PH - Perinatal Testing Center - Frequently Asked Questions

You've got questions; we've got answers. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions expectant mothers have about Paoli Hospital's Perinatal Testing Center:

What do I need to do to make an appointment?
You will need to know which test and why the doctor has requested it, how many weeks pregnant you are and your social security number.

Most of our doctors use a gray and white form from the PTC. This form will need to have the type of test checked off on the front and the diagnosis code checked off on the back as well as the doctor's signature. If the office does not have these forms, then a regular prescription will do. (As long as the same information is on it.)Once you have that information call our central cheduling desk at (610) 645-3415 then push option #1. Inform our scheduler which Main Line Health hospital you are interested in (in this case, Bryn Mawr) and he or she will help you from there. After you have made your appointment, contact you doctor's office and let them know the date and have them activate your referrals if needed.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?
You will need to bring the prescription and your insurance card. If your insurance plan requires that you need referrals, they need to be presented prior to the test. Otherwise you will be billed directly.If you are having a procedure you will need to supply documentation confirming your blood type. (Your doctor's office should have a copy IF you have had your obstetric panel drawn.)If you are coming in for a consultation, a copy of your prenatal records and all testing results must be supplied for the doctor to review prior to the day of your appointment.

May I videotape my ultra sound?
Although this is a happy and exiting time for expectant parents, this is still a medical process and we do not allow photographing or videotaping. Our technicians and doctors need to be able to concentrate and maneuver to complete this comprehensive evaluation of your baby.

How do we get the 4-D ultra sound?
The 4-D process is used at the discretion of the doctor when it is medically necessary.

Who does the Ultrasound?
The procedure is a combined effort of the doctor and the sonographer.

What Preparation is needed for an Ultrasound?
If you are less than 15 weeks pregnant you will need to drink 16 oz of water within an hour of your appointment. (SO if your appointment is at 10am, start drinking at 9am.) Otherwise, there is no special preparation, you would eat and drink normally prior to the test.

Does the Doctor run on time?
Every effort is made to ensure that our perinatologist keep close to scheduled appointments. Please remember that the nature of medicine assumes that certain unexpected and emergent situations will arise throughout the day. Due to the nature of High Risk and emergent care situations, more time with the perinatologist may be necessary. In order to maintain the doctor's schedules we require that patients keep to their scheduled time. If a patient presents more than 20 minutes after their scheduled appointment time, we will offer two options: we will reschedule the appointment for another day, or the patient may wait until the first available opening that day.

Please remember to allow for enough time for traffic and parking.

What preparation is needed for a First Trimester screen?
The only preparation needed for the First Trimester Screen is that you must drink 16 ounces of water with in the hour prior to your appointment.

What preparation is needed for a CVS?
We must have a hard copy of your current blood type in our file prior to the procedure. (You can have your doctors' office fax it over to us.) Then you will need to drink 16 ounces of water with in the hour prior to your appointment.

What preparation is needed for an Amnio?
We must have a hard copy of your current blood type in our file prior to the procedure. (You can have your doctors' office fax it over to us.)

What preparation is needed for a Non-Stress Test?
The Non-Stress Test is used to check the well being of the baby, it is a time for you to lay back and let the baby do all the work. Try to eat before coming.

What preparation is needed for Genetic Counseling?
If there is a specific genetic issue or a significant family history with either parent or you have a history of a disorder from previous pregnancies. Please bring all your records with you. (Or have your doctors' office fax it over to us.) The more information the counselor has at the time of your appointment, the more comprehensive the session will be.
Please remember that if your insurance plan requires referrals that one will be needed for the genetic counseling conference.

May I bring my child, Mother, Father, In-Laws, Sister, etc?
We leave this up to you.
We ask that you please keep in mind the following facts:

This is a medical procedure. The Doctor and staff need to be able to concentrate, communicate and maneuver to provide you with the best service.
Sensitive medical history and information will be discussed through out the medical procedure. Is this information that you want shared with everyone?
The ultrasound rooms are small, dark and filled with medical equipment. There is not a lot of room. Children may get upset when they see MOM on the table in the dark. If your child does get upset or posses a disruption, you will be asked to have your adult companion take the child(ren) out of the room and into the waiting area.
If you are here for a consultation, this is a one on one session with a professional. It is a time focused strictly on the issues of your pregnancy.
It is your opportunity to learn and ask all your questions. If your attention is on your child(ren), you may not be able to absorb the information that is being offered to you.

Referral to the Center is Simple
Your physician may refer you to the Perinatal Testing Center. Our staff is here to answer your questions and assist you. For more information or to make an appointment, call our central scheduling office at 610-645-3415.

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Contact Us
Paoli Hospital Perinatal Testing Center 255 West Lancaster Avenue Paoli, PA 19301 610-648-1505

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