QUESTIONS and ANSWERS

 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q: Up to how many weeks do you terminate pregnancy?
A: Our medical group terminates pregnancy up to 24 weeks.

Q: Is everything confidential?
A: All of our services are completely confidential. Patient information is never released without the signature and authorization of the patient.

Q: How much does it cost to have an abortion?
A: $340 First Trimester Abortion. (See price list)

Q: What is a medical abortion?
A: Medical abortion is a method to terminate pregnancy non-surgically with medication. It is available to women under seven weeks of pregnancy. The medication used is Mifeprex and Cytotec tablets.

Q: How effective is surgical abortion?
A: In most cases surgical abortion is completely effective. A small percentage of cases will require reaspiration if unusual bleeding occurs or if there is retained tissue.

Q: Is it dangerous to have an abortion?
A: The procedure is safe. Fewer risks exist with an abortion than childbirth. The physician performing the surgery is highly skilled and specializes in this procedure. Our staff is trained to offer the highest standard of medical care available.

Q: Do I have to make an appointment for an abortion?
A: Yes. Our facility offers this procedure on specific days.

Q: How soon can I get an appointment?
A: Appointments are available for the same day or the following day

Q: What is the earliest you can be in a pregnancy to terminate?
A: In most cases the abortion can be performed as early as the pregnancy test shows positive results or at approximately 5 to 6 weeks. Make an appointment with us if your period is two weeks late.

Back to Top

Q: Do I need a pregnancy test done at your clinic before scheduling an appointment?
A: No. Your pregnancy test can be performed when you arrive for your surgery appointment.

Q: How will you know how far I am in my pregnancy?
A: Our medical practitioner will perform a pelvic exam and ultrasound if necessary to determine the length of gestation.

Q: Do you offer free pregnancy testing?

A: Pregnancy testing is free. This test detects pregnancy approximately 4 weeks after conception or about 2 weeks after your first missed period. We also offer the One Step which is available for free. This test can detect pregnancy as early as 5 days after conception. All testing can be performed on a walk-in basis.

Q: Will somebody talk to me before the procedure?
A: Yes. A trained counselor will review your medical history, pre and post operative instructions, and birth control information. Our medical practitioner will perform a physical examination prior to the procedure and will answer any additional questions you may have.

Q: Is it a doctor who performs the surgery?
A: Yes. All of our doctors are board certified and licensed by the State of New York.

Q: How long will I be under general anesthesia?
A: You will be asleep for 5 to 10 minutes, depending if the procedure is performed in the first or second trimester.

Q: I am afraid I won’t wake up after general anesthesia, can that happen?
A: The anesthesia that we offer is safe, effective and short acting. You will be asleep from 5 to 10 minutes depending on the procedure. There is always some degree of risk with any surgery. Serious complications with general anesthesia are very rare in our facility. The most complications occur when a patient has ingested food or liquid within eight hours of surgery. Tell your counselor if you have had prior complications with anesthesia, or if you had anything to eat or drink within eight hours prior to your surgery.

Q: Will it hurt?
A: You will be completely asleep during the surgery so you will not feel any pain. After the procedure you may experience cramping, which can range from mild to moderate. In most cases Extra Strength Tylenol, Aleve or Motrin will alleviate the cramping. If the cramping is not alleviated with these remedies, you should call us immediately.

Q: Can I have someone come into the surgery or recovery room with me?
A: Your driver, friend or family member may not enter the surgery or recovery room with you, as we must protect the confidentiality of all of our patients. We encourage your escort to wait for you in our lobby. If this is not possible, your escort can return for you in approximately 2 hours. It is important that your escort wait for you until your medical and physical history has been completed.

Back to Top

Q: How will I feel emotionally after the abortion?
A: It has been our experience that the majority of our patients are relieved after the procedure. However, every patient is unique. If a patient is feeling anger, regret or guilt for an extended period of time, she may want to consider professional counseling. We understand that abortion is a difficult decision and we remain sensitive to their feelings. We are grateful that we can offer a safe solution for undesired or problematic pregnancy to a large number of women who supported in their right to choose.

Q: How long will I bleed after surgery?
A: In most cases the patient experiences bleeding for 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery. However, some patients do not experience any bleeding and other patients have spotting or bleeding off and on. It is important that you return for your post-operative evaluation two weeks after your procedure.

