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Welcome to Bronson

Your doctor has referred you to the Perinatology Service at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Our physicians are experts at maternal/fetal medicine, a subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology focusing on high-risk pregnancy. This brochure will help you learn more about us. We’ve provided maps below to help you find us.

Telephone Registration

We will call you a few days before your appointment and attempt to register you by telephone. This will save you time when you come to see us. Please take a few moments now to gather the following information so you’ll be ready when we call:

• Insurance information. Usually, your insurance card has all the information we need. If you are covered by more than one health plan, please have information on each plan available.
• Social Security Number
• Your age and birthdate
• First day of your last menstrual period
  The reason your doctor referred you to us (such as abnormal ultrasound results)
  Any questions you may have. You may wish to write your questions down.

Registering When You Arrive

If we don’t reach you by telephone, you will have to register when you arrive at Bronson. You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. You will need all the information listed under “Telephone Registration” in order to complete your registration.

The Ultrasound Examination

Most patients will receive an ultrasound examination. The ultrasound machine uses sound waves to produce a picture of your baby. The information the doctor obtains from this picture will be used to evaluate your child’s health.

If you are having an ultrasound examination, you should drink water before coming to Bronson. This may cause you to fell a little uncomfortable during the examination, but a full bladder helps us to see your child better.

You will receive your examination in the Radiology Department at Bronson. When you arrive there, you should check in with the receptionist.

To prepare for the exam, you’ll need to undress and get into a gown. During the procedure, you’ll lie on your back while your baby is examined. Some gel will be applied to your abdomen so that the ultrasound sensor can glide easily over that area.

Medical History Information

We will be asking questions about your medical history when you come to see us. The nurse or doctor will also ask about the medical history of your family and the father of your baby.

In addition, the medical records from your regular doctor are extremely valuable in obtaining a complete medical history. Please ask whether your doctor has sent your records to us. If possible, pick up your records from your doctor and bring them with you when you come to see us.

Preparing For Your Appointment

All patients should do the following to prepare for their appointments:

Plan to spend at least two (2) hours with us when you come.
Bring your insurance card(s). The card(s) will be handy when filling out forms.
If you will be having an ultrasound examination, please drink plain water to fill your bladder. This is necessary for a successful examination.
Don’t forget to bring any medical records which your regular doctor has given you.

You may want the father, a friend, or other family member to be with you during your visit. We encourage you to bring someone if you wish. It’s up to you to decide whether that person will be with you during the entire visit or only certain parts.

When You Arrive

When you arrive at our office, please sign in. If you have any medical records from your regular doctor, give them to our receptionist.

The receptionist will give you forms to fill out. You will need your insurance card(s) to fill them out. Return the forms to the receptionist when you have completed them.

Then, a nurse will call you for an interview. The nurse and your doctor will talk to you about your medical history and discuss the medical history of your family and the father.

The doctor may perform a complete physical examination which includes taking your blood pressure, checking your weight and doing a pelvic examination. He may also decide that laboratory tests are necessary.

If you are receiving an ultrasound examination, you will be directed to the Radiology Department. If you are to undergo any other procedures, such as an amniocentesis, your doctor will explain these procedures to you and discuss any concerns you may have.

Pre-Conceptual Counseling Patients

A referral for pre-conceptual counseling means that you’re thinking about having a child, but your doctor believes you may have special problems during a pregnancy.

After a review of your medical history and an examination (if warranted), the doctor will review potential problems of a future pregnancy. Realistic expectations will then be given to you for pregnancy planning.

Communication With Your Regular Doctor

We always communicate with your regular doctor by telephone, by letter or both. He or she will know about your test results, diagnosis and our recommendations for care. Most patients return to the care of their regular doctors after seeing us. In some instances, we do take on the complete care of the patients through the delivery of their babies.

Billing and Insurance

We accept virtually all types of insurance including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross and most other individual and group health plans. If you are a member of an HMO, you will need to get permission from your primary care physician to see us.

The hospital will bill your insurance plan directly, but you are responsible for all charges that your insurance doesn’t cover. Please contact your insurer if you have questions about your coverage.

Office Hours

Our regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our phone number is (616) 341-7887.

If we have told you that we will be taking over your care during pregnancy, you may call us after regular hours, on weekends or on holidays. You’ll need to explain the nature of the emergency and provide a number where you can be reached. We will contact the doctor on call and have him get back to you as soon as possible.

If we return you to the care of your regular doctor, please contact his or her office whenever you need immediate assistance.

Cancelling Appointments

Please call us 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel an appointment. This courtesy will allow us to better serve other patients and make your rescheduled appointment more secure.

Medical Records

Your medical records are confidential. We will not discuss your condition with anyone not connected with your care without your permission. This includes the father of your child.

If you wish to release information from your medical records, ask our receptionist for a “release of information” form. You may call us and we will send it to you. Complete the form and return it to us.

Your Role In Your Care

As a mother you share in the responsibility for your health and the health of your unborn child. It is extremely important that you follow the instructions given by your doctor. Whenever you have problems or questions, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible for advice. By staying in close contact with your doctor, you will be helping to insure your health and the health of your baby.