Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What is a Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner?

A Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) is a registered nurse with advanced academic and clinical experience in Women’s Health, which enables them to diagnose, manage and treat most common and many chronic illnesses, either independently or as part of a health care team. Some of the duties the WHNP performs in our office are:

• Collaborating with physicians and other health professionals as needed, including providing referrals
• Counseling and educating patients on health behaviors, self-care skills, and treatment options
• Prescribing and monitoring hormone therapy
• Diagnosing and treating acute illnesses, infections, and injuries
• Diagnosing, treating, and monitoring chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure)
• Obtaining medical histories and conducting physical examinations
• Ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic studies (e.g., lab tests, x-rays, EKGs)
• Prescribing medications
• Prescribing physical therapy and other rehabilitation treatments
• Providing family planning services
• Providing health maintenance care for adults, including annual physicals

2. If I see the Nurse Practitioner, do I need to see one of the physicians?

 

Seeing one of the physicians is always an option for you; however, not always necessary. Our Nurse Practitioners are very confident and competent in their area of expertise. Nurse Practitioners may write prescriptions and order lab work. Insurance companies recognize Nurse Practitioners as providers.

 

3. Can I combine my Well Woman Exam with a visit to discuss my hormones?

 

Unfortunately, insurance companies will only allow us to submit only one type/diagnosis per day.

 

4. Why are hormone labs drawn at a specific time of the day?

 

To measure absorption in the blood stream after application, this takes approximately 5-6 hours.

 

5. Why are initial hormone labs drawn on specific days of my menstrual cycle?

 

We measure hormones on Day 3 of your cycle. This allows us to predict the age of the ovaries when the hormones are at the lowest. We also measure sex hormones after ovulation; approximately one week prior to the cycle begins. This is when your hormones are at the highest level and will give us an Estrogen and Progesterone ratio.

 

6. Do you use saliva tests?

 

Dr. McWherter uses blood tests primarily to ensure the most accurate assessment. In some instances, a saliva test may be ordered, but this is not usual.

 

7. What lab tests are going to be ordered?

 

Generally, a complete hormone panel along with a thyroid test.

 

8. How long does it take to get lab results?

 

It varies depending upon the test ordered. Usually 1 to 2 weeks for results and evaluation.

 

9. Are the doctors’ at the FEM Centre board certified?

 

Yes.

 

10. Why do the doctors’ do sonograms with a Well Woman Exam?

 

A sonogram gives the provider an extra opportunity to check the health of ovaries and the uterine lining. Ovarian cancer has no outward symptoms until it is advanced. A sonogram is an extra diagnostic tool for overall health.

 

11. Do you take my insurance?

 

Follow this link to see the list of insurance companies we can file with.

 

12. Where are you located? How do I get to your office?

 

Follow this link to get directions to the Fort Worth office.

 

Follow this link to get directions to the Colleyville office.

 

Call or e-mail us for additional information or to schedule an appointment.