OB•GYN North Blog

December 2011 stats

2012-01-12T08:09:00.000-08:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 46
Total C-Sections Deliveries - 15
Total Deliveries - 61
Stay tuned for next month's stats

November 2011 stats

2012-01-12T08:06:00.001-08:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 42
Total C-Sections Deliveries - 10
Total Deliveries - 52
Stay tuned for next month's stats..........

October 2011 stats

2012-01-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 49
Total C-Sections Deliveries - 12
Total Deliveries - 61
Stay tuned for next month's stats..........

September 2011 stats

2012-01-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 44
Total C-Sections Deliveries - 4
Total Deliveries - 48
Stay tuned for next month's stats..........

Aug. 2011 stats

2012-01-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 43
Total C-Sections Deliveries - 9
Total Deliveries - 52
Stay tuned for next month's stats..........

July 2011

2012-01-12T08:02:00.000-08:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 48
Total C-Sections Deliveries - 8
Total Deliveries - 56
Stay tuned for next month's stats..........

June 2011

2011-07-29T09:20:00.001-07:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 52
Total C-Sections Deliveries - 8
Total Deliveries - 60
Stay tuned for next month's stats..........

May 2011

2011-07-29T09:19:00.001-07:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 44
Total C-Sections Deliveries - 15
Total Deliveries - 54
Stay tuned for next month's stats..........

April 2011

2011-07-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 50
Total C-Sections Deliveries - 15
Total Deliveries - 65
Stay tuned for next month's stats..........

Practice Announcement

2011-05-31T10:39:00.000-07:00

30 MAY 2011

For the past five years I have devoted my life to empowering women and providing the absolute best medical care for the women of Austin. I founded OB GYN North with the belief that every woman should be encouraged to make choices about her medical care in a supportive, nurturing and non-judgmental environment. Our collaborative practice model has been warmly embraced by our dedicated patients and just this past month we welcomed our 2,000th baby into the world. I am tremendously proud of what we as a community have accomplished together.

It is with this background that I sadly must inform you that Dr. Campainge has separated from OB GYN North. Andrea is an outstanding physician and her clinical care will be missed. She has not yet decided where she will reestablish her practice, but we will notify you as soon as we hear. We wish her the best.
Rest assured that there will be no compromise to our practice philosophy or clinical care during this transition. We all – Christina Sebestyen MD, Lisa Carlile CNM, Kathy Harrison-Short CNM, Liane Miller CNM, and Katherine Davidson NP are dedicated to OB GYN North and the core tenants of quality of care, consistency of care and familiarity with providers.

We are excited to announce that Dr. Melinda Hiscock has joined the practice during this period of transition as a temporary doctor to ensure that all of our patients will continue to have full access to care. Melinda is a strong supporter of natural childbirth and VBAC, and brings a wealth of clinical experience. She may become a permanent member of the team if that is a good fit for her and us.

Additionally, Siobhan Kubesh, a midwife who has worked part-time in the office for the past two years covering vacations has begun providing hospital / delivery coverage to ensure the consistency of our collaborative physician-midwifery practice model.

Hospital coverage will continue as usual with an OB GYN North team of a midwife and/or physician always on call. Please see our website for the updated call schedule – www.obgynnorth.com.

In August, we will welcome Dr. April Schiemenz to OB GYN North who is joining us from St. Louis, and shares our enthusiasm for enabling women in their healthcare decisions.

The heart of OB GYN North remains the teamwork between the dedicated medical providers and our empowered patients. OB GYN North’s heart is strong and our future is bright.

We appreciate you for being part of our community.

Christina Sebestyen MD

March 2011 Stats

2011-04-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 51
Total C-Sections Deliveries - 17
Total Deliveries - 68
Stay tuned for next month's stats..........

February 2011 Stats

2011-03-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 39
Total C-Sections Deliveries - 14
Total Deliveries - 53

Stay tuned for next month's stats..........

