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Women's Health Care at Group Health Medical CentersFrom reproductive health and pregnancy to osteoporosis and heart disease, the health care needs of women are different from those of men. At Group Health, women have many choices for care. In addition to your personal primary care physician, you can self-refer to obstetric/gynecology specialists (Ob/Gyn), physician assistants, registered nurse practitioners with advanced training in women's health care, and midwives. The common thread in all is commitment to evidence-based treatment, advanced training in the care of women, and a network of specialists and colleagues to support their work. Our providers use some of the nation's most sophisticated electronic records to keep women on track. Research pharmacists ensure that women receive medication that's proven — not just popular. Where the evidence doesn't clearly favor one procedure over another, we use a philosophy called shared decision-making, to help each woman make choices that are right for her. Care Locations and AppointmentsAll Group Health medical centers have women's health care specialists on staff. For maternity services, four Group Health medical centers have full-time Ob/Gyn doctors: Four other Group Health medical centers have Ob/Gyn physicians available on a more limited schedule:
Use our Provider Directory to learn more about our women's health specialists, or, if you live outside the service area of our medical centers, to find a contracted specialist near you. If you need help finding a specialist or have questions about your health plan's coverage, contact Customer Service. Types of Women's Health Care SpecialistsFamily medicine physiciansFamily medicine physicians and their health care teams are your first resource for care. They are specialists in prevention and general health care and they have training and experience in well-adult care, illness prevention, managing chronic illnesses, basic internal medicine, pediatrics, and gynecology. Many of our family physicians also care for pregnant women and deliver babies. They also coordinate care with specialists in other fields. Family medicine doctors offer routine pelvic exams and Pap tests; breast exams; preventive care including nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and cancer screening; contraception; counseling on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); and normal pregnancy care and delivery. Obstetricians and gynecologists (Ob/Gyn)Medical doctors with a specialty in obstetrics and gynecology are your best choice for a serious gynecological condition. They treat conditions such as uterine fibroids, abnormal vaginal bleeding, vaginal and pelvic infections, STDs, abnormal Pap tests, issues related to menopause, and infertility. They also care for patients during high-risk pregnancies. Physician assistantsPhysician assistants-certified (PA-C) are certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and must pass a test from the National Board of Medical Examiners. PAs perform routine gynecological care, including physical exams, birth control and hormone therapy. They diagnose and treat common medical problems, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and write prescriptions. Advanced registered nurse practitionersAdvanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNPs) have studied in a nursing program and met state license and national certification requirements for advanced nursing practice. They may have completed graduate work and received a master's degree. They often work in specialized programs, such as family practice, pediatrics, and women's health care. They perform physical exams, and treat and prescribe medications for common medical problems. MidwivesMidwives provide prenatal care and deliver babies. Certified nurse midwives (CNM) are advanced registered nurse practitioners (ARNP) with a master's degree in nurse-midwifery and accreditation in midwifery by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. They provide prenatal care and deliver babies in hospital settings. They also offer routine gynecological care and birth control, and treat vaginal infections and menstrual problems. Licensed midwives care for low-risk women who want to deliver at home. Licensed midwives are certified by the state and have passed both written and oral exams. They receive their training in school and in apprenticeship programs with experienced midwives. Group Health contracts with licensed midwives and closely coordinates care for members planning home deliveries. 'Doing the right thing for my patients everyday'
That's why I consider being a women's health care provider so important. It's really in my blood. The great thing about being a Group Health physician is that I know when I go to bed at night I was doing the right thing for my patients every day." — Dr. Jane Dimer Health & Wellness Resources
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"Women are the cornerstone of the family and in the bigger picture they're what animates society every single day. Women need to be well, and they need to want to be well in order to ensure that those bigger pieces work.
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