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Care Instructions
For the patient
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Call to make your appointment
Monday through Saturday at 410-788-4400 or 800-427-2813. Appointments
are available Tuesday through Saturday. |
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Do not have anything to eat
or drink after midnight. |
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If you regularly take medication,
request to speak to a nurse so she can advise you. |
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Bring a sanitary pad with
you. |
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Payments may be made by certified
check, cash, money order, Visa, American Express, Discover, or MasterCard.
If you are using a credit card, identification is required. We do not
accept personal checks. If you have insurance which may cover the procedure,
please let us know at the time you make your appointment. All insurance
needs to be verified ahead of time. You will need your insurance card
and a photo ID. |
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Previous confirmation of your
pregnancy by a pregnancy test, sonogram, or physical examination is required. |
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Young children are not permitted
in the clinic. |
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Please notify Hillcrest 24
hours in advance of cancellation. |
For the friend or family member of the patient
Someone you care about is having an abortion
...and you may be wondering what she will be experiencing and how you can
help.
Most patients are in the clinic about four to six hours. When a patient
first comes to the clinic she will be registered by the receptionist and
will go to the lab for blood and urine tests. Next, she will talk with a
nurse who will take a medical history and do a sonogram.
A short time later, she will meet with a specially trained counselor to
explore options, have questions answered, and discuss her decision. The
abortion procedure, follow-up care, and birth control methods will also
be discussed.
The abortion procedure is called "suction D&C". It is a
surgical procedure that takes about 10 minutes to perform. Statistics
show that an abortion done in this manner is at least nine times safer
than carrying a pregnancy to term.
Each patient stays approximately 45 minutes in the recovery room after the
procedure. During this time, she will be given directions for her follow-up
care. At the end of her recovery period, she may leave.
Most patients are hungry when they leave and feel better if they stop and
have lunch before going home. For the remainder of the day, the patient
should go home and take it easy. Beginning the day after the abortion, most
women can resume their normal activities with a few restrictions. These
restrictions are clearly explained to the patient, but it will be easier
for her if those people around her understand that she has some limitations
until she has had a post-operative examination.
The decision to have an abortion is a difficult one, and not knowing what
to expect can make a woman ill at ease. You can help her through this difficult
time by showing her that you care for her and will give her emotional support
when she needs you. After an abortion, a patient usually experiences relief
that everything is finished; but hormonal changes may leave her feeling
a bit depressed for a few days. Your understanding is very important during
this time. If you or the patient have any concerns or questions you are
encouraged to call the clinic to talk with a counselor.
A patient should contact Hillcrest Clinic anytime, day or night, if an emergency
arises. The telephone at Hillcrest is answered 24 hours a day. Two weeks
after the abortion, the patient should be seen for a follow-up check-up.
She may return to Hillcrest or go to her own doctor or clinic.
A friend or relative may accompany a patient to the clinic on the
day of her abortion. If a patient is receiving IV sedation or general
anesthesia, the patient's ride must remain in the clinic. The patient
also should have someone stay with her upon returning home.
We hope this information has helped you to understand what is involved for
a woman choosing abortion. If you have any questions, please call us at
410-788-4400.
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©
2002-2006 Hillcrest Clinic, Inc.
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