Portola Valley Women's Health Center
3250 Alpine Road
Portola Valley, CA 94028
Main phone: 650-851-6650
Map | Directions

Appointments: 650-851-6650
Billing: 650-812-3838
Supervisor: 650-330-5875

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Welcome
• Contacting Us
• Scheduling an Appointment
• First Appointments
• Obstetrical Care
• Return Appointments and Urgent Visits
• Surgeries
• Responsibilities

Welcome

The physicians and staff at the Portola Valley Women's Health Center welcome you to our office. We specialize in well-woman care, obstetrics, gynecology, fertility, laparoscopic surgery and menopause. The practice started in 1984. We encourage you to read this page to help you get acquainted with our office and to make you feel as comfortable as possible with your visit here.


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Contacting Us

Please feel free to call us with any problems, questions or for information.

We always try to respond to calls promptly and efficiently and appreciate your understanding that the phones are sometimes busier than usual. If you need to speak with your physician, please tell the receptionist when you will be available for a return call and let us know if it is okay to leave a message on your answering machine.

Please see the phone numbers above for direct lines that may assist you. Please realize that the physicians are seeing patients throughout the day and may not return your call until an appropriate break -- usually lunch time or after hours, unless you state it is urgent or an emergency.


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Scheduling an Appointment

We try our best to remain on schedule; however, if we are seriously delayed due to a delivery or emergency, we will try to notify you. It is a good idea to call the office before you leave for your appointment to make sure your doctor will be available. If your appointment is cancelled, we will make every effort to reschedule you as soon as possible.


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First Appointments

New patient appointments usually take one hour, plus lab work time, if needed. Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete the necessary paperwork. Bring your insurance card so we can copy it for our files. Also, ask your previous physician to send your medical records -- bring them with you to your appointment. Requesting your medical record must be done in writing, and the process may take several weeks. Forms for transferring records are available at our office or you can request them by phone. Try to plan your appointments when you are not menstruating, except for IUD insertions or as directed by your practitioner. When scheduling your appointments, please be sure that you have a referral from your primary care physician, if it is needed. You will be financially responsible for unauthorized visits.


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Obstetrical Care

We recommend that you are seen approximately ten weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period and make the appointment as soon as you know you are pregnant. Feel free to call if you have questions prior to your first visit. Your first visit will last about one hour and consists of a complete history, exam and lab work. Your partner is welcome at any visit.

Please rotate visits between your primary obstetrician and the other providers. This insures you will meet all the providers who may be involved in your care and delivery. Subsequent visits last 10 to 15 minutes, and you should schedule three or four appointments in advance. You are seen once a month until your 28th week of pregnancy, every two to three weeks until your 36th week, then once a week until you deliver.

We recommend an ultrasound at 18 to 20 weeks. We will provide you with information on prenatal classes, pediatrician referrals, etc. We will be happy to complete your disability form when you stop working.


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Return Appointments and Urgent Visits

When you check in for your appointment, please notify the front desk of any name, address or insurance change since your last visit. If you are having a problem or need advice, please call the office as soon as possible, so we can make an appointment or discuss your condition with your physician. Let us know if your problem is urgent or you need immediate assistance.

If you have an urgent issue and your physician is not available, you can be seen by an associate. If you have an urgent issue when the office is closed, our answering service will reach the physician on call.


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Surgeries

Deliveries and most inpatient surgical procedures are performed at Stanford University Hospital.

We need to discuss insurance information with you prior to surgery and encourage you to get preauthorization and verify your benefits and coverage before your surgery date.

If you belong to a PPO or HMO, check to see if you are required to obtain authorization for any services other than your well woman visit. We understand that insurance can be very complicated; therefore, we are happy to assist you if you have any questions.


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Responsibilities

We have a commitment to provide you with the best possible care. The physicians and staff are always happy to assist you with any questions or concerns, and we welcome comments or suggestions. All communication in this office is strictly confidential.

We also encourage our patients to take responsibility for their health care by keeping scheduled appointments and asking questions.

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