Pocono Midwives & Assoc Llc

Pocono midwives and associates, LLC tried to charge copay $185 for the periodic well visit (pap smear) , which had to be fully covered by my Aethna insurance (i had same visit 1,5 year ago for no charge). I refused to pay and called to Aethna. Aethna representative have confirmed my $0 copay for this visit and called to the office immediately. Even after this call i was asked to sign paper listed below:\r ""We have tried contacting your insurance company but we regret to inform you that they are closed for the day. If we submit a claim and it's refused you will be responsible for $185 for the office visit""..\r Otherwise I will be unable to see a midwive and have my pap smear done....\r So, i left the office and will never come back again. Waste my time and gasoline. Same day Aethna assisted me to found another provider that will not gonna charge me for an Annual preventive visit. more

Dr. McLaren is a true professional. In fact, she is so professional that she even takes the time to educate soon-to-be parents on the pregnancy and the birth process. It really demonstrates her focus on the birth of a healthy baby and a mother who can feel deeply satisfied with her pregnancy and the birthing experience. After taking a birthing class, working with Dr. McLaren and her office staff, and doing our own research on pregnancy, we felt as ready as we could to have a waterbirth with a midwife. Well, as time would tell, different decisions had to be made for the safe delivery of our child. However, throughout the whole process, Andrea was at first on the phone with the nurses or attendant doctors, and then was with us in the hospital for over 14 hours, working smoothly and sometimes firmly with doctors that had other opinions on how we should run OUR birth! I'm not sure how many medical practitioners would be willing and able to stay with their patients during a labor as long as the one we experienced. She always had our best interests in mind, and discussed them with us in a thorough manner. We never felt pushed into making a decision thanks to her. In addition to her supreme knowledge of baby delivery, she even helped to educate our parents on the process once they arrived to provide great moral support. Despite all the reviews you may read here, keep in mind that even disgruntled students berate their teachers and professors for problems and situations that are out of their control. In addition, I think it says something that when you go to the Pocono Midwives office, the waiting room has a large wall with birth announcements and pictures of happy families with their newborn bundles of joy. This is a refreshing difference from the certifications, diplomas on some office walls. Consider this: She has a very thorough knowledge of baby delivery. She stayed with us for over 14 hours during a long and arduous delivery. She worked with nurses in a smooth, harmonious manner. She stood up for what we outlined in our birth plan. She educated us on the decisions that needed to be made throughout the delivery...all while letting us discuss it on our own together first. Does this sound like a consummate professional to you? She sounds more like a leader in her field. She is a leader that I would highly recommend. more

*MUST READ REVIEW* I don't know what people are talking about when they say ""they're fantastic""! We had a horrible experience with Andrea and Christy. First of all, we wanted a midwife for a natural childbirth to be delivered by the person we would see month to month and had trouble finding one. We decided on Andrea because she claimed to have delivered over 2,000 children and was a educator, so we figured she must know what she's doing. She didn't tell us she was in the process of hiring another midwife. Like others said, she didn't show up until we were at the hospital for four hours! She said I could refuse heparin lock and the staff MADE me get one...she said intermittent fetal monitoring and the staff MADE me keep it on. I know this is more of an issue with St. Luke's but they wouldn't explain anything and when I asked when Andrea would get there, the surly nurse told me whenever she shows up. The birth plan was USELESS...she barely knew what was on it and the staff could've cared less. When she did show up, she still wasn't explaining. My water broke and there was meconium in it. She didn't ask my husband to put a scalp monitor on the baby which risks infection. All throughout my pregnancy, my baby HATED technology...hid from monitors, ultrasounds, etc. so I'm sure he felt uncomfortable. She didn't have any authority over staff and just came across as unsure of herself. I'll get a doula next time to have the support and voice I want. My son ended up aspirating on meconium, but we do think it was her fault because as he's carted off to the NICU (which is fabulous) she jokes that her nickname is Andrea Meconium b/c such a high percentage of patients have that problem. She was supportive during recovery; I have to give her that...she even visited while I was still there two days later. Several weeks after the birth, I sent an email ( which Christy suggested) asking all of our questions about what went wrong. No response. Needless to say, I have no closure about the experience or no birthing book which Christy borrowed and never returned...wait that's stealing. Maybe Andrea didn't respond b/c the insurance company was investigating her. Now, we have the joy of holding our breath as our son is monitored by Early Intervention for learning/developmental delays. All because she doesn't explain things, is far too reliant on machines for being a midwife, and doesn't have any authority in that hospital. Thanks for nothing Pocono Incompetent Midwives! Pros: Nice office Cons: Everything else! more

When I first was pregnant I was visiting Pocono OB/GYN but found it very difficult to get my very first appointment! I was advised by a Pocono Medical Center nurse to switch to Pocono Midwives - and I couldn't be happier with them! Throughout the 9 months they became my family. Thoroughly helpful, willing to address my concerns as quickly and efficiently as possible. They always seem so calm and kind. I had a truly amazing pregnancy and birthing experience that I wouldn't trade for the world with these Midwives! Pros: 24 Hour Advice and Assistance, Play Area for Toddlers more