Recent changes in local women’s health and OB-GYN services may require many to find a new provider. Finding a new provider can be overwhelming. Here are some key steps to guide the transition.

Understanding Your Insurance Coverage

The first step in transitioning care is determining if your new provider accepts your insurance. Contact the provider’s office and/or your insurance carrier to see if the provider is in network. Riverside Healthcare is now in network for additional health insurance providers. Visit myrhc.net/insurance to see if your plan is now accepted.

Transferring Medical Records

Your medical history helps inform your ongoing care, so transferring records from your previous provider is essential. You may be able to transfer records through your existing electronic health record platform (EHR) such as MyChart. If not, call your previous provider and request that they transfer or fax your records to the new office. Your records do not need to be transferred before scheduling an appointment, but you should ensure they are received before your first visit.

Patients transferring from Westwood Obstetrics and Gynecology providers should have their medical records faxed to Riverside Women’s Health at (815) 935-2970. Through May 16, please contact Westwood directly to have your records transferred. After May 16, please contact St. Mary’s Hospital at (815) 937-2400.

Learning About Potential Providers

Choosing the right provider is important for building comfort and trust. Check the health system, hospital, or provider website for more information, such as conditions treated, procedures performed, and clinical specialties. These pages may also feature patient reviews that can help with your decision. Visit myrhc.net/womenshealth to learn more about Riverside Women’s Health providers and schedule an appointment.

It’s also a good idea to determine what is important to you in a provider. For instance, you may prioritize convenience, such as having a provider close to home. You may want to see a provider who is part of a healthcare system, meaning you can access various other services and providers to ensure continuity of care. Or you may want a healthcare provider with a community focus, who understands and is invested in the community and your well-being.

Your First Appointment

You can schedule an appointment in various ways, including by phone, online, or through MyChart. You may be able to ask for the provider with the earliest availability or have your name put on a waitlist to be contacted if earlier appointments become available. When scheduling, be sure to have your insurance information handy. This allows the staff to confirm that the office is in network and can help you understand copays and other costs. To schedule an appointment with a Riverside Women’s Health provider, call 815-935-4651 or visit myrhc.net/WMNSchedule.

When attending your first appointment, be prepared to provide a list of your current medications, current and past health conditions, and information about your family medical history.

Asking Questions

While your provider will certainly have many questions for you, it is also important to ask questions of your own to determine whether the provider is a good fit for you. Some questions that may be helpful include:

·      How do you approach patient care?

·      How do you communicate with patients?

·      What is the process for referrals?

Do you have additional questions or need support? Our Women’s Health team is here for you at 815-935-4651 or myrhc.net/womenshealth. Let us help you make this important transition with confidence and peace of mind.