"From the first moment a woman dared to speak that hope - dared to believe that the American Dream was meant for her too - ordinary women have taken on extraordinary odds to give their daughters the chance for something else: for a life more equal, more free, and filled with more opportunity than they ever had. In so many ways we have succeeded, but in so many areas we have much work left to do." — Barack Obama, from his speech in Washington, DC 11/10/05
Your Consent
The Falls Church Healthcare Center is committed to respecting and protecting your privacy at our center and online. This privacy policy explains the practices we use. If there are questions that you have that are not covered here, please contact us at info@fallschurchhealthcare.com.
By using this site, you agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy.
General Disclaimer
The information presented throughout our site is for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services.
The information provided on our website and through our links should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult a health care provider or telephone us at the Center (703) 532-2500.
Privacy Policy
Our following Privacy Policies are designed to tell you about our practices regarding collection, use, and disclosure of information that you may provide to our Center or via this site.
Your Privacy Online
FCHC does not use cookies to collect personal information about visitors to our web site. Cookies are small data files that can be placed on a users computer by a web server. We collect and/or disclose information that we may gather only in the aggregate in order to analyze our web page texts, usage and attract patients, sponsors or affiliates. We will take great care and caution to keep whatever information we gather safe and secure. We do not share lists with any other organization nor do we maintain lists with personal identity information.
Because FCHC 's web site contains links to other sites, there is a possibility that those sites may use cookies to collect visitor’s personal information. We cannot control the use of cookies by sites linked to our site and we are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of other sites.
Your Privacy At The Center | Staff's Patient’s Confidentiality Policy
By accepting a position at Falls Church Healthcare each employee and consultant recognizes and agrees that it is his or her responsibility to protect a patient’s privacy. Any disclosure of a patient’s identity or disclosure of any services rendered is restricted to the express written consent of the patient.
Identity Protection Of Patient
Staff has the constant awareness that we cannot disclose any information relating to a patient to anyone except that same patient.
Your Security At Our Center
We are pleased to be situated in the City of Falls Church with their fine police force. The Center has been at this location for over 8 years, a testament to the police force, their professionalism as well as their concern for our patient and staff's safety. Additionally, we are supported by trained volunteer clinic escorts from WACDTF (www.wacdtf.org). Our secure, parking garage, and fenced off-street private parking platform adds to your security. You are secure and safe at Falls Church Healthcare Center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some questions frequently asked by our patients. Answers are offered as a convenience to you. If you have additional questions or need clarification please ask one of our Health Educators or medical staff when you come for your appointment or e-mail us at info@fallschurchhealthcare.com.
The information presented throughout our website is for educational purposes only. This information though deemed accurate is not guaranteed; it may be subject to interpretation, errors or omissions.
How do I pay for services at the center?
Fees may be paid with cash, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, money orders, traveler's checks, or cashier's checks. Personal checks are accepted using the telecheck system. All fees are to be paid at the time services are provided. We accept most all major health Insurance Plans and can check your benefits. FAX THE COMPLETED FORM (LINK)
How do contraceptives work?
They only work when you use them! and as directed! Review a comprehensive guide or see the Specific Q and A's for each method presented at the bottom of each method's page. Ultimate Birth Control - http://www.ultimatebirthcontrol.com
Why should I have an annual gyn check-up – Your Well Woman Exam?
We like R.N. Sharla Taylor's, et al, University of Iowa Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, answer: "Throughout our lives, we have many choices to make. These choices affect our family, friends, employers, and last but not least, us. The choices we make today affect the choices we'll have to make in the future. Health care choices such as diet, exercise, health habits, and physical exams may be among our most important decisions. Our health is one of our most valuable assets, yet too often we neglect our physical needs or develop habits that may do us harm.
