Women’s Health
What wellness services are available to women?
The following wellness services are available to our female patients:
- Annual well-woman checkups
- Pap smears
- Family planning and contraception
- Sexually transmitted disease testing
Does NEPA Community Health Care provide pregnancy care?
Yes, our women’s health providers see patients with normal and high-risk pregnancies. See the section below for details of our pregnancy and postpartum services.
Do I still need to see a gynecologist if I’m already having an annual exam with my primary care provider?
No, you can usually have routine gynecological care with your primary care provider. Your PCP will refer you to our women’s health providers if your care necessitates it.
Can I get birth control through my primary care provider?
Yes, most of our primary care providers can prescribe all forms of birth control, including IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena or Paragard), implants (Nexplanon), injections (Depo-Provera), oral contraceptives (the pill), transdermal contraceptives (the patch), and vaginal contraceptives (the ring). We also provide condoms free of charge.
Can I plan a tubal sterilization or other gynecologic surgery?
Yes. With the exception of hysterectomy, Dr. Wilcox performs the full spectrum of gynecologic surgery. This includes tubal sterilization, endometrial ablation, surgery for abnormal pap smears, and laparoscopy. If you need a hysterectomy, Dr. Wilcox will refer you to a surgeon who provides that procedure.
Where are gynecologic surgeries performed?
Dr. Wilcox can perform surgeries at the Endless Mountains Health System in Montrose or at Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton. We also offer in-office care for many minor procedures.
When is it appropriate for my daughter to begin women’s health exams?
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends that women begin to seek gynecologic services when they are 15 years of age, or when they begin sexual activity, whichever comes first. Most initial visits will NOT require a pelvic examination. You can receive counselling, contraception and testing for sexually transmitted diseases WITHOUT having a pelvic examination.
Can I request that a nurse stay in the room during exams/procedures?
Yes, we provide medical chaperones for all patients during intimate exams. Our nurses are also on-demand even during routine visits.
Our Women’s Health service line includes all services needed for the health and wellness needs that are unique to women. NEPA Community Health Care is dedicated to providing this vital aspect of primary care within one medical home.
Nearly all our providers perform annual-well-woman checkups, pap smears, family planning, pregnancy tests and screening for sexually transmitted diseases (when applicable). In addition, Dr. Wilcox is a board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist and provides pregnancy care for all patients, including those with high-risk pregnancies. He can also evaluate and treat other conditions unique to women including infertility, heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding, painful menses, pelvic pain, vaginal disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, breast disease and menopause.
Common Reasons to Seek Care:
- Annual GYN Exams
- PAP Tests
- Family Planning
- STD Testing
Pregnancy & Postpartum Care
What are the advantages to prenatal care with NEPA Community Health Care?
Our women’s health providers serve 3 of our 4 health centers. There is no need to travel outside the area for your pregnancy visits. We provide the same level of care available at any other obstetric provider. This gives you the advantage of having consistent, high-quality care close to home with a provider who already knows you, your unique health needs, and your family history.
Will I have to go to a specific hospital to give birth?
No, you choose where you want to deliver your baby. Our prenatal team will assist you in planning and coordinating where you will deliver. We will communicate with that facility and send your records to them so they will be expecting your arrival. NEPA Community Health Care maintains affiliations with Moses Taylor Hospital and Wayne Memorial Hospital so, if a patient is unsure where to go, we will recommend one of our partner hospitals.
What happens if my pregnancy is “high-risk”?
Dr. Wilcox has over 20 years of obstetric experience and can take care of nearly all patients. Most patient with high-risk conditions will also need to see a Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist. Dr. Wilcox and our prenatal team will coordinate visits and testing with all specialists.
How can I be sure that everyone will know my birth plan?
Our experienced team facilitates the transfer of your medical records to the birthing facility of your choice after each office visit. We also arrange for any necessary inductions of labor or cesarean deliveries. We assure that the facility you choose will be expecting your arrival and have all your information.
What happens after I have my baby?
After you leave the hospital, our women’s health providers will see you and perform all your postpartum care at NEPA Community Health’s offices. Our other primary care providers will also be able to care for your newborn child if desired.
NEPA Community Health Care provides care for women during and after pregnancy. Dr. Wilcox is a board-certified Obstetrician and provides care for both normal and high-risk pregnancies. Dr. Wilcox does not perform deliveries but will arrange for your delivery with one of several local hospitals including Moses Taylor (Scranton) and Wayne Memorial (Honesdale). This includes normal, spontaneous labor and cesarean deliveries.
Even though they will not perform the birth itself, our women’s health providers will care for you at all your office visits, from the time you are contemplating a pregnancy until the day you deliver. We are committed to providing expectant moms with outstanding, accessible, comprehensive care during pregnancy.