January 2011 Stats

2011-02-21T11:21:00.000-08:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 58
Total C-Sections Deliveries- 15
Total Deliveries - 73

Stay tuned for next month's stats..........

December Monthly Delivery Stats

2011-01-07T13:53:00.000-08:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 44
Total C-Sections Deliveries- 17
Total Deliveries - 61

Stay tuned for next month's stats..........

November Monthly Delivery Stats

2011-01-07T13:51:00.000-08:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 58

Total C-Sections Deliveries - 17

Total Deliveries - 75

October Monthly Delivery Stats

2011-01-07T13:50:00.000-08:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 52

Total C-Sections Deliveries- 13

Total Deliveries - 65

September Monthly Delivery Stats

2011-01-07T13:47:00.000-08:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 69

Total C-Sections Deliveries- 8

Total Deliveries - 77

August Monthly Delivery Stats

2010-09-21T06:39:00.000-07:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 44

Total C-Sections Deliveries- 12

Total Deliveries - 56

2010 Flu Shots are Here!!

2010-09-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

2010 Flu Shots Are Now Available

Please call our office to schedule your vaccination today 512-425-3825

Shot Clinic will be held on Saturday 10/16/10
from 9am – 12pm

People Who Should get Vaccinated Each Year:

¨Pregnant women
¨People 50 years of age and older
¨People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
¨Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
¨People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
¨People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including: A) Health care workers. B) Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu. C) Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

July Monthly Delivery Stats

2010-08-10T11:16:00.000-07:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 44

Total C-Sections Deliveries- 19

Total Deliveries - 63

Stay tuned for next month's stats..........

June's Monthly Delivery Stats

2010-07-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 44

Total C-Sections Deliveries- 6

Total Deliveries - 50

Stay tuned for next month's stats..........

May's Monthly Delivery Stats

2010-06-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

Total Vaginal Deliveries - 59

Total C-Sections Deliveries- 5

Total Deliveries - 64

Stay tuned for next month's stats..........

Inclement Weather

2010-02-23T12:29:00.000-08:00

OBGYN NORTH will remain open to serve our patients during inclement weather; however, if the Austin Independent School District (AISD) closes or has a delay due to inclement weather, then OBGYN NORTH will follow their schedule.

If the AISD is closed for subsequent days due to inclement weather, then the decision whether or not to open our offices for clinic will be made that morning prior to 6:00 a.m. by the Medical Director Dr. Sebestyen.

As of now AISD anticipates operating on a normal schedule on Wednesday, February 24.

However, should the need arise, additional weather-related information will be provided directly to parents and District staff through School Messenger. It will also be posted on the AISD Website http://www.austinisd.org/newsmedia/releases/, announced on AISD-TV, Channel 22, and reported by the Austin news media. Thank you

Thank You OBGYN Staff!!

After-Hours/Emergency Problems

2010-02-16T14:07:00.000-08:00

What do I do After-Hours/ Emergencies?

If an emergency medical situation arises during office hours, call us at 512. 425.3825. Your call will be put straight through to a member of our nursing, midwife or physician staff, whoever is immediately available.

At night or during the weekend, call 512. 425.3825 and our answering service will contact the midwife or doctor on call. She will call you back and review your situation and plan as necessary. If you are experiencing a medical emergency or you are an obstetrical patient in labor please tell the answering service you think you are in labor.

If you contact our after-hours answering service and do not receive a call back from one of our midwives or doctors within 30 minutes, please contact the answering service again and inform them that it is your second call.

Routine prescription refills and questions regarding treatment and medications are handled during routine office hours, and are not handled by the midwife or doctor on emergency duty. Please note: If your condition is not an emergency, you may be held liable for any costs incurred. However, do not postpone an emergency if you think your condition may be a “true” emergency.

