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Now offering vNOTES procedure — an innovative, minimally invasive option for hysterectomies

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A new advanced minimally invasive hysterectomy procedure is now available at Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics. Providers Rebecca Baudoin, MD, Heidi Edsill, MD, and Andraya Huldeen, MD, offer vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES), the latest in innovative technology.

vNOTES requires no abdominal skin incisions, providing many health benefits to patients. This includes fully eliminating scarring, reduced pain and risk of infection, faster recovery time and a shorter hospital stay. vNOTES is performed under general anesthesia, and patients are often discharged the same day as the procedure.

“Women without excessive scar tissue in their abdomen are often good candidates for the procedure,” shares Dr. Baudoin. “With this advanced technology, my patients have such little pain after the vNOTES procedure relative to other methods — often rarely even needing to take ibuprofen.”

To learn more, or to find out if you may be a candidate for vNOTES hysterectomy procedure, schedule an appointment with Drs. Baudoin, Edsill or Huldeen at Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics. To schedule, call 952.442.2137.

Postpartum pelvic floor rehab—when it’s time for more than Kegels

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With all the changes women experience during pregnancy, it can be difficult to know what is considered “normal” postpartum and what is concerning, especially when it comes to pelvic anatomy. At some point in your pregnancy, you likely heard your provider mention Kegels. Perhaps you diligently remembered to do them daily, or maybe it fell off your radar.

It’s important for women to perform Kegel exercises, also known as pelvic floor contractions, during pregnancy to prevent long-term pelvic floor issues such as incontinence. “The pelvic floor is stressed during both pregnancy and delivery, so the more a woman can strengthen the pelvic muscles before delivery, the better chance she has of avoiding the need for pelvic floor rehab postpartum,” explained Rafael Unda Rivera, MD, Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics.

What contributes to pelvic floor issues

Women who experienced a delivery that required the use of forceps―or who suffered pelvic trauma from delivering a larger baby or having a prolonged birth―are at a higher risk of pelvic floor issues. In addition, women with the following risk factors are more prone to pelvic floor concerns.

  • History of incontinence
  • Elevated body mass index (BMI)
  • Tobacco use, which decreases blood supply in the tissue, affecting the healing process
  • Three or more pregnancies
  • Advanced maternal age while pregnant
  • History of pelvic organ prolapse

When to consider postpartum rehab

Women who did not experience significant pelvic trauma during childbirth should be able to resume Kegel exercises in the weeks following delivery to help regain pelvic floor strength. However, women who experienced trauma—as with any injury—may need to wait several weeks to first allow for healing. It takes about three months for the muscles and ligaments to return to normal.

At the six-week postpartum appointment, your provider will discuss normal recovery and what is not considered typical. If you continue to experience any of the symptoms listed below three months postpartum, contact your provider for a referral to Ridgeview Rehab to learn if you are a candidate for pelvic floor rehab.

  • Leaking urine with coughing, sneezing or with sudden movement
  • Increased urinary frequency
  • Difficulty emptying bladder
  • Pain in the pelvis, abdomen, lower back or tailbone
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Bowel issues

Benefits of strengthening the pelvic floor

In addition to regaining bladder and/or bowel control, rehab helps with core (abdominal) support, a return to normal pelvic anatomy and helps to eliminate pain during intercourse.

Long-term, a healthy lifestyle is necessary for a healthy pelvic floor. “Rehab is not a permanent solution; women should continue with any prescribed exercises as instructed in physical therapy even after rehab has finished. In addition, a wholesome diet, regular exercise and avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking are important to prevent pelvic floor issues from returning,” said Dr. Unda Rivera.

It is never too late to regain control and full function of your pelvic floor. If you feel you could benefit from pelvic floor rehab, schedule an appointment with your provider or one at Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics.

Midwives—myths, misconceptions and the role they play through birth and beyond

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For centuries, midwives have provided support and care for pregnant women through the labor and delivery process. When most people think of the term midwife, they tend to relate it to a setting involving an in-home, unmedicated birth. However, certified nurse midwives (CNM) do not facilitate home births, they only deliver babies at a hospital, and according to Krista Kranz, CNM, Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics, only about half of the pregnant women they see intend for an unmedicated birth experience.

