Many clients have very fragmented care. They may or may not have a primary care provider. They may frequent the urgent care more than anywhere else, and see their primary care provider only when they have needs they can't get met in urgent care. Even then they are frustrated because the care focuses on whether or not you have an immediate concern and then all other matters are referred back to the primary care provider. Being told, for example, that your labs are fine really means, "You aren't in immediate danger, so follow-up with your primary care provider."
When they do get into their primary care provider, the immediate need that caused them to originally book the appointment is typically addressed and then they're encouraged to schedule a physical exam, which may or may not be completed. This is when the client's history is reviewed, a physical exam is offered, labs may be obtained, and wellness screenings are reviewed. Even if the annual physical is obtained, the pelvic exam is often referred out to gynecology or many women see only their gynecologist and believe they are getting primary care, just because they GYN was willing to prescribe their anxiety or thyroid medication.
We Provide Full Service Primary Care
Not only do we do pelvic exams and pap smears, but we talk to our clients about current clinical recommendations so they can choose what best serves their needs. We don't fire clients for not opting for the mammogram screening. We empower through education and trust your decision making, and we have options for you to choose so you aren't without care if these recommendations don't align with you. I am here to serve you with kindness, compassion, respect and a very gentle touch.
Dr. Lane is both a family nurse practitioner and a certified nurse-midwife, offering the best of both worlds - women's health and primary care. Her experience working with women in sensitive situations, in vulnerable scenarios, is extensive - more than twenty-five years.
We also have cash options for those who are uninsured or underinsured. Maybe most importantly though, we respect women and understand how to offer exams that are honoring to you, both physically and mentally. This procedure can trigger past trauma and for whatever reason, the pelvic exam in itself can create trauma when practitioners are rushed and insensitive. I prioritize your safety and comfort. This is a huge part of why I wanted to be a practitioner, because far too many women have been dismissed and mistreated. In fact, with humility, I am often told that I have provided the most respectful and least uncomfortable exam they have ever had, even from women who have had previous trauma. This is astonishing to me because that is the result of very little skill and a lot more patience.