HOW TO SECURE THE RELEASE OF YOUR PLACENTA

2009-12-04T11:18:00.000-08:00

HOW TO SECURE THE RELEASE OF YOUR PLACENTA
FROM ST.DAVID’S NORTH AUSTIN MEDICAL CENTER

1. Call Ms. Eileen Dunne, Risk Manager for St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, at 901‐2515. Tell her that you would like to secure the release of your placenta upon the birth of your child, which is expected on or about DATE; that you have all of the necessary legal paperwork in order; and that you would like to make an appointment to meet with her, present her with a copy of the Unopposed Motion, and sign the Unopposed Motion with her in the presence of the hospital’s Notary Public. (NOTE: Don’t sign this document before your meeting, as the Notary Public will need to witness your signature.)

2. Once you have met with Ms. Dunne, you will have three documents to take to court:
a. The “Application or Petition to Secure the Release of Medical Waste”;
b. The “Unopposed Motion to Release Medical Waste”, which has been signed by you and Ms. Dunne and notarized by a Notary Public; and
c. The “Agreed Order to Release Medical Waste”. You will need to take these three documents and $240 cash (you can probably pay by check or credit card, but it will cost you more) to the Travis County Courthouse. If you are hoping to complete the process in one trip, you will want to arrive at the Courthouse by 8 am (to make the 8:30‐9:30 slot for uncontested cases) or by 1 pm (to make the 1:30‐2:30 slot for uncontested cases.)

3. Once you arrive at the Travis County Courthouse, go to room 301 (Civil), file your “Application or Petition to Secure the Release of Medical Waste”, and pay the $237 filing fee. The clerk will stamp your petition “filed” and give you a cause number. Enter this number on the appropriate line at the top of each of the two remaining documents (the “Unopposed Motion” and the “Agreed Order”.)

4.Immediately file the “Unopposed Motion” in the same office.

5. You’re “Application” and “Unopposed Motion” will be stamped “FILED” by the clerk, who will give you a photocopy or the original of each document. The clerk will be able to direct you to the court that is hearing unopposed cases. He/she can also describe for you the process once you get to the appropriate court room.

6. Take the photocopies of your stamped “Application” and “Unopposed Motion” as well as your “Agreed Order” to the designated courtroom and follow the instructions of the clerk. You will eventually be called by the judge, who may ask you questions or who may just sign your “Agreed Order.” Either way, you will leave the room with a signed Order.

7. Take all of your documents to Room 103 and ask the clerk at the desk for a certified copy. You will need to pay $2 for this copy, which is the document that you will present to St. David’s North Austin Medical Center to secure the release of your placenta.

For further information on encapsulating your placenta you may contact:

Lindsey Roberts
lilgoat@mac.com
512.699.3998

H1N1 - Update - 11/5

2009-11-05T11:09:00.000-08:00

Hello Fellow Bloggers,

We have received our third shipment of 70 doses in this afternoon. We are still running low and will continue to give the vaccine on a first-come-first-serve basis. However, we are now able to provide the vaccine to ONLY our Post-partum and Pregnant patients. Please call and we can schedule a time for you to come and receive the shot. We are told the small amount we received is just one of several shipments and we are going to have enough vaccines for our entire population over the next weeks and months. Thank you for your patience at this time. Please continue to look back at this blog for further updates.

The Staff at OBGYN North.

News Update: H1N1

2009-11-02T07:39:00.001-08:00

Good Morning Fellow Bloggers,

We had a very successful shot clinic on Sat from our second shipment of vaccine. We were allowed this AM 11/2 to order a third shipment of 70 doses which will probably arrive 14 days (11/20) from today. After this weekend we are running very low we will continue to give the vaccine on a first-come-first-serve basis and we regret that we are only going to provide it our Pregnant Patients Only at this time. We will be opening a shot schedule on a daily basis until our supply runs out, so please call to schedule a time slot to come in. We are told the small amount we received is just one of several shipments and we are going to have enough vaccines for our entire population over the next weeks and months. Thank you for you patience at this time. Please continue to look back at this blog for further updates.
The Staff at OBGYN North.

