Frequently Asked Questions | Riverside OB GYN

What insurances does Riverside OB/GYN accept?

We accept most insurance plans! Please find a list of the insurances we accept under on our Insurance page.

Who can I contact if I have a question regarding my bill?

Please call our billing department at (734) 675-7210 extension 4.

What payment methods does Riverside OB/GYN accept?

We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, Care Credit, check or cash.

Do I have a copay for my appointment?

It is the patient’s responsibility to understand all of their insurance benefits. The office staff will verify your insurance the day before your appointment. If you do have a copy, it will be collected at the time you check in for your appointment.

Prescription Refills

How can I get a refill on my medication?

In order to obtain a refill, please call our office at 734-675-7210 and enter extension 2. You will be transferred to the medical assistant line. Please leave a voicemail with your name, date of birth, prescription, and pharmacy name and phone number. Please allow 24 to 48 hours for the refill process to be completed.

Lab/Test Results

Do you have a medical laboratory in your office?

Yes! We have Henry Ford Medical Laboratories located directly in our office. A phlebotomist is available for our patients to have lab work done during our office hours.

How can I obtain my test results?

Please call our office at (734) 675-7210 and enter extension 2. Please leave a message for the medical assistants with your name, date of birth, and a good call back number. You will receive a call back in 24-48 hours.

Why do some test results take longer to come back?

Different tests have various turn-around times. Typically vaginal cultures can take up to 1-3 business days, pap smears can take up to 3 weeks, and biopsies can take up to 3 weeks. Blood work varies depending on the tests. Most labs are back within 3 business days.

Medical Records

How can I obtain a copy of my medical records?

There is a fee for medical records copying. The patient must sign a release form. The signed and dated release form must be mailed or faxed back to our office. We require 10 business days processing time to repeat the request.

Referrals

When do I need a referral?

If you are unsure of whether or not you need a referral, please check with your insurance company or call our office.

How can I get a referral?

If you need a referral, please call your Primary Care Physician have them fax one to us at 734-675-7210.

Obstetrical FAQ

How is my due date calculated?

Your due date is 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period. Ultrasound is the most useful in determining an accurate due date.

Who is going to deliver my baby?

Dr. Al-Jerdi delivers all the babies!

Can I work while I’m pregnant?

Yes. Many women are able to work until delivery.

Can I fly/travel?

Please seek medical advice for your physician prior to making plans to fly or travel during your pregnancy.

Is exercise safe during pregnancy?

Yes. The workout should be low impact, with a pulse of never being over 140. The duration and intensity should be based on a woman’s level of fitness. Of course, you will need to be more careful with physical activity.

Is sex safe during pregnancy?

Yes, as long as there are no medical problems with the pregnancy.

Can I paint the baby’s room or other areas in the house?

Fumes from paint may be harmful to inhale during pregnancy. Water-based paints in well ventilated areas are advised. Wearing a mask is also advised.

Is coloring/highlighting my hair okay? Are manicures/pedicures okay?

If you would like to color or highlight your hair during your pregnancy, talk to your physician first. It is safe to get manicures or acrylic nails during pregnancy, as long as you are in a well-ventilated area.

Can I use a hot tub?

No, hot tubs should be avoided during pregnancy?

What over the counter medications are safe to take while I’m pregnant?

Please see the approved medication list for OB patients.

What is the normal amount of weight gain during pregnancy?

A woman should gain 25-35 pounds total during pregnancy.

What should I expect in the first trimester?

Ultrasound for dating and viability happens around 8 weeks.
Routine lab testing such as blood count, blood type, Hepatitis B, HIV, vaginal cultures, and urine test.
Genetic testing is offered at 12 weeks in the pregnancy and is done by a blood test.
Most diets and activities in moderation are safe.
Early 1 hour glucose test, if needed, your doctor will let you know.
Visits in the first trimester are about every four weeks.

What should I expect in the second trimester?

AFP blood test which screens for Down Syndrome and Spina Bifida. Please be advised that this is a screening test and if it comes back abnormal, it simply means follow up testing is recommended.
Anatomy scan ultrasound around 18-20 weeks.
Diabetes testing between 26-28 weeks. This will be the 1 hour glucose testing. If this test is failed, the patient will need to do a 3 hour glucose testing. *Women at risk for gestational diabetes are over 35 years of age, have a strong family history of diabetes, overweight, previous large baby, or previous gestational diabetes.
Visits will be every 2 weeks after 26 weeks of gestation.

What should I expect in the third trimester?

Monitor blood pressure
Monitor baby’s growth
3D Ultrasound is offered for patients between 29-31 weeks.
A growth ultrasound is sometimes ordered by the physician if needed.
Discuss labor events
Group B strep culture is tested between 35-36 weeks.
Visits will be every week from 35 weeks until delivery.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a carbohydrate intolerance that begins during pregnancy. There is a possibility that the diabetes may have existed but was not diagnosed before the pregnancy. Women with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of having a large baby and a difficult delivery.

What is the testing for gestational diabetes?

One hour glucose tolerance testing at 26-28 weeks
- This requires you to drink a 50-gram glucose drink. Once the drink is finished, a time is set for one hour. You only have to fast for the hour you are doing the test. After one hour, your blood is drawn and sent to the lab.
- If the result is less than 135, it is normal. If the result is 135 and above, the three hour glucose tolerance test is required.
- You must stay in the office during the testing.

Three hour glucose tolerance testing
- This test requires a three day preparation
- For three days prior to the scheduled testing, you must add more food to your regular diet.
- After midnight the night before your scheduled test, do not eat or drink anything. On the day of the test, you must come to the office FASTING.
- You will have your blood work drawn for the fasting test, drink the 100-gram glucose drink, then your blood will be drawn every 60 minutes for 3 hours.
- You must stay in the office during the testing.

What is Group B Strep?

Group B Strep is one of many bacteria that usually does not cause serious illness. If positive and not treated, this can be passed on to the baby during a vaginal delivery.

What is Group B Strep testing?

Testing takes place between 35 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. At the time, a swab is placed in the vagina and in the rectum to obtain a sample. If the test is positive, you will be treated with an antibiotic during labor.

General FAQ

Who is going to deliver my baby?

Dr. Al-Jerdi delivers all the babies!