Frequently Asked Questions
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This is Important
At LMFM, we believe that transparency is an essential part of providing exceptional care. Pregnancy can bring many questions, and we want you to feel fully informed and supported at every step. Our Frequently Asked Questions page is designed to give you clear, honest answers so you can make confident decisions for yourself and your family. By addressing common concerns directly, we hope to ease uncertainty, build trust, and ensure you know exactly what to expect when choosing LMFM for your care.
Your Questions, Answered
FAQs
Does your practice accept my insurance?
Yes, our practice accepts many major insurance providers, and we maintain an updated list of accepted plans for your convenience. If you don’t see your insurance listed, we encourage you to contact us directly. Our team can often help navigate the process or explore alternative options so you can still access the care you need. We’re here to make sure insurance questions don’t stand in the way of quality care.
- Aetna
- Aetna Better Health
- Amerihealth
- BCBS out of Area
- Highmark Blue Shield
- Capital
- Cigna
- Eliance-PHC
- Highmark Wholecare
- Geisinger
- Humana
- Independence BCBS
- Medicaid-Access
- Meritain
- PHC – Preferred Health Care
- Teamsters
- Tricare
- Trustmark
- United Health Care Community Plan
- United Healthcare
- UPMC For You
- UPMC
- VACCN-VA Community Care Network
- Wellspan
If you don’t see your insurance listed, please contact us so we can help!
What is Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM)?
Maternal Fetal Medicine, or MFM, is a subspecialty of obstetrics that focuses on providing expert care for both high-risk and routine pregnancies. MFM specialists use advanced imaging, diagnostics, and treatments to monitor and manage the health of both mother and baby. Whether it’s addressing complex conditions, offering second opinions, or simply providing reassurance, MFM is all about combining specialized medical knowledge with compassionate support. To learn more, we also provide a helpful video resource that explains this field in detail.
What makes a pregnancy “high risk”?
A pregnancy is considered “high risk” when certain health factors could increase the chance of complications for either the mother or baby. These factors may include preexisting conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, carrying multiples like twins or triplets, or issues that arise during the pregnancy itself. Being classified as high risk simply means that closer monitoring and more advanced care are recommended. At LMFM, we specialize in guiding families through these situations with expertise and compassion, helping ensure the best possible outcomes.
Do I need a referral from my primary care physician or prenatal care provider?
No, you do not need a referral to schedule an appointment with LMFM. We believe you should be free to choose the specialists you feel most comfortable with, so we welcome self-referrals. You do not need permission from your primary care doctor or prenatal provider to access our services. Our team is always ready to support you directly, making the process simple and accessible.
My pregnancy is uncomplicated—can I still use LMFM?
Yes, absolutely. While LMFM specializes in high-risk pregnancy care, we also support many families with uncomplicated pregnancies who want access to high-quality ultrasound imaging and coordinated care. Our advanced technology and experienced team are here to provide reassurance, guidance, and a meaningful care experience, even for those considered low risk. Every family deserves the best possible care, and we are proud to offer it to all patients, regardless of risk level.
Are ultrasounds safe for me and my baby?
Yes, ultrasounds are considered very safe for both mother and baby when performed by trained professionals. They use sound waves—not radiation—to create detailed images, which means there is no exposure to harmful effects. At LMFM, we follow all recommended guidelines to ensure your safety and comfort during every scan. Families can feel confident knowing that each ultrasound is both medically beneficial and completely safe.
How long does a typical appointment take?
Most appointments at LMFM last between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of service you are receiving. Routine ultrasounds are often on the shorter side, while more advanced diagnostic testing may require additional time. Our team always strives to keep visits efficient without rushing, ensuring you have plenty of time to ask questions and feel comfortable throughout the process. We value your time and want every appointment to be thorough yet stress-free.
Can my family come with me to appointments?
Yes, we welcome family members to join you for your appointments. Many parents find comfort in sharing the experience of seeing their baby on ultrasound with their partner or loved ones. Depending on the type of exam, we may have some guidelines to ensure the room stays comfortable and the specialists can perform their work without distractions. At LMFM, we encourage family involvement whenever possible, as it helps create meaningful moments during your pregnancy journey.
Our Blog Posts & Resources
Question: What Makes a Pregnancy High Risk?
All pregnancies carry some level of risk, but some are considered “high risk” when there’s a greater chance of complications for the mother, the baby, or both.
Why Therapy Dogs Matter – And Why We Love Having One at Lancaster MFM
If you’ve followed Lancaster MFM on social media, you already know that Laszlo, our beloved Bernedoodle, has become something of a local celebrity. Half Bernese Mountain Dog, half Poodle, and 100% heart, Laszlo is training to become a certified therapy dog with the help of the wonderful volunteers at KPETS.
Fibroids and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Uterine fibroids are the most common noncancerous growths that can form in the uterus. They are sometimes called leiomyomas or myomas and can range in size from as small as a pea to as large as a grapefruit.