Update News Flash: Second Shipment H1N1 and Shot Clinic on Sat

2009-10-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

We have received a Second shipment of H1N1 Vaccine from the Health Department of 100 doses, the first 30 that were posted have all been dispensed. We are going to give the vaccine on a first-come-first-serve basis and we regret that we are only going to provide it our Pregnant Patients Only at this time. We are told the small amount we received is just one of several shipments and we are going to have enough vaccines for our entire population over the next weeks and months. Please call and we can schedule a time for you to come and receive the shot if we have some in supply.

We will be having a H1N1 Shot Clinic on Sat Oct 31st from 9am - 12:00pm. Please call to schedule a time for this special day.

Thank you for you patience at this time. Please continue to look back at this blog for further updates.

The Staff at OBGYN North.

News Flash: H1N1 Vaccine has Arrived but VERY LIMITED

2009-10-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

We have received the first shipment of H1N1 Vaccine from the Health Department of ONLY 30 doses. We are going to give the vaccine on a first-come-first-serve basis and we regret that we are only going to provide it our Pregnant Patients Only at this time. We are told the small amount we received is just one of several shipments and we are going to have enough vaccines for our entire population over the next weeks and months. Please call and we can schedule a time for you to come and receive the shot if we have some in supply. Thank you for you patience at this time. Please continue to look back at this blog for further updates.

The Staff at OBGYN North.

H1N1 Update - 10/21

2009-10-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

Fellow Patients of OBGYN North,

We just wanted to let you know that we still have not received the H1N1 vaccine as of today 10/21. We ordered it back on 10/9 and we are still awaiting shipment please continue to check back for updates.

When we do receive the vaccine you may call (512) 425-3825 and schedule a time to come in a get the vaccine. We are only providing the vaccine to our "PREGNANT PATIENTS" at that time. Thank you for your understanding.

The Staff at OBGYN North.

Update From the CDC -

Thank you for your work and your patience in the state-wide effort to mitigate the effect of H1N1 influenza in Texas. As you know, H1N1 vaccine supplies allocated to Texas in early October were less than anticipated. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is distributing vaccine according to the recommendations of theCDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), however there is insufficient supply at this time to vaccinate all members of the priority groups.

High Priorities:

Initial vaccine has been targeted to pregnant women, children 24-59 months, high-risk children 5-18 years old, and the health care workers who serve these populations. Small quantities of vaccine were also sent to local healthdepartments and DSHS Health Service Regions (HSRs) to serve as a safety-net. We expect allocations in the next few weeks to continue to be focused on healthcare workers, pediatric populations, and pregnant women as well as close contacts of children less than 6 years old.

What Should Pregnant Women Know About 2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)?

2009-10-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

These questions and answers have been updated to include new information on 2009 H1N1flu in pregnant women. Both seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu viruses will circulate during the 2009-2010 flu season. A pregnant woman who thinks she has the flu should call her doctor right away to see if treatment with an antiviral medicine is needed. The medicine is most helpful if it is started soon after the pregnant woman becomes sick. The latest advice for getting seasonal and 2009 H1N1 vaccines during pregnancy is also included.

What if I am pregnant and I get 2009 H1N1?
Call your doctor right away if you have flu symptoms or if you have close contact with someone who has the flu. Pregnant women who get sick with 2009 H1N1 can have serious health problems. They can get sicker than other people who get 2009 H1N1 flu. Some pregnant women sick with 2009 H1N1 have had early labor and severe pneumonia. Some have died. If you are pregnant and have symptoms of the flu, take it very seriously. Call your doctor right away for advice.

What can I do to protect myself, my baby and my family?
Getting a flu shot is the single best way to protect against the flu. Talk with your doctor about getting a seasonal flu shot and the 2009 H1N1 flu shot. You will need both flu shots this year to be fully protected against flu. You should get both shots as soon as they are available to protect you and your baby. The seasonal flu shot has been shown to protect both the mother and her baby (up to 6 months old) from flu-like illness.