A certified nurse midwife is board certified and trained in two disciplines—nursing and midwifery. The certified nurse midwives who practice at Western OB/GYN all hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and additionally, a master’s degree or a doctorate in midwifery.

Who are good candidates for using a midwife?

“Generally, low to moderate-risk pregnancies are good candidates for using a midwife; however, with our unique partnership at Western OB/GYN, we collaborate with our team of OB/GYN physicians should high-risk complications arise. This ‘safety net’ that is built into our practice allows for seamless support and consultation from the obstetricians,” explained Kranz.

Prenatal care in the U.S. today is very standardized, which means certified nurse midwives provide much of the same care and testing as a physician would, including frequency of appointments, ultrasounds and lab testing. Because certified nurse midwives deliver babies in hospitals, they offer low intervention rates in the same safe environment as a physician would.

Education, empowerment and shared decision-making

The certified nurse midwives at Western OB/GYN focus on education, shared decision-making and empowering women with the most current health recommendations. “We really put an emphasis on relationship building throughout a woman’s pregnancy, so the appointments tend to be longer, and we genuinely have the opportunity get to know our patients and their growing families,” said Kranz.

One distinction between labor and delivery with a physician versus a certified nurse midwife, Kranz explains, is that the CNM is present throughout the entire labor and delivery process—from the time the mother comes into the hospital until after the baby is born. This provides continuous bedside support, encouragement and advocacy. “We allow the birth process, and all of its beauty, to happen with minimal intervention,” said Kranz.

Many women seen by the CNMs at Western OB/GYN desire to have a water birth, which is a service that a physician does not provide. The nurturing and inviting birthing suites at the Ridgeview Birthing Center feature large, jetted tubs for a more relaxing birthing experience.

Services for postpartum, well-women care and more

Another misconception is that a midwife’s job ends with the birth of the baby. However, certified nurse midwives also provide postpartum care, breastfeeding guidance, family planning, gynecological needs, annual exams and well-women care for women of all ages.

“With the relationships and bonds created, we often have patients whose babies we delivered more than 10 years ago now bringing their daughters in to see us for their first menstrual cycles and annual exams as teenagers. It truly comes full circle,” shared Kranz.

Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics, is a long-established, independent practice of board-certified obstetrics and gynecology physicians, certified nurse midwives, certified family nurse practitioner and a physician assistant. As a team, they provide an array of services for women in all stages of life. Learn more about the providers at Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics.

Which birth control method is right for me?

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Women’s contraceptive options go far beyond “the pill.” While many people associate birth control with the prevention of pregnancy, these methods also provide solutions for other health concerns. Gina Edison, FNP-C, Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics, shares, “Many patients use birth control for other reasons than preventing pregnancy, such as managing painful and heavy periods, regulating your menstrual cycle, treatment for acne, and relief for some kinds of headaches and migraines.”

Generally, there are five categories of birth control methods: one-time use, short-term, long-term, permanent and emergency. Each method works in a different way and can be used for various reasons. This article will focus on short-term and long-term options.

Short-term options:

+ Contraceptive pills: Commonly referred to as “the pill,” it is one of the most used birth control methods. This hormonal pill is taken at the same time of day, every day.

+ Skin patch: This method uses a transdermal patch that you replace every week. Transdermal simply means the hormones are absorbed by your skin from an adhesive patch that can be worn on your belly, buttocks, arm or back.

+ The Ring: A vaginal ring is a small, flexible ring placed inside your vagina that releases hormones into your body. For the ring to be most effective, you must make sure you are properly inserting it and refilling it on time—this will depend on the type of ring you use.

+ Injection: The depo shot (Depo-Provera) is an injection that contains the hormone progestin, which prevents ovulation. This injection is done once every three months.

When used correctly, these options are about 99% effective. Because short-term methods require a strict schedule, their efficacy is more likely around 91% as many women do not methods consistently follow the required regimen. The benefit of short-term options is that you can try several over time to determine the one that best suits your lifestyle and needs.

Long-term options:

+ Intrauterine Device (IUD): IUDs are one of the most effective options for women. An IUD is a small device (shaped like the letter T) that is inserted into your uterus. An IUD can last from three to 12 years, depending on the type you have.

