC medications with food should help relieve the pain.

When should I come back for a follow up?

 We recommend one follow up six weeks after the insertion so that we can examine and visualize the strings. We also highly recommend an ultrasound at 6 weeks and then annually to ensure that the IUD is still in place.

Does my insurance cover an ultrasound after the IUD insertion?

Again, it depends on your plan. Most insurances do. However, some don’t. We offer a discounted self-pay pricing for an IUD check sonogram because your safety is important to us.

How often should I monitor my IUD?

Since there is a 1-2 percent chance that the IUD can get expelled or may move, we definitely recommend a 6 week and an annual sonogram to confirm the location.

Why can’t I get an IUD inserted at any time?

1. Because we want to make sure that you are not pregnant.
2. If you are in the luteal phase (right before your period), you may be pregnant but the urine and blood tests can still be negative, hence we ask that you come in for an IUD insertion during your period.
3. Lastly, when you are on your period, then the os (the mouth of the cervix) is slightly open and softer. This allows us to place the IUD safely and you may suffer from less pain.

I would like to get my pap with the IUD insertion? Why do I have to come twice?

Your insurance does not cover a visit with a procedure on the same day. They will deny one or the other. In that case you may end up being responsible for the cost of one of those.

You can find more clinical details and preparation instructions here.

Please know that we are here 7 days a week to care for you. Your health is important to us. Thank you for trusting us with your health.

Be safe, be strong and be prepared.

Walk In GYN Team

The post IUDs : Ordering, placement and insurance FAQs appeared first on Walk In GYN Care.

Some checklists should never get old. Here is a reminder for all women out there. As we start yet another year, we need to remember that we, women are the foundation! Our health is paramount for all those around us. So, we decided to post a friendly reminder to you to get rocking! Here is your go-to check list for 2021. #womenshealthispower

1. Get that PAP– Cervical cancer is still one of the leading causes of genital cancer deaths in women. A cervical swab to test of abnormal cells and HPV can help in early diagnosis and treatment. It’s not fun but our compassionate team will make the process as comfortable as possible. We understand!
2. Do not forget your birth control – Whether they are refills for your pills or time for the IUD to be changed or time for the next shot, do not let the dates slip. Missing pills or being late for your shot can lead to accidental pregnancies. So, dig into your wallet for the next appointment card or just walk in!
3. STD testing – As we mentioned last month, 2019 saw the rates of syphilis related newborn deaths rise by 126% and 376 women newly diagnosed with HIV with nearly 500 deaths attributed to the deadly disease. We all tend to think that those STDs happen only to someone else. We could be that someone! Don’t become a number! Get tested, ask for PREP (HIV prevention meds) and ask your partner to be tested. There is no shame in safety!
4. Stock up on those supplements- Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with diabetes, depression and dementia. Probiotics help keep your gut and above all that vagina healthy wealthy and wise! Visit our website for a full list of what is needed and when 
5. Get physical– Take that walk, do some jumping jacks or do that favorite yoga pose you have been missing out on because you been stuck at home working or caring for your loved ones! It takes only a few minutes out of your day and gives you 10X the benefits. The ROI on that one…. Is a no brainer 

If you have lost your insurance, don’t want bills for STD tests reaching your house or have a high deductible, just walk in and ask us for our, “Well Woman Package”. We specially designed this package to cover your pap, STD testing and an ultrasound so you don’t have to worry!

#wegothis

Be safe, be strong and be prepared!

Your team at Walk In GYN Care

The post New Year, new goals…. Old checklists!!! appeared first on Walk In GYN Care.

You have decided to proceed with an IUD for birth control. This is how to prepare for your visit prior to the insertion.

At the office visit prior:

• Pap/ STD testing up to-date.
• Sonogram to check uterine cavity done.
• Paper work signed.

You will get a call from us to inform that we have the IUD.

If you don’t hear from us in 2 weeks, please call us or email us.

For IUD insertion visit:

• Call on Day 1 of period to schedule IUD insertion. Needs to be done towards the end of the period.
• Please eat something at least 1-2 hours before appt.
• Take 600 mg Ibuprofen (if not allergic) after food 1 hour before appt. OR Tylenol (1000mg) if allergic to Ibuprofen.
• Follow up appt. in 1 month for sonogram to check IUD placement.
• Expect cramping for 2-3 days after procedure and next few periods.
• Can take Ibuprofen (600mg) or Tylenol (650mg) every 6-8 hrs for that pain.
• Check IUD by Ultrasound once a year.