Talk with your doctor right away if you have close contact with someone who has 2009 H1N1 flu. You might need to take medicine to reduce your chances of getting the flu. Your doctor may prescribe Tamiflu® or Relenza® to help prevent 2009 H1N1 flu. To prevent flu, you would take a lower dose of the antiviral medicine for 10 days.

Is it safe for pregnant women to get a flu shot?
The seasonal flu shot has been given to millions of pregnant women over many years. Flu shots have not been shown to cause harm to pregnant women or their babies. The 2009 H1N1 flu shot is made in the same way and in the same places as the seasonal flu shot. It is very important for pregnant women to get both the seasonal flu shot and the 2009 H1N1 flu shot. Please see http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/ to learn more.

Who else should get a flu shot?
Anybody who will be taking care of babies younger than 6 months of age should get a seasonal flu shot and a 2009 H1N1 flu shot to protect against the flu. This includes you and any family members or other people who will be caring for your baby for the first 6 months of his or her life. Please see http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm to learn more.

What else can I do?
Take these everyday steps to help prevent the spread of germs and protect your health and the health of your family:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand rub can be used.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

o If there is 2009 H1N1 flu in your community, pay extra attention to your body and how you are feeling. If you think you have the flu, call your doctor or clinic right away.
o If you are pregnant and you live with or have close contact with someone who has 2009 H1N1 flu, talk with your doctor about medicines to prevent flu.
o Have a plan for someone else to take care of a sick family member.

• Stock up on household, health, and emergency supplies, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®), water, and non-perishable foods.

What are the symptoms of seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu?
You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:
• Fever*
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Sometimes, diarrhea and vomiting
*It’s important to note that some people with flu will not have a fever.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home, stay away from others, and call your doctor right away. If needed, he or she will prescribe an antiviral medicine that treats the flu. Have someone check in with you often if you are feeling ill. This is always a good idea.

How is 2009 H1N1 flu treated?
• 2009 H1N1 flu is treated with antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu® (oseltamivir) or Relenza® (zanamivir). Antiviral drugs are prescription pills, liquids or an inhaled powder that fight against the flu by keeping the germs from growing in your body. These medicines work best if they are taken as soon as you have symptoms of the flu. For that reason, it is important that you call your doctor as soon as you notice flu-like symptoms.

• If your doctor prescribes an antiviral to treat your flu, you will need to take it for 5 days. The medicine can make you get better faster and make your symptoms milder.

• At this time, there have been no reports to show harm to the pregnant woman or her unborn baby. Flu can cause serious illness and even death in pregnant women. Taking antiviral medicine can help prevent these severe outcomes.

• Antiviral medicines can be taken at any stage during pregnancy.

• Treat any fever right away. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is best for a pregnant woman to use to reduce a fever.

• Drink plenty of fluids to replace those you lose when you are sick.

• If you have had close contact with someone who is sick with the flu, your doctor may prescribe Tamiflu® or Relenza® to help prevent 2009 H1N1 flu. To prevent flu, you would take a lower dose of the medicine for 10 days.

• Antiviral medicines can be taken at any stage during pregnancy.

When should I get emergency medical care?
If you have any of these signs, call 911 right away:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• A high fever that is not responding to Tylenol®
• Decreased or no movement of your baby

How should I feed my baby if I am sick?
If you can, breastfeed. Breast milk is the perfect food for your baby. There are many ways that breastfeeding and breast milk protect your baby’s health. Babies who are breastfed get sick from infections like the flu less often and less severely than babies who are not breastfed.

Flu can be very serious in young babies. You do not have to stop breastfeeding if you have the flu, but you have to be careful to protect your baby from getting sick. Please see
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/infantfeeding.htm to learn more about how to feed your baby if
you are sick.

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/pregnant.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/VIS/downloads/vis-inact-h1n1.pdf

What is 2009 H1N1 influenza?

