Frequently Asked Questions

Appointments & Visit Prep

How do I request an appointment?

Use the Request Appointment option on the site or call our clinic. Our physician‑led team will coordinate next steps and timing with you and your OB practice. We prioritize clear guidance and timely communication from first contact onward.
Do I need a referral to be seen?

Referrals help streamline coordination—especially when imaging or testing is planned—but you can contact us directly to discuss your situation. We’ll guide you on the best path forward and loop in your OB as needed.
What should I bring to my visit?

Bring a photo ID, insurance details (if applicable), a list of medications, and any prior records or imaging. If your OB is referring you, we’ll coordinate materials between practices to reduce your workload.
What is the clinic environment like?

Visits take place in a serene, private setting designed to reduce stress while we provide advanced diagnostics and consults.
Where are results shared?

Results and next steps are coordinated with you and your OB—often through UCSF MyChart when appropriate—so everyone stays aligned.

Which ultrasounds do you offer?

We offer a full suite of advanced ultrasound services, including nuchal translucency, first‑trimester anatomy, detailed anatomy, fetal echocardiography, growth surveillance, Doppler, cervical length monitoring, biophysical profile, and GYN ultrasound.
Who performs and interprets the scans?

Imaging is performed by experienced sonographers and interpreted within a physician‑led maternal‑fetal medicine practice that emphasizes evidence‑based guidance and clear next steps.
What should I expect during an ultrasound?

Our team explains each step in plain language, focuses on your comfort, and shares what to expect after the study, including how results will be communicated.
Do you provide fetal echocardiography?

Yes—fetal echocardiography is part of our advanced ultrasound offering, coordinated by our maternal‑fetal medicine team.
How are imaging results shared?

We provide clear, timely communication and coordinate with your OB practice; results are often shared through UCSF MyChart for continuity.

What is an MFM consultation?

A consultation with an OB‑GYN who has additional training in pregnancy risk assessment. We provide expert evaluation, counseling, and planning in collaboration with your primary OB.
What consults do you offer?

We see patients for preconception counseling, pregnancy planning, medical comorbidities in pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and pre‑pregnancy diabetes (Type 1 & Type 2), among other consultative needs.
Do you support both inpatient and outpatient care?

Yes—our practice provides consultative support across care settings, coordinating closely with your broader care team.
How do you coordinate care?

We work within a physician‑led model and are part of UCSF’s Clinically Integrated Network, which supports coordinated communication among clinicians.

Which testing services do you coordinate?

We coordinate carrier screening, noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), and diagnostic testing coordination (e.g., genetic amniocentesis) when indicated—together with genetic counseling support.
Will I have access to genetic counseling?

Yes—genetic counseling coordination is part of our services, helping you understand options and results in the context of your values and care plan.
How will I receive results?

We review results with you in clear, compassionate language and share them with your OB—often through UCSF MyChart for continuity and convenience.
What happens if a test suggests increased risk?

Your MFM clinician will explain what the result means, outline next steps, and coordinate any additional imaging, consultation, or diagnostic testing as appropriate.
Can I ask questions after my visit?

Absolutely—timely communication is a core value of our practice. Reach out via the contact options on the site or through UCSF MyChart for non‑urgent questions.

Do you use UCSF MyChart?

Yes—because we’re part of UCSF’s Clinically Integrated Network, many results, messages, and care coordination steps use UCSF MyChart when appropriate.
How do I sign up or log in?

Follow the UCSF MyChart links from our site to sign up or log in. Using MyChart helps centralize results and communication with your care team.
What kinds of messages belong in MyChart vs. a phone call?

Use MyChart for non‑urgent questions and routine follow‑ups. For time‑sensitive or urgent concerns, please call the clinic. We aim for clear, timely communication in the channel best suited to your need.
How soon are results available?

Timing varies by study and laboratory process. We share results promptly and coordinate with your OB so next steps are clear.

How do I refer a patient?

Use our HIPAA‑secure online referral form (preferred) or the downloadable PDF for fax submission. Both options are available from the site.
What information should I include?

Practice contact details, patient demographics, clinical indication, relevant gestational information, and any pertinent reports or images. Secure electronic attachments help accelerate triage.
How and when will I receive reports?

We deliver timely, concise, and actionable reports back to your practice and coordinate next steps across the care team.
Do you accept urgent referrals?

Yes—please indicate urgency on the referral and call the clinic with time‑sensitive cases so we can align on next steps. Our goal is to make coordination seamless.
Are your web forms HIPAA‑compliant?

Yes—the site is built with HIPAA‑compliant features where applicable to protect patient data in online workflows such as referrals.