IUDs – HOW TO MAKE THAT CHOICE?

What is an intrauterine device (IUD)?

The intrauterine device (IUD) is used to prevent pregnancy. It’s a small, plastic, T-shaped device. Your doctor places the IUD in your uterus.

You have a choice between a hormonal IUD and a copper IUD.

The hormonal IUD prevents pregnancy by damaging or killing sperm. It also releases a type of the hormone progestin. Progestin prevents pregnancy in these ways: It thickens the mucus in the cervix. This makes it hard for sperm to travel into the uterus. It also thins the lining of the uterus, which makes it harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus. Progestin can sometimes stop the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation).

There are two hormonal IUDs. One prevents pregnancy for 5 years, and the other prevents pregnancy for 3 years. Once you have it, you don’t have to do anything else to prevent pregnancy.

The copper IUD is wrapped in copper wire. Copper IUDs prevent pregnancy by making the uterus and fallopian tubes produce a fluid that kills sperm.

The copper IUD prevents pregnancy for 10 years. Once you have it, you don’t have to do anything else to prevent pregnancy.

A string tied to the end of the IUD hangs down through the opening of the uterus (called the cervix) into the vagina. You can check that the IUD is in place by feeling for the string. The IUD usually stays in the uterus until your doctor removes it.

How well does it work?

In the first year of use:

• When the hormonal IUD is used exactly as directed, fewer than 1 woman out of 100 has an unplanned pregnancy.
• When the copper IUD is used exactly as directed, fewer than 1 woman out of 100 has an unplanned pregnancy.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any health problems you have or medicines you take. He or she can help you choose the birth control method that is right for you.

What are the advantages of an IUD?

• An IUD is one of the most effective methods of birth control.
• It prevents pregnancy for 3 to 10 years, depending on the type. You don’t have to worry about birth control during this time.
• It’s safe to use while breast-feeding.
• IUDs don’t contain estrogen. So you can use an IUD if you don’t want to take estrogen or can’t take estrogen because you have certain health problems or concerns.
• An IUD is convenient. It is always providing birth control. You don’t need to remember to take a pill or get a shot. You don’t have to interrupt sex to protect against pregnancy.
• A hormonal IUD may reduce heavy bleeding and cramping.

What are the disadvantages of an IUD?

• An IUD doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as herpes or HIV/AIDS. If you aren’t sure if your sex partner might have an STI, use a condom to protect against disease.
• A copper IUD may cause periods with more bleeding and cramping.
• You have to see a doctor to have an IUD inserted and removed.
• You have to check to see if the string is in place.

How to prepare for an IUD insertion?

• It can be a daunting idea to go for an IUD insertion. We recommend taking Advil or Ibuprofen 600 mg about 30 min before the insertion. If you are allergic to Ibuprofen, you can take 2 tablets for regular Acetaminophen (Tylenol) before coming in.
• The insertion should be planned towards the end of your menstrual cycle. Please call the office to schedule insertion when you are on your first day of the period.
• Do not plan any extensive physical activity the day of insertion, right after the procedure.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• You may experience some mild cramping and light bleeding (spotting) for 1 or 2 days. Use a hot water bottle or a heating pad set on low on your belly for pain.
• Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve) if needed. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• Check the string of your IUD after every period. To do this, insert a finger into your vagina and feel for the cervix, which is at the top of the vagina and feels harder than the rest of your vagina. You should be able to feel the thin, plastic string coming out of the opening of your cervix. If you cannot feel the string, use another form of birth control and make an appointment with your doctor to have the string checked.
• If the IUD comes out, save it and call your doctor. Be sure to use another form of birth control while the IUD is out.
• Use latex condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. An IUD does not protect you from STIs. Having one sex partner (who does not have STIs and does not have sex with anyone else) is a good way to avoid STIs.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have sudden, severe pain in your belly or pelvis.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have new belly or pelvic pain.
• You have severe vaginal bleeding. This means that you are soaking through your usual pads or tampons each hour for 2 or more hours.
• You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
• You have a fever and pelvic pain or vaginal discharge.
• You have pelvic pain that is getting worse.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You cannot feel the string, or the IUD comes out.
• You feel sick to your stomach, or you vomit.
• You think you may be pregnant.

See full video here

Be safe, be strong and be prepared.

Walk In GYN Team

The post IUD insertion – What to expect? appeared first on Walk In GYN Care.