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Patient Info/FAQ
SOUTHEAST TEXAS OB/GYN ASSOCIATES, P.A.
755 N 11th St P4200
Beaumont, TX 77702
409-899-1499
Fax Numbers:
Main Fax – 409-898-0778
Insurance Dept. - 409-899-1354
Front Desk - 409-899-4675
Useful Forms
What should I bring to my first appointment?
You will need to bring your new patient papers, which you can print out off of this website or we can mail them to you. You also will need your health insurance identification card and a vaild Driver's License. If you are being referred by a physician, you will need all medical records pertaining to the reason you're being referred and forms from your referring physician may be needed, if required by your insurance carrier.
What if I am running late for my appointment?
Please call the main number 409-899-1499 and access the front desk! Usually, if you are more than 15 minutes late, we will need to re-schedule your appointment unless the physician is able to work you in at the end of his/her schedule.
Do you accept my insurance?
Southeast Texas OB/GYN Associates, P.A. accepts a variety of insurance plans. For more information, please call your insurance company to ensure we are in your network. We want patients to make sure they are getting the full benefit of their health insurance benefits. Be aware that insurers have different requirements that need to be met before your appointment.
When should I have my first GYN exam?
Women should start having Pap smears at the age of 21,however, many start ealier due to irregular cycles or heavy bleeding. Pap smears should then be repeated on a yearly basis until your physician says otherwise.
When should I schedule my well woman exam?
Most insurance companies will pay for a well woman exam once per year, so make sure you schedule your visit one year AND a day past your last exam. For your convenience, your nurse will mail you a reminder card with that date.
Will you remind me of my appointment?
As a courtesy to you, someone in our office will call to remind you of your appointment the day before. If we get your voice mail or another member of the household, we will leave a message only that we are confirming an appointment and the time. We will not leave detailed appointment information to anyone other than the patient.
Should I bring my records from my previous doctor's office?
If you are transferring to our practice while pregnant or you are transferring with a chronic medical condition, you MUST bring your records with you on your first visit in order to be seen.
Do I have to be seen yearly if I’ve been told that I don’t need a Pap smear every year?
Yes, while a woman’s risk of cervical cancer may decrease with age, her risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer increases. Consequently, the physical exam should be done yearly.
Do you have wheelchairs available?
Yes. If you need a wheelchair or an escort, talk to the receptionist at the information desk in the lobby of the St. Elizabeth Outpatient Pavilion. A free valet service is available at the front circle of The St. Elizabeth Outpatient Pavilion for your convenience.
What Is a Pap Test?
The Pap test, or Pap smear, is a screening test for cervical cancer. The test can detect changes in the cells on the cervix (the opening to the uterus, or womb, at the top of the vagina). These changes may be cancerous, pre-cancerous or caused by inflammation. During the pelvic exam, the doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina and gently open it so the cervix can be seen. A thin brush and a wooden or plastic spatula are used to collect a sample of cells from the cervix. These cells are sent to the lab to be viewed and read by a cytotechnologist.
What is Gardasil?
Gardasil is a vaccine that helps protect against diseases caused by HPV, such as cervical cancer, abnormal and precancerous cervical, vaginal and vulvar lesions, and genital warts. It is given in three doses over a period of six months. It is currently available for girls ages nine to 26 years old.
What are my options for birth control?
Choosing the right birth control (contraceptive) method is a very personal decision. There are several options available and only you and your partner can decide which one is right for you. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a woman to change her birth control method several times throughout her reproductive years. Most contraceptive methods take commitment, so make sure you understand the method you have chosen before you begin.
Why do I have to fill out paperwork at each visit?
In order to provide the best possible care for you, we would like to have the most current patient information.
I found a lump in my breast; can my doctor order a diagnostic mammogram for me?
A breast abnormality should be examined here with an office visit. This way, a provider can then get a good history regarding the abnormality. Further testing may or may not include a diagnostic mammogram.
I’m having lots of hot flashes and night sweats; what should I do?
- Hot flashes and night sweats can be caused for various reasons.
- Hot flashes and/or night sweats that are associated with menopause are due to a drop or lack of estrogen in the body. The symptoms can vary in severity from being just a nuisance up to being debilitating. Treatment depends on the severity.
- Nuisance hot flashes can be dealt with by dressing in cooler clothing, avoiding hot beverages, baths or showers, hot and spicy foods, caffeine, smoking and alcohol.
- There are also hormonal and/or nonhormonal prescription medications that a woman may be a candidate to use.
- You and your provider can discuss the options and decide what may be best for you.
I have a colored vaginal discharge with a foul odor; do I need to be seen?
Yes, you should be seen. The reason for the discharge with a foul odor can be determined by your provider. It may be a vaginal infection.
I am having a lot of lower pelvic pain; should I come in for an ultrasound?
You need to be evaluated by your provider. Lab blood work may be taken to determine a proper diagnosis and to help determine if you need an ultrasound.
I missed one or two of my birth control pills; what now?
If you only missed one pill, you need to make it up as soon as you remember it. If you’ve missed 2, you need to take 2 at a time for 2 days. Call the office if you’ve missed 3 or more.
I started taking birth control pills for the first time and I’m having a lot of spotting; what does this mean?
It could mean any of the following:
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