+ Implant: The Nexplanon implant is a very thin rod, about the size of a matchstick, that is inserted into your arm. The implant releases hormones into your body and lasts up to five years.

IUDs and implants have an efficacy rate of about 99% and can be removed at any time should your contraceptive needs change. “Women have busy lives and busy schedules. These long-term options are a great choice for those who want an effective option that does not require such a strict regimen,” Edison said.

Determining the best option for you

Having so many options can seem overwhelming at first, but it’s important to remember that having options gives women a say in their health care treatment. “You have to consider your quality of life,” Edison said. “Every women’s health needs are different, which is why being able to choose the best method for your situation is so valuable.”

There are several factors to consider when choosing what method is right for you. A few considerations include determining what works with your schedule and routine, whether you can and want to use hormones, and your personal comfort level in regard to insertion/removal. For women who are interested in starting birth control or changing the method they are currently using, Edison offers three pieces of advice:

+ Do some research: Look into what options interest you—creating a pros and cons list is a great way to figure out what might work best for your situation.

+ Seek advice from other women in your life: Your trusted friends and family can be a great resource to get insight into what worked or didn’t work for them.

+ Talk to a women’s health provider: Bring the information you have gathered to a women’s health provider who will answer any questions and help determine what method is best for you.

If you are interested in starting or trying a different birth control method, schedule an appointment with a provider at Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics.

Why it’s important to rebuild your abdominal muscles following pregnancy

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Whether your baby is six weeks old or six years, you still may be thinking about getting your body back to its pre-baby shape. However, many women suffer from diastasis recti (abdominal separation) following pregnancy which can complicate a full return to exercise and even challenge everyday function. It’s not surprising that abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy and may need some extra help to return to their previous state. Diastasis recti is more common in women who have had a cesarean section birth, a multiple birth pregnancy or those who have had multiple pregnancies.

Left untreated, there can be lingering health concerns

When left untreated, diastasis recti can lead to chronic low back or hip pain, constipation, urinary incontinence and can affect the ability to return to regular exercise routines. But a timely connection with the right physical therapist can change those results.

Physical therapy can improve diastasis recti

At 12 months postpartum, about 30 percent of women still have diastasis recti, according to Tina Gapen, PT, MPT, a pregnancy and pelvic health expert with Ridgeview’s Rehab Department. “Research suggests, if it is still present at eight weeks postpartum, it will be present at one year. As with many injuries, beginning treatment sooner rather than later can improve your outcome and get you back to a better quality of life sooner,” she explains.

Women experiencing abdominal or pelvic pain or weakness postpartum should be evaluated by a physical therapist. During a functional assessment, a physical therapist will assess movement, strength, and pain and help create a road map to assist in meeting goals for post-baby performance and comfort. “I try to reduce fear in women by explaining that the actual measurement of the diastasis recti ‘gap’ is less important than being able to create tension in the linea alba—the soft tissue that connects the left and right abdominal muscles—to support functional activities,” Gapen said.

Successfully managing diastasis recti

Physical therapy, using breathing techniques and core exercises, helps to reduce pain and correct the problem. “We want women to focus on practicing good breathing techniques and avoid breath holding. Breath exhalation activates our deep core muscles, which generates tension through the linea alba,” Gapen said. Engaging in certain exercises too soon may be harmful. A physical therapist can help you choose what exercises are right for you and when the right time is to increase the challenge.

If you are newly postpartum and have concerns about diastasis recti, talk with your provider at your six-week checkup. However, even if your baby is not so much a baby anymore, it is not too late to correct your diastasis recti and regain functionality. Through physical therapy, you can manage this condition successfully, and get back to a full range of function and ability to exercise.

To learn more about physical therapy at Ridgeview’s Rehab Department.

Coughing, laughing or sneezing shouldn’t cause peeing

Posted on by Western OB/GYN in ,

If you experience leakage every time you cough, laugh, sneeze or jump, you aren’t alone. Urinary incontinence is a common condition both men and women may experience, but most frequently affects women. The chance of developing incontinence increases with age, but is not an inevitable consequence of aging and is NEVER considered normal.

