PARIS, TN –Are you pregnant or planning to become pregnant? This is an exciting time and one that requires you to make important decisions. Finding a maternal care provider should be your first priority. And, if you’re not yet pregnant, finding the right healthcare provider now allows you to plan ahead for a healthy baby and a rewarding pregnancy experience. The story of your new family starts with finding the right obstetrics (OB) care.

Types of Maternal Care Providers

Today, women have choices about who they want to care for them through pregnancy and during labor and delivery. If you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, you should find a maternal care provider you feel comfortable with and decide what type of birth experience you want.

Obstetrician/Gynecologist. Most women turn to an OB/GYN when they are pregnant. OB/GYNs are specialists in women’s health, including pregnancy, labor and delivery and post-delivery care. They can oversee most pregnancies, perform birth-related procedures such as a cesarean section and handle unexpected complications. A Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist may be part of your medical team if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
Family Doctor. Family doctors historically cared for pregnant women and delivered babies and many women still choose their primary care physician for routine pregnancies. Your doctor can always refer you to an obstetrician in the event you have special needs along the way.
Midwife. A midwife is a specialist trained in helping pregnant women who want as little medical intervention as possible while still having a safe pregnancy and delivery. Fortunately, you don’t have to choose between a midwife and a doctor. Most midwives work hand-in-hand with your doctor, who can step in if you or your baby needs medical care. Midwives care for low risk patients only and don’t have the ability to do some of the things that an OB/GYN can do.

If you have yet to choose a maternal care provider, ask friends and family members for referrals. Meet with the doctors you are considering. Are you comfortable talking with that person and asking questions? Research the doctors’ credentials and find out where they deliver babies. Convenience matters as well. Is the doctor’s office located close to your home or work, and do the office hours accommodate your schedule?

In Paris at HCMC, there are four OB/GYNs and nurse practitioners who are available to care for you and your baby. At Paris Women’s Center located in our Medical Arts Building, Drs. Dennis Wieck, Pamela Evans, and Katherine Whitfield along with Nurse Practitioners Kristian Elliott and Rachel Holmes are available to see patients. At TN Highlands OB/GYN located at East Wood Clinic, you can see Dr. Paul Locus. Both practices deliver babies at HCMC Women’s Center. To make an appointment at Paris Women’s Center, call them at 731-644-8225. To make an appointment with TN Highlands, call today at 731-641-8720.

Where to have your baby

Most pregnant women give birth in the hospital where their doctor practices and where they are close to family, friends, and medical care (just in case). The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends hospitals and accredited birth centers as the safest settings for delivering babies. Women no longer have to choose between a safe, but clinical, labor and delivery, and a comfortable, homey birth. Many hospitals now offer the birthing center experience with the peace of mind of nearby medical care and we do just that at HCMC.

Our birthing center at HCMC Women’s Center offers women the convenience of delivering and staying in one room during the birthing experience. Additionally, the Center has its own C-section room located on the unit. There are many amenities on the unit, and we encourage you to visit and see what we have to offer. Or, watch our video about our unit on our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/henrycomedcenter.

Knowing where to go and what to expect before the big day can eliminate a lot of last minute stress so you can focus on what’s important: having a healthy baby. Make sure your insurance covers both your healthcare provider and the facility you choose.

Know Your Insurance

If you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, do your research now to find the hospital and healthcare provider you feel most comfortable with for the best birthing experience. At Henry County Medical Center, we want to be your provider of choice and encourage you to learn more by checking out our website at www.hcmc-tn.org. There you can visit our unit, our physicians and providers, and learn about all our services at the HCMC Women’s Center.

At HCMC, we accept most insurances as well as TennCare and work with self-pay and other options as available. We have excellent financial counselors who will work with you to see how we can assist you in your birthing journey.

TennCare is a program providing health insurance to people who are eligible for Medicaid and to certain other people who lack access to insurance. A managed care model is used for delivering program benefits. Enrollees choose a Managed Care Organization for most of their health and acute care needs. Pregnant women will have coverage for visits to the doctor and other medical services while you are pregnant.

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Tennessee and you must also be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien. You must be either pregnant, a child under age 19, a parent or relative caretaker of a dependent child(ren) under age 21, disabled, elderly, or uninsurable. You must also meet the financial eligibility criteria that go with each category. Generally, your financial situation would be characterized as either low income or very low income.

“EVERY uninsured person who delivers at HCMC can be assisted in applying for TennCare or other available assistance programs,” said Angie Tucker, Director of the Business Office at HCMC. “Monthly payment arrangements can be made as well. We encourage you to contact us at 731-644-8595.”

About Henry County Medical Center

Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.