2009-10-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

1. What is 2009 H1N1 influenza?
2009 H1N1 influenza (also called Swine Flu) is caused by a new strain of influenza virus. It has spread too many countries. Like other flu viruses, 2009 H1N1 spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and sometimes through touching objects contaminated with the virus. Signs of 2009 H1N1 can include: • Fatigue • Fever • Sore Throat • Muscle Aches • Chills • Coughing • Sneezing some people also have diarrhea and vomiting. Most people feel better within a week. But some people get pneumonia or other serious illnesses. Some people have to be hospitalized and some die.

2. How is 2009 H1N1 different from regular (seasonal) flu? Seasonal flu viruses change from year to year, but they are closely related to each other. People who have had flu infections in the past usually have some immunity to seasonal fl u viruses (their bodies have built up some ability to fight off the viruses). The 2009 H1N1 flu is a new fl u virus. It is very different from seasonal flu viruses. Most people have little or no immunity to 2009 H1N1 flu (their bodies are not prepared to fight off the virus).

3. 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine Vaccines are available to protect against 2009 H1N1 influenza. • These vaccines are made just like seasonal flu vaccines. • They are expected to be as safe and effective as seasonal flu vaccines. • They will not prevent “influenza-like” illnesses caused by other viruses. • They will not prevent seasonal flu. You should also get seasonal influenza vaccine, if you want to be protected against seasonal flu.

Inactivated vaccine (vaccine that has killed virus in it) is injected into the muscle, like the annual flu shot. This sheet describes the inactivated vaccine. A live, intranasal vaccine (the nasal spray vaccine) is also available. It is described in a separate sheet. Some inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine contains a preservative called thimerosal to keep it free from germs. Some people have suggested that thimerosal might be related to autism. In 2004 a group of experts at the Institute of Medicine reviewed many studies looking into this theory, and found no association between thimerosal and autism. Additional studies since then reached the same conclusion.

4. Who should get 2009 H1N1influenza vaccine and when?
WHO Groups recommended to receive 2009 H1N1 vaccine first are: • Pregnant women • People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age • Health care and emergency medical personnel • Anyone from 6 months through 24 years of age • Anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system As more vaccine becomes available, these groups should also be vaccinated: • Healthy 25 through 64 year olds • Adults 65 years and older The Federal government is providing this vaccine for receipt on a voluntary basis. However, state law or employers may require vaccination for certain persons.
WHEN Get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available. Children through 9 years of age should get two doses of vaccine, about a month apart. Older children and adults need only one dose.

5. Some people should not get the vaccine or should wait You should not get 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine if you have a severe (life-threatening) allergy to eggs, or to any other substance in the vaccine. Tell the person giving you the vaccine if you have any severe allergies. Also tell them if you have ever had: • a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of seasonal flu vaccine, • Guillain Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness also called GBS). These may not be reasons to avoid the vaccine, but the medical staff can help you decide. If you are moderately or severely ill, you might be advised to wait until you recover before getting the vaccine. If you have a mild cold or other illness, there is usually no need to wait. Pregnant or breastfeeding women can get inactivated 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine. Inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines, including seasonal influenza vaccine.

6. What are the risks from2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine? A vaccine, like any medicine, could cause a serious problem, such as a severe allergic reaction. But the risk of any vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. The virus in inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine has been killed, so you cannot get influenza from the vaccine. The risks from inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine are similar to those from seasonal inactivated fl u vaccine:

Mild problems: • soreness, redness, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given • fainting (mainly adolescents) • headache, muscle aches • fever • nausea If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days.

Severe problems: • Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot. • In 1976, an earlier type of swine flu vaccine was associated with cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Since then, fl u vaccines have not been clearly linked to GBS.

7. What if there is a severe reaction? What should I look for? Any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness.
What should I do?
• Call a doctor, or get the person to a doctor right away.
• Tell the doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given. • Ask your provider to report the reaction by fi ling a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form. Or you can fi le this report through the VAERS website at http://www.vaers.hhs.gov, or by calling 1-800-822-7967. VAERS does not provide medical advice.