Michael Valley, MD, Urogynecologist, Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics, explains that many women find incontinence simply creeps up on them. “One day, they begin to experience a minor problem. A few years later, they find themselves crossing their legs every time they cough or laugh. They may have discontinued a favorite activity or exercise—such as running—because their leaky bladder became unmanageable. That’s the point when many women finally decide to seek advice from a medical provider,” Dr. Valley says. Those experiencing incontinence may find the condition isolating and embarrassing, but you are not alone.

On average, 1 in 4 women suffer with urinary incontinence.

According to the National Institute of Health, 24-45% of women over the age of 30 experience urinary incontinence at some point in their life. Women are more likely to develop problems following pregnancy, childbirth and menopause.

While common, this condition goes severely underreported as many women may feel uncomfortable discussing their symptoms with their primary care provider.

When it comes to severity, Dr. Valley shares, “Women may experience an extreme range in severity—from an occasional leak to a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate.” This range includes two common types of incontinence:

  • Stress incontinence. This is most common in younger women. With stress incontinence, you may experience an occasional leak when you cough, laugh or sneeze.
  • Urge incontinence. Often referred to as “overactive bladder,” you may feel a sudden urge to urinate that is so severe you can’t get to a toilet in time. This can happen when you don’t expect it, such as during sleep, when you arrive home in your car, or when you hear or touch running water.

Both types of incontinence can have a significant impact on your quality of life and make it unnerving to engage socially with friends and family when you don’t know when the problem might occur.

Treating incontinence doesn’t always mean surgery.

The good news is that for the majority of cases, treatments are available to cure or significantly improve symptoms. “We most often approach treatment with non-surgical options first, such as Kegel exercises to help strengthen your pelvic floor,” Dr. Valley says. A specialized pelvic floor/bladder physical therapist may assist you with this.

In addition, Dr. Valley suggests the following approaches before moving to a surgical option:

  • Lifestyle changes. Exercise can help restrengthen your pelvic floor. Cutting down on caffeine, carbonated beverages and alcohol can also be helpful as these drinks may irritate your bladder.
  • Behavioral techniques. In conjunction with Kegel exercises, you may also consider bladder retraining to learn to delay urination. Sometimes scheduling toilet trips rather than waiting for the need to go may decrease the times you leak. A pelvic floor/bladder physical therapist can help you with these techniques.
  • Medications. There are several medications to treat incontinence in men and women. Most are useful for urge incontinence.

If your occasional problem has turned into a bigger issue that is impacting the quality of your life, the first step is to make an appointment with your Ridgeview provider to discuss further treatment options.

Five factors to consider for your birth plan

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You may have thought about your birth plan shortly after you discovered you were pregnant or maybe your plan is to simply have “no plan” and that’s okay too. A birth plan can be a useful tool to help inform your provider and the Birthing Center team of your preferences for labor and delivery. It can be very detailed and specific, or it can be open-ended.

Shelby Erickson, MSN, RNC, nurse manager at Ridgeview’s Birthing Center shares, “Some women feel strongly about developing a birth plan and some do not view it as essential. Either way, our nurses are equipped to walk you through the process and help you with each expected (and sometimes unexpected) turn of events during labor and delivery.”

Here are five factors to consider while preparing for your childbirth experience.

  1. Environment. When you think about your baby’s birth, what do you picture? Dim lights? Soft music? Scents from essential oils filling the room? You also want to consider who you want present. Many women choose to only have their partner there to support them, while others include another family member or hire a doula for additional support. In the event of a cesarean birth, you will be limited to one support person in the operating room.
  2. Pain relief. There are multiple options for pain relief. Some women labor without, some request pain medication immediately and many women fall somewhere in between. Ridgeview offers choices for pain relief—including epidural, IV pain medicine, hydrotherapy (laboring in the shower or bathtub) and nitrous oxide.
  3. Labor preferences. Every woman labors differently—some prefer to walk or stand as much as possible, while others prefer to rest in bed. Ridgeview’s Birthing Center has various amenities to aid in your labor, ranging from birthing stools and squatting bars to in-room full-size bathtubs.
  4. Cutting the cord. Cutting the baby’s umbilical cord can be very symbolic, but it’s not for everyone. Consider if you or your partner wish to do so. It is becoming more common for providers to wait 30 to 60 seconds before clamping the umbilical cord to allow more blood to transfer from the placenta to the infant, which has numerous health benefits including a decreased risk of iron deficiency anemia.
  5. Newborn care. Consider how you plan to feed your baby once he or she is born—breast, bottle or both—and whether you want your baby to use a pacifier. Additional health considerations such as immunizations and circumcision for males are important decisions you should consider in advance.
    Plan or no plan, it’s important to keep an open and relaxed mind when preparing for the birth of your child. “Things can change quickly during labor and delivery, and having mom feel comfortable with her provider and her team of caregivers helps when the unexpected occurs,” Erickson explains.

