All services are strictly confidential, regardless of the patient’s age. Though we do encourage teenagers to talk with their parents about their decision to visit Family Planning, minors do not need the consent of their parents to receive services.
Appointments are required for all medical services. Individuals without an appointment who request services may be seen if there is no one scheduled at that time, or they may choose to wait until all individuals with scheduled appointments have been served. Some of our offices do not require an appointment to receive the morning after pill or to pick up contaceptive supplies (e.g., the pill or condoms).
Complete Gynecological Examinations
An annual gynecological examination is recommended for all women beginning at age 21, or earlier if sexually active. Performed by an all female staff of Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners who work under the supervision of Medical Director Myron Levine, MD, the exam includes:
- Education / counseling
- Weight / height / blood pressure
- Hemoglobin (anemia screening – as needed)
- Heart / lung / thyroid exam
- Clinical breast exam
- Pap test
- Pelvic Exam
Pregnancy Testing & Options Counseling
- Urine test (morning specimen is not necessary)
- Reliable results within a few minutes
- Unbiased information about all available options
- Non-judgmental counseling
Birth Control Information & Supplies
Both male and female condoms are available upon request at all of our offices. An appointment is required to receive the following hormonal methods at our office.
- Oral contraceptives (the pill)
- Depo Provera® (3 month shots)
If you are interested in a different method of birth control or a pill brand that we don’t carry, our medical professionals will either write you a prescription or refer you to another provider (e.g., for IUD or Implanon insertions or voluntary sterilization procedures).
Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) / Plan B
Also known as “the morning after pill” and packaged as Plan B, ECPs are available after unprotected sex or when your regular birth control method fails (for example, your condom breaks). They are most effective when taken within the first 24 hours after unprotected sex, but may be used up to 120 hours (5 days) after sex. They work the same way regular birth control pills work by preventing ovulation, and interfering with fertilization and possibly implantation. They will not induce an abortion or cause a miscarriage if a woman is already pregnant (that is, if a fertilized egg has already attached itself to the uterine wall). Emergency contraceptive pills should not be used as a regular method of birth control as they are less effective than most other methods. Please note that Plan B is now available to women, ages 17 and up, without a prescription at most pharmacies. Ask for Plan B at the pharmacy window. The cost ranges from $50-60 and the pharmacist may request ID for proof of age. It is advisable to call ahead to make sure the medication is in stock. To receive Plan B with your ACCESS card at a pharmacy, you must have a prescription.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Vaginal Infections & Other Minor Problems
Our medical professionals are trained to diagnose and/or treat a variety of vaginal infections and minor reproductive problems including, but not limited to:
- Chlamydia & Gonorrhea
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Genital Warts
- Genital Herpes
- Trichomoniasis
- Yeast Infections
- Urinary Tract Infections
General Education / Counseling
Education / counseling is available for concerns about contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, parent / child communication about sex, pregnancy, and pregnancy planning.
About Our Fees
Family Planning serves individuals of all ages and incomes. Fees are based on household size and gross (before taxes) household income. Some individuals may qualify for free or reduced fee services.
Teens (17 and under) receive FREE services. Free services are not offered to promote teen sexual activity, but to encourage teens who are already sexually active to receive regular health screenings and to protect themselves and others from unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
We accept Blue Cross, Blue Shield, ACCESS, and SelectPlan for Women.
If you are a woman between the ages of 18 and 44 and have no medical coverage for gynecological exams and/or birth control, call one of our offices to see if you are eligible for SelectPlan for Women coverage. If you qualify, you will receive free birth control and women’s health care. We can apply for you.
Visa, Mastercard, personal checks, and cash are accepted.