Q: How will I know that the abortion was successful?
A: The contents of the uterus are sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis. The results of the analysis are sent to the doctor within five days of the procedure. You are also advised to return to our facility two weeks after the surgery for a post-operative evaluation.

Q: When can I have sex again after the surgery?
A: You should not have sex for two weeks after the procedure. When you return for your two week check up, the practitioner will advise if you can resume sexual intercourse. We recommend that you abstain from sexual activity for two weeks because following your procedure you are more susceptible to infection and new pregnancy.

Q: Can I still get pregnant in the future after my abortion?

A: Yes, there is no evidence that having an abortion has any effect on future pregnancies.

Q: When will I have my next period?
A: Normally, your regular menstrual cycle will resume 4 to 8 weeks after the surgery.

Q: What if I do not get my period soon after the abortion?
A: In most cases, your menstrual cycle will begin 4-8 weeks after surgery. It is important that you return for your two week post-operative checkup to monitor your recovery. If you do not have a period in eight weeks, please call us.

Q: Can I use tampons after my surgery?
A: You should not use tampons after surgery. Sanitary napkins should be used to decrease the possibility of infection and to monitor the amount you are bleeding.

Back to Top

Q: Can I return to work, or should I take off for a few days?
A: The majority of our patients return to work or school the following day. Your counselor and medical staff will explain the Do’s and Don’ts after surgery.

Q: Do you provide the “Morning After Pill”? How much is it?
A: Yes, we do provide the “Morning After Pill”. The fee is $100 for first time patient and $70 for patients who have been to The OBGYN Pavilion before.

Q: What if the pill doesn’t work?
A: In a small percentage of cases, the tablets given for non-surgical abortion do not cause miscarriage. In these cases the patient could require a surgical pregnancy termination, which is not covered by your initial payment.

Q: If I have no money can you help me get a free abortion?
A: In New York we can help you apply for the Medicaid PCAP program which will provide you with temporary medical coverage. If you are eligible, your services will be covered with several funding sources in New York.

Q:Are you a free clinic?
A: No. The OBGYN Pavilion is a privately owned medical center. We are contracted with most insurance plans and we accept Medicaid, Medicare, cash, debit cards, and all major credit cards, money orders, and cashiers checks.

Q: What kind of insurance do you accept for abortion? Is it covered?
A: Yes, we accept most insurance plans. We will take your insurance information and benefits. Most insurance plans do cover abortion services. Your insurance plan may require that you pay a percentage of the fee for your services. In some cases you will need a referral or authorization from your doctor or health plan. Please contact your doctor or medical group to obtain your authorization. Prior to your appointment time, please check with us about the verification of your insurance benefits. In addition, we accept all major credit cards, money orders, or cashiers checks.

Q: Can I use my parents insurance?
A: Yes.

Q: Will my parents find out?
A: We recommend that the member contact the insurance company to discuss their policy on abortion confidentiality.

Q: If a patient is a minor, do they need to have parental consent to have an abortion?
A: No. Minors in New York are considered emancipated if they are pregnant; therefore, they do not need parental consent.

Q: Does my partner need to know?
A: No. Your partner does not need to know. Our services are completely confidential. If you are using insurance to pay for services, it is possible that your partner will have access to the information from your insurance company if you are jointly insured. In this case, you can consider paying by cash, credit card or money order.

Back to Top

Q: Do I have to give you my real name?
A: All your medical records are completely confidential and require your signature and authorization of release. It is always important to give accurate and current information on medical records. Your correct name, address, phone number and medical history are important for many reasons particularly in the case of an emergency.

Q: What happens if I have some complications/problems after my abortion?
A: Professional medical staff is available to our patients 24 hours every day. If you have any questions or are experiencing post-operative problems, do not hesitate to call 718-369-1900 at any hour of the day or night. Our trained staff will speak with you and may ask you to return to our clinic for evaluation.

Q: Do you provide me with birth control?
A: Yes. We offer birth control to our patients immediately after the pregnancy termination. Your practitioner will evaluate your needs and assist you with the appropriate birth control method.

Q: How long has the OBGYN Pavilion been in business?
A: OBGYN Pavilion was originally founded over 10 years ago and has been offering the highest standard of women’s health care since that time.

Please contact The OBGYN Pavilion for more information or to schedule an appointment at (718) 369-1900

Back to Top

Powered by NYMM