Download Ridgeview’s birth plan checklist as a guide to help you develop your personal birth plan. If you have any questions or concerns regarding labor or delivery, discuss them with your provider or send us an email, and our Birthing Center team will follow up with you.

Take a virtual tour to see why Ridgeview’s Birthing Center is preferred throughout the Twin Cities and beyond.

Nine life-saving health screenings for women

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The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed how we receive health care. Early in the pandemic, wellness visits were canceled or postponed and many in-person appointments have since turned into telehealth visits.

Rebecca Baudoin, MD, Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics, encourages women to prioritize scheduling their recommended appointments. “No one will take care of you, except you! There will be no judgment about any delay; we just want to optimize your health and get screenings caught up,” Baudoin said.

When was the last time you had a wellness exam? Are there screenings you have missed due to the pandemic? Dr. Baudoin outlines nine important women’s health screenings.

  1. Pelvic exam. Pelvic exams are recommended beginning at age 21 to assess your cervix, uterus and ovaries. A Pap test is also recommended at age 21 for cervical cancer screening. When a woman reaches age 30, a human papillomavirus (HPV) test is recommended, which can be performed from the same swab as the Pap. This swab collect cells from the cervix to check for any abnormalities that could lead to cervical cancer. Both are repeated every one to three years, based on recent health history.
  2. Breast exam. Women should be familiar with their breasts in order to recognize any new lumps or changes. Your health care provider will perform a breast exam at your annual wellness appointment. If a lump or concerning tissue is found, they may order a non-routine mammogram or breast ultrasound as a precaution.
  3. Mammogram. A mammogram takes radiographic photos of your breast tissue and identifies changes and abnormalities. Dr. Baudoin recommends an annual mammogram for women beginning at age 40 to check for signs of breast cancer. A 3D mammogram is currently the best available technology in mammographic breast cancer screening. If your insurance only covers 2D mammograms, Dr. Baudoin suggests paying out-of-pocket for the difference in cost to still have the 3D images done―an option you might consider doing every other year.
  4. Skin cancer exam. Your health care provider will check your skin thoroughly for any new or suspicious moles or signs of skin cancer. You should pay close attention to the size, shape and texture of any mole you have and notify your provider of any changes.
  5. Blood pressure screening. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease. Your health care provider will check your blood pressure regularly at each wellness visit. Blood pressure numbers less than 120/80 are considered within the normal range.
  6. Cholesterol screening. Women over the age of 40 should have a blood test to check their cholesterol levels every five years. High cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the United States according to the American Heart Association (AHA).
  7. Diabetes screening. Women over the age of 40 should also have their blood screened for diabetes every three years. Dr. Baudoin advises that women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy may need to be screened for diabetes and high cholesterol earlier than age 40.
  8. Colonoscopy. A colonoscopy uses a scope to view the inside of the colon and rectum. Early detection is crucial for discovering polyps and treating colon cancer. Women with average risk—those without personal or family history—should begin colonoscopy screenings at age 45.
  9. Osteoporosis screening. During and post-menopause, women’s bones may begin to weaken. A bone density test (DEXA) is suggested for women over 65 to check for osteoporosis. This test uses x-rays to measure the strength of the bones.

Regular wellness exams and health screenings are key to prevention. It’s important to talk with your health care provider about the role personal and family history may have on when and how often you should have these screenings. If you are due for your wellness visit, schedule an appointment at Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics.

 

Expectant mom chooses water birth to experience natural childbirth

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After having an epidural with her first son in 2019, Shelby Hallblade, Carver, knew she wanted to try a more natural approach the second time around. “When I had an epidural with my first born, Silas, I didn’t know there was another way,” Shelby said. This time she wanted to be more educated about her options. A co-worker recommended Leah Schroeder, nurse midwife, Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics.

