What to Expect / FAQ

The first thing you’ll do upon arriving at a Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania health center is sign in.  This is how you tell us confidentially who you are and the reason for your visit.  Sign in slips are often found in the front desk area of the lobby.  If you have insurance please give your card to the person at the front desk at this time.  If you have completed paperwork prior to your visit you may also present that at this time.

Once the staff has had an opportunity to identify if you are a New or Established patient with Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania, and pulled your chart (if you have one), you may be called back briefly to the front desk area.  Here the front desk staff will confirm the reason for your visit and give you paperwork, if necessary.  When you complete your paperwork give it back to the front desk staff.

Now your chart is ready for the next available counselor.  This person will call you back into a counseling room to review how to contact you and payment and fee information, as well as any paperwork you completed.  She or he will also review prevention of sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy prevention if necessary.  If you have questions about safer sex or how to prevent pregnancy this is a good time to ask.  The counselor will also conduct any labwork you may need for your visit.  You might be asked for a urine sample.  You might also have a small fingerstick done or have blood drawn.  You may have your blood pressure, height and weight measured.  Your visit could end here depending on the reason for your visit and your needs.

If you need to see a clinician you may be shown to an exam room.  If your appointment is to obtain birth control without a pelvic exam you do not have to undress.  You will have to undress from the waist down if you are experiencing a problem or having your annual gynecological exam.  There will be a paper drape to place over your lap for privacy while you wait.  You should also unhook your bra if you are having a breast exam, but you may leave your top on.

When the clinician enters, she or he will confirm the reason for your visit.  They may review information you received from the counselor.  Generally for men the exam portion of the visit is visual.  Very rarely a urethral swab or culture may be taken.  For women, the exam may be awkward, but is not painful under normal circumstances.  The clinician may insert a speculum in order to hold back the walls of the vagina to see the cervix.  The instrument goes in about as far as a tampon.  The clinician may do what is called a “bimanual exam,” where the clinician places two gloved and lubricated fingers inside the vagina and use the other hand to gently push on the abdomen to feel the ovaries and uterus.  If any tests are needed (such as a Pap Test or Chlamydia or Gonorrhea testing) she or he will take samples from the cervix for these.  Remember, this exam may be uncomfortable, but generally should not hurt.  If at any time you want to stop, say so.

Once the exam portion of your visit is complete, you may get dressed.  The clinician will give you medication or treatment as needed.  If you have requested to begin or continue birth control that day, the clinician will verify what you have been prescribed.

At this time you will go back to the front desk to check out.  The front desk will advise you of the cost for your visit that day.  Payment, or insurance co-pay, is expected in full at the time of your visit, however you can request a payment plan.  Before you leave, make sure you have all the supplies you need: Condoms?  Birth control method?  Emergency contraceptive pills?  Medication?  Did the clinician advise you to return in the future?  You may be able to make the appointment at this time.  Be sure to ask for everything you need before you take your leave; the center staff is more than happy to help you!   

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