A smart choice that we can make to ensure good health is to have a yearly Pap Smear. A Pap Smear is a simple test that does not involve much time or discomfort. The Pap Smear will detect potential problems of the cervix (opening of the uterus) or vagina (birth canal) early so they can be diagnosed and treated. Another good reason to have a yearly Pap is because your health professional will also do a breast exam, blood pressure check, pelvic exam and listen to your heart and lungs. Other tests may be done based on your needs and health history. It's a good feeling knowing you're healthy and that you are doing your part to stay that way."
Is a Pap test useful if it's done during menstruation?
I never really know when my period is going to occur. If I happen to be having my period should I reschedule when the bleeding has stopped?
Because Pap Smear test results are more accurate when a woman isn't menstruating, try to schedule, or reschedule, you appointment so it isn't during your period. (However this may be tricky if you are having dysfunctional uterine bleeding or irregular menstrual periods.) The best time for a Pap Smear examination is during the two weeks following the end of menstrual flow. Discuss this with one of our health educators when you call.
Who is at greater risk for abnormal Paps?
| Those Women | |
| • | who have had sexual contact before age 18 |
| • | with a history of many sexual partners |
| • | whose mothers took DES (Di-Ethyl-Stilbestrol) - a medication, which used to be taken for certain pregnancy complications from the 1940s to the 1960s |
| • | with frequent infection which may be spread by sexual contact |
| • | who smoke |
| • | who become pregnant before age 18 |
Questions about Abortion Care and Well-being
How long will I be at the center?
For a medication (non-surgical) abortion you should allow 2 hours for
your visit. For surgical procedures you should allow 3 hours. For your
follow up visit please allow 30 minutes.
Can I eat before my appointment?
It depends on your procedure. If your appointment is for a medictionl
(non-surgical) procedure you may eat a meal up to1 hour prior to your
appointment. If your appointment is for surgical procedures and if awake
(having local anesthetic): you may eat a light meal up to 1 hour prior
to your appointment. BUT if you will be asleep (sedation anesthesia) you
must be FULL NPO. DO NOT eat, drink (even water), chew gum, etc. 6 hours
prior to your appointment time.
Can I eat after my appointment?
Yes, in fact you will be offered crackers, cookies, juice, tea or soda
in the recovery room. After either a medical (non-surgical) or surgical
procedure you may resume your normal eating schedule. We do suggest that
you select lighter, low fat and easier to digest foods initially.
Can I drive after my appointment?
It depends on your procedure. For a medical (non-surgical) procedure or
for an awake (having local anesthetic) surgical procedure you may bring
someone with you if you care to but you can drive yourself. HOWEVER if
you are having sedation/anesthesia (will be asleep) for your procedure
please bring someone with you to drive you home...you cannot drive yourself
home. We recommend not driving for at least an additional 6 hours.
Is abortion safe?
Abortion is very safe, especially when done early in pregnancy. Many studies
have been done that show that having an abortion in the first trimester
is many more times safer than having a baby. Even a late abortion is less
dangerous than having a baby. http://www.rhrealitycheck.org/blog/2008/01/11/four-abortion-myths-dispelled
Will it hurt?
We all have different experiences with and reaction to pain. Different
doctors use different ways to control pain. With the Aspiration D&C
method used at our center, there may only be a few minutes of cramps.
Though it is normal to fear pain, fear of pain should not be the most
important factor in your decision. You will be offered medication to help
with pain and given several remedial measures to increase your comfort.
When can I have sex or intercourse?
Not until after your follow-up appointment and 3 weeks after your procedure.
Our health educators will discuss this further with you but it is important
to your health that nothing is inserted in your vagina until after your
follow-up exam to minimize the risk of infection.
Will I be able to get pregnant again?
Yes. Your personal experience with fertility will continue, as before,
antidotally many women were surprised to have found it easier to get pregnant
soon after an abortion. The D&C procedure is used for many things
in gynecology including a first step to fertility treatments. That is
one reason why birth control options are an important part of our center's
Health Education. you are counseled to begin using your chosen option
right away.
