Appointment FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What happens then?
Dr. Stein will contact you to discuss how she can be of help, and an extensive health questionnaire will then be mailed to you.  When the completed form is received back at the office, you will be contacted to determine a date and time for your appointment.  Monday through Thursday phone messages are returned throughout the day, especially in the later afternoon, and emails are returned within 24 hours. To find out about Dr. Stein's credentials and experience, see about Dr. Stein, as well as her philosophy of healthcare.

Why is there a questionnaire?
The health questionnaire serves many purposes.   From your standpoint, it organizes your medical history, and gives you an opportunity to clarify what questions you'd like answered.  From Dr. Stein's standpoint, it makes your visit more efficient so that you both can spend more time on the important issues.  It also helps her get the big picture so that she can look for patterns, and aids her in understanding what some of your concerns are, so that she can begin to gather educational material for you.

What happens at my first visit?
At your initial visit, you and Dr. Stein will go over your complete history and any outside medical records, and she will do a full exam if that is indicated. Questions will then be answered and options and resources discussed.  Together you will decide on goals and next steps.

What kinds of medical problems does Dr. Stein see?
Dr. Stein is trained and board certified as an obstetrician and gynecologist, and sees women with ob/gyn related medical issues such as: menstrual problems, menopause problems, endometriosis, pelvic pain and other chronic pelvic and genital conditions, infertility, premature labor, obstetric complications, miscarriage, etc., in addition to women facing ob/gyn surgery.

Will Dr. Stein be my ob/gyn from now on?
Dr. Stein has an office-based practice (meaning she doesn't go to the hospital), and therefore cannot take care of emergencies. This makes her unable to be your primary doctor. As you continue to see your regular ob/gyn for both routine and problem issues, seeing Dr. Stein in addition can enrich and enhance your healthcare. She will be happy to work with you and your regular doctor in whatever way may be of help. Some women may benefit greatly from seeing Dr. Stein one time to help sort out a decision or issue they are facing.

What happens at subsequent visits?
You may see Dr. Stein again briefly for a follow-up of your medical questions, or, if you so desire, you can take advantage of Dr. Stein's expertise in mind-body medicine.  This expertise includes teaching you breathing and other relaxation techniques, including Interactive Imagery. Interactive Imagery is an easy and safe mind-body modality--it is NOT hypnosis--and is similar to daydreaming with your eyes closed (see Imagery).  Learning various imagery approaches, which you can then utilize for the rest of your life, may decrease many medical symptoms.  Women interested in medical imagery for symptom relief typically benefit from 2 or 3 imagery visits followed by a brief follow-up about a month later.  Each imagery visit lasts about 1 to 1-1/2 hours.  Afterwards, there is the opportunity to spend some quiet time in a separate room to write or draw about your imagery experience.  Dr. Stein's patients have found the use of imagery to be extremely helpful for their health problems, as has also been shown in many medical studies.

How does Dr. Stein help me prepare for surgery?
In addition to thoroughly going over all aspects of surgery, incorporating your unique history and medical situation, Dr. Stein can help you utilize pre- and post-operative imagery.  Surgical patients using imagery have experienced significantly decreased pain, anxiety, medication use, blood loss, time in the operating room, complication rates and days in the hospital. These results have been so impressive that many medical centers are utilizing imagery, and insurance companies are offering free imagery CDs to their surgery clients. Patients using imagery to prepare for surgery are overwhelmingly pleased with the results.

Can I bring a child with me to my visits?
Dr. Stein is completely sympathetic toward childcare challenges. However, there is no waiting room area or staff to watch a child, and the nature of these visits makes it virtually impossible to proceed with a child in the room--even a sleeping baby.

Will my insurance pay for this?
Since you are seeing  Dr. Stein for a medical problem, you should be reimbursed for your initial visit the same as if you were seeing any other ob/gyn. Imagery visits are billed under health education, which some insurances may not cover. You will be given a superbill to submit to your insurance, as Dr. Stein is not a member of any insurance plans.  Payment, preferably by check, is requested at the time of the visit. Payment plans can be arranged. Fees are:
--Initial 2 - 3 hr. consultation -- $280
This comprehensive initial visit includes a thorough history, physical, review of your records and discussion of your concerns, as well as significant resources and research on your behalf by Dr. Stein.
--Medical follow-up and imagery session 1.5 hr. -- $140
Includes follow-up of previous medical issues plus a full imagery session with imagery handouts for home use.  You are invited to spend optional time to write or draw afterwards.
--Brief medical or imagery follow-up .5 hr. $70

When are office hours?
9am to 4pm  Monday through Thursday.

How can I find out more about mind-body medicine and imagery?
See the other sections of this website:
--Mind-Body Health for medical evidence on how the mind and body effect each other, and a more detailed imagery explanation.
--Resources for other websites, books, hospital programs, and a review of how to prepare for surgery including tapes available.
--Research for extensive medical references about mind-body health and various forms of treatment using mind-body medicine.

Why does Dr. Stein have such an unusual practice?
Dr. Stein is a traditionally trained doctor who believes in the scientific method, healthy skepticism, and conservative prudence. However, she also believes that modern medicine can at times value science at the expense of humanity, and that certain things relating to the heart and soul of medicine--perhaps even the most important things--cannot be easily measured.  She is pioneering this unique practice because she believes so strongly that we have the power to influence our health for the better, through simple life changes in attitude and perspective.

If after reading this information you still have an appointment question that has not been answered, please let the webmaster know.  That way  we can get your question answered as well as update our FAQ.  Thank you kindly for your input.