General Instructions when visiting New Horizons Center for Women’s Health

1.      Annual Exams:

a.      Pap tests are preformed once a year. Some insurance will not pay for your exam if it has not been greater than 365 days since your last Pap.

b.      Pap tests cannot be done during your menses.

c.       You must refrain from sexual intercourse for 48 hours prior to your Pap smear.

d.      Do not use tampons within 48 hours of your Pap smear.

e.      Do not douche within 48 hours of your Pap smear.

2.      Vaginal Discharges:

a.      Do not use a tampon for 48 hours prior to your appointment

b.      Do not douche for 48 hours prior to your appointment

c.       Do not take a bath, hot tub or Jacuzzi for 48 hours prior to your appointment.

d.      Do not wash with a antibacterial soap for 48 hours prior to your appointment.

e.      Do not use any over the counter creams or sprays.

f.        You may wear a pad if necessary but it is not recommended.

g.      If you must treat yourself, be aware that it can make a diagnosis more difficult.

3.      Mammograms:

a.      If you need a mammogram, it can be done prior to your visit if you would like.

b.      Do not use antiperspirant or perfume the day of your mammogram.

c.       Reduction in caffeine for a few days prior to your mammogram will decrease any discomfort that may occur with the procedure.

4.      Records:

a.      If you are referred by another doctor or are transferring your care, we must have your records in our office prior to your appointment.

b.      We will be happy to send for your records but you must come into the office to sign a release of information form before we can send for them.

5.      Problem Visits:

a.      In order to schedule the proper type of appointment, please inform us of what you are coming in for.

b.      Multiple problems take longer and we would like to avoid keeping other patients waiting. Proper time allotment for you is our concern.

6.      Non Gynecological Issues:

a.      Although we at New Horizons care about your entire health, if your problems are of a nature out of our scope of expertise, please see your Family Physician or a specialist in that field of medicine.

b.      We would be happy to refer you to make suggestions as to whom to see.