“Leah spent 30 minutes with me at my first appointment. Not only did she answer my questions, but she asked me questions and challenged me to think about things that I hadn’t even considered. I learned that I could do things naturally and that pain was not to be feared, but could be managed. Leah educated me and advocated for natural childbirth. She listened to me and respected my wishes,” Shelby said.

Choosing a natural childbirth in a hospital setting
Planning a birth at Ridgeview’s Birthing Center gave Shelby and her husband, Kyle, the option of the natural birth they had envisioned, while providing comfort in knowing they had full access to the resources and services Ridgeview offers including a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), if needed.

“In childbirth, things can sometimes go wrong. It is good to have someone there if you need it. I felt comfortable at Ridgeview, like being at a hotel or home. It was very nice without the hospital feeling,” Shelby said. The nurturing and inviting birthing suites feature large jetted tubs to allow for water births aided by certified nurse midwives. A water birth was appealing to Shelby to help her relax and manage pain during the birth process.

Blessed with a sign of good luck—rare en caul birth
After laboring at home for two hours, Shelby was eight centimeters dilated when she arrived at Ridgeview on March 19, 2021. Schroeder was waiting for her upon arrival.

Schroeder helped Shelby into the tub, guided her breathing between contractions and worked through various techniques to help Shelby manage her pain. “Leah was with me the whole time—from the time I arrived at the hospital until delivery and after—supporting me through each contraction.”

Baby Sawyer was born just 45 minutes after the Hallblades arrived at the hospital and was born en caul. An en caul birth is a rare occurrence where the baby is born inside an intact amniotic sac, occurring in one to two percent of vaginal births, which is less than 1 in 80,000 births. In many cultures, an en caul birth is seen as a sign of good luck. It was good luck sign to the Hallblades, as they were blessed with a healthy newborn following the natural birth they had envisioned.

Managing the pain of childbirth naturally

“Leah helped me feel more in tune with my body and helped me understand and allow things to happen naturally. I was able to feel everything, and I learned how to work through it.” Shelby said. Some of the techniques that helped Shelby manage the pain of childbirth naturally were:
+ Developing a calming music playlist that played on the speakers in the birthing suite
+ Diffusing essential oils
+ Hearing positive affirmations & bible verses that Shelby had on notecards
+ Creating a calming atmosphere

Shelby noticed immediately how much easier the recovery was for her second birth compared to her first, something she credits to the water birth.

Using a nurse midwife—pregnancy, birth, post-partum and beyond
Shelby was impressed with how everyone at Ridgeview respected her wishes for a natural birth, and that Schroeder was with her for the entire journey—pregnancy, birth, post-partum support and beyond. Shelby continues to see Schroeder as her primary care provider. She sees Schroeder and the team at Western OB/GYN for everything from annual physicals and screenings, to natural family planning and has already referred many friends as patients to the practice.

Take a virtual tour of Ridgeview’s Birthing Center and learn more about the providers at Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics.

Western OB/GYN transitions to new Electronic Medical Record on Aug. 1, 2021

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Western OB/GYN, A Division of Ridgeview Clinics, is transitioning to a new Electronic Medical Record called Epic on Aug. 1, 2021.  This medical record will be the same for the entire organization.

This means however, that our current patient portal – My Health Record – will no longer be updated as of Aug 1, 2021, and it will not be available for you to access at all beginning Sept. 1, 2021.

The good news is we will have a new patient portal called MyChart available Aug. 1, 2021.  MyChart is a secure online health record portal very similar to My Health Record.  All of the information from our old electronic medical record and available to you in My Health Record during the last 5 years will be converted to our new electronic medical record and be available to you via MyChart.

To use this new portal, you will need to register as a new user with MyChart any time after Aug. 1.

To make that registration process easier, you will automatically be sent an email inviting you to register MyChart when you schedule an appointment with us after Aug. 1. You will be guided through the registration process after responding to that email invitation. After successfully opening your MyChart account, you will see all your Western OB/GYN health record information for the last 5 years.

Thank you for your confidence in Western OB/GYN.

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