Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who will deliver my baby?
We have a dedicated team of specialists trained to handle your needs during your inpatient stay at our delivery hospital, including two Hospitalist OB/GYN physicians who are present in the hospital at all times (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), ready to care for you — from admission through delivery and recovery.
Who will I see for my prenatal appointments?
We have six maternal-fetal medicine specialists on staff to provide your care whether you need a one-time high-risk consultation ordered by your regular OB/GYN, co-management of your high-risk condition throughout your pregnancy along with your regular OB/GYN, or the complete assumption of your prenatal care for the duration of your pregnancy.
We try our best to schedule your visits with the same member of our staff for each of your office visits, however, as all of our physicians work in more than one of our offices. It is possible you will see more than one physician during the course of your care.
What do I need to bring with me to my first appointment?
Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time. We will ask you to fill out registration paperwork.
Please bring:
- Your referring doctor’s information, including name, address and phone number
- Your current insurance card
- Photo ID
You may bring up to 2 people with you to this informative session. Any children must be accompanied by an adult who can care for the child during your examination
Where will I deliver?
If your prenatal care is being provided exclusively by UBCP Maternal-Fetal Medicine, your delivery will take place at:
Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
2450 Ashby Avenue,
Berkeley, CA 94705
Website: Alta Bates Childbirth Services
If your care is being co-managed by our maternal-fetal medicine specialists in conjunction with your regular OB/GYN, the site of your delivery will be determined by your medical team, and is largely dependent on the level of complication involved in your care and that of your newborn.
What if I have a problem after office hours?
Our services are available 24/7, even when our offices are closed. If you are experiencing signs or symptoms of a medical complication and need to speak to a physician, all you need to do is call the main office phone number, and our answering service will connect you with one of our physicians on duty.
How often are my appointments?
If you are being referred for a high-risk consultation appointment by your regular OB/GYN, you may be seen by one of our maternal-fetal medicine specialists for a single visit, and then return to your OB/GYN for the remainder of your prenatal care and delivery.
If your OB/GYN physician prefers that we co-manage your prenatal care, our maternal-fetal medicine specialists will manage only the high-risk component of your care, and your visits may be scheduled every 4 weeks (particularly earlier in your pregnancy), or as often as every 1 to 2 weeks (most likely closer to the time of your delivery), depending on the degree of complication and level of care required.
Will UBCP Maternal-Fetal Medicine accept my insurance?
UBCP Maternal-Fetal Medicine participates in many HMO and PPO plans. Because individual policies vary, we recommend that you contact your insurance carrier directly to determine if UBCP Maternal-Fetal Medicine is a participating provider under your plan.
* Please note many payor plans will recognize us under the name “BayChildren’s Physicians.
What will my insurance cover?
When you call to schedule your first appointment, a member of our front office staff will gather your insurance information and to assist you in confirming your insurance eligibility, and help determine your benefits, including co-pay, if applicable. We will notify you if an authorization will be required from your insurance plan.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Whether you are being seen for a routine visit, or a consult specific to a high-risk diagnosis, you are welcome to bring your husband, your partner or other trusted family member with you to your appointment. Any children must be accompanied by an adult that can care for the child outside of the exam room as needed. In the interest of safety, we recommend that children not be brought into the exam room during your appointment. We do recognize, however, that this is a special time for your entire family; if you wish your child to be present in order to hear fetal heart tones, we will be happy to accommodate you.
Can I be guaranteed a female provider at UBCP Maternal-Fetal Medicine Medical Associates?
While we will make every effort to accommodate you, due to the size and complex nature of our practice, a female provider cannot be guaranteed.
Can I be guaranteed a female provider during my delivery at Alta Bates Medical Center?
While there is a large number of women on the panel of perinatal Hospitalist OB/GYN physicians, there may occasionally be times when a female physician is not available to attend a particular delivery. While we promise to make every effort on our end to accommodate your preference, we cannot make that guarantee.
What is your policy concerning missed appointments?
Our appointment slots fill quickly. If you find you have a scheduling conflict and need to reschedule your appointment, please call our office as soon as possible, and we will work to schedule you into the next available appointment.
Please note: We do require 24-hour notice if you are unable to make your scheduled appointment.