8. Vaccine injury compensation If you or your child has a reaction to the vaccine, your ability to sue is limited by law. However, a federal program has been created to help pay for the medical care and other specific expenses of certain persons who have a serious reaction to this vaccine. For more information about this program, call 1-888-275-4772 or visit the program’s website at: http://www.hrsa.gov/countermeasurescomp/default.htm.

9. How can I learn more?
• Ask your provider. They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information.
• Call your local or state health department.
• Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): -Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or -Visit CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or http://www.cdc.gov/flu • Visit the web at http://www.flu.gov/

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/VIS/downloads/vis-inact-h1n1.pdf

2009-10-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

All Medical Fee’s Must Be Paid At Time of Service

We accept the following forms of payment

›Cash
›Credit Cards
›Debit Cards
›Care Credit Cards

We no longer accept personal checks as a form of payment

Thank You! OBGYN North Staff

Influenza Information from the CDC

2009-09-08T06:51:00.000-07:00

Inactivated Influenza What You Need To Know Vaccine 2009-10

Many Vaccine Information Statements are available in Spanish and other languages.

See http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/VIS/downloads/vis-flu.pdf

Why get vaccinated?

Infl uenza ("flu") is a contagious disease. It is caused by the influenza virus, which can be spread by coughing, sneezing, or nasal secretions. Other illnesses can have the same symptoms and are often mistaken for influenza. But only an illness caused by the influenza virus is really influenza. Anyone can get influenza, but rates of infection are highest among children. For most people, it lasts only a few days.

It can cause:

• fever

• sore throat

• chills

• fatigue

• cough

• headache

• muscle aches

Some people, such as infants, elderly, and those with certain health conditions, can get much sicker. Flu can cause high fever and pneumonia, and make existing medical conditions worse. It can cause diarrhea and seizures in children. On average, 226,000 people are hospitalized every year because of influenza and 36,000 die – mostly elderly. Influenza vaccine can prevent influenza.

Who should get inactivated influenza vaccine?

Anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza or spreading influenza to others. All children 6 months and older and all older adults:

• All children from 6 months through 18 years of age.

• Anyone 50 years of age or older. Anyone who is at risk of complications from influenza, or more likely to require medical care:

• Women who will be pregnant during influenza season.

• Anyone with long-term health problems with: -heart disease - kidney disease - liver disease -lung disease - metabolic disease, such as diabetes -asthma - anemia, and other blood disorders

• Anyone with a weakened immune system due to: -HIV/AIDS or other diseases affecting the immune system -long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids -cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs

• Anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as seizure disorders or cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems.

• Anyone 6 months through 18 years of age on long-term aspirin treatment (they could develop Reye Syndrome if they got influenza).

• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities. Anyone who lives with or cares for people at high risk for influenza-related complications:

• Health care providers.

• Household contacts and caregivers of children from birth up to 5 years of age.

• Household contacts and caregivers of -people 50 years and older, or -anyone with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza. Health care providers may also recommend a yearly influenza vaccination for:

• People who provide essential community services.

• People living in dormitories, correctional facilities, or under other crowded conditions, to prevent outbreaks.

• People at high risk of influenza complications who travel to the Southern hemisphere between April and September, or to the tropics or in organized tourist groups at any time.

When should I get influenza vaccine?

You can get the vaccine as soon as it is available, usually in the fall, and for as long as illness is occurring in your community. Influenza can occur any time from November through May, but it most often peaks in January or February. Getting vaccinated in December, or even later, will still be beneficial in most years.

Most people need one dose of influenza vaccine each year. Children younger than 9 years of age getting influenza vaccine for the first time – or who got influenza vaccine for the first time last season but got only one dose – should get 2 doses, at least 4 weeks apart, to be protected.

Influenza vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines, including pneumococcal vaccine.

Some people should talk with a doctor before getting influenza vaccine.

Some people should not get inactivated influenza vaccine or should wait before getting it.

• Tell your doctor if you have any severe (life-threatening) allergies. Allergic reactions to influenza vaccine are rare. -Influenza vaccine virus is grown in eggs. People with a severe egg allergy should not get the vaccine. -A severe allergy to any vaccine component is also a reason to not get the vaccine. -If you have had a severe reaction after a previous dose of influenza vaccine, tell your doctor.

• Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness, also called GBS). You may be able to get the vaccine, but your doctor should help you make the decision.

• People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting flu vaccine. If you are ill, talk to your doctor or nurse about whether to reschedule the vaccination. People with a mild illness can usually get the vaccine.

What are the risks from inactivated influenza vaccine?

A vaccine, like any medicine, could possibly cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of a vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. Serious problems from infl uenza vaccine are very rare. The viruses in inactivated influenza vaccine have been killed, so you cannot get influenza from the vaccine.

Mild problems:

• soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given

• hoarseness; sore, red or itchy eyes; cough

• fever

• aches If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days.

Severe problems:

• Life-threatening allergic reactions from vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot.

• In 1976, a type of influenza (swine flu) vaccine was associated with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Since then, flu vaccines have not been clearly linked to GBS. However, if there is a risk of GBS from current flu vaccines, it would be no more than 1 or 2 cases per million people vaccinated. This is much lower than the risk of severe influenza, which can be prevented by vaccination.

What if there is a severe reaction?

What should I look for?

Any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness.

What should I do?

• Call a doctor, or get the person to a doctor right away.

• Tell the doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given.

• Ask your provider to report the reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form. Or you can fi le this report through the VAERS website at www.vaers.hhs.gov, or by calling 1-800-822-7967. VAERS does not provide medical advice.

How can I learn more?

Ask your provider. They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information.

• Call your local or state health department.

• Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): -Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or -Visit CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/flu

2009-09-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome Dr. Martha Schmitz, MD. PA. To our Call Panel

Martha E. Schmitz, M.D., has practiced in the Austin area since 1994. She believes that health care delivery should be kind and compassionate and adaptable between patient and provider. She also has a strong belief in being a part of the innovative and holistic collaborative care model. She enjoys all aspects of OB and Gyn practice and women of all ages. The focus in her OB/GYN practice is wellness with up-to-date treatments and surgery when indicated.

Dr. Schmitz was board certified by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1996. She attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical School in Galveston in 1989 and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the State University of New York at Syracuse in 1993. Dr. Schmitz is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her professional affiliations include membership in the ACOG, the Texas Medical Association, the Texas Association of OB/GYNs and the Travis County Medical Society. Dr. Schmitz enjoys spending time with her two children daughter Lila and son Nicholas.

Welcome to our New Website

2009-09-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

We want to welcome YOU to Our New Website and point out a few features that will help with navigating through to useful information about us!

If you scroll on the “Our Clinic Tab” you will find information about our practice history, providers, insurances we accept, and forms to fill out prior to your visit.

If you scroll on the “Services Tab” you will find detailed information on obstetrical services, gynecological services, and surgical services that we offer at our practice.

If you scroll on the “Testimonials Tab” you will be able to read letters, emails, and cards we have received from other patients and their experiences with our practice.

If you scroll on the “Patient Education Tab” you will find a variety of information from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), child birth information (classes), helpful weblinks, and a link to North Austin Medical Center (NAMC) Maternity services.

If you would like to tell us how we are doing you can click on the “Survey Tab” and let us know what you think!

If you scroll on the “News Tab” this will bring you to articles that have been written about our practice, midwives, or providers.

If you scroll on the “Blog Tab” you will find weekly information material that will be posted by one of our staff members regarding a variety of topics from obstetrics, gynecology, to billing, and questions from our customers.

If you scroll on the “Contact Us” you will find a map of our location along with our contact information. You can also enter your information and send us questions via email and you will have a call or email response back you to within 48hrs.

If you are a current patient you will have access to our “Patient Portal Tab” however you will need to have a user name and password to access the portal.

If you would like to pay your bill by PayPal you now have that option by scrolling over the “Online Bill Pay Tab” and following the steps.

Once again we are excited to be serving YOU and such a dynamic group of Women in Austin!