IMPROVING FAMILY PLANNING ACCESS IN OUR PRIMARY CARE FACILITY
Primary care physicians play a significant role in delivering comprehensive family planning services to our patients. Family planning is a critical component of primary care that involves providing a range of services and educational resources to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. By doing so, we aim to enhance overall health outcomes and minimize risks.
In our primary care setting, our physicians kick off family planning appointments by educating patients on the various birth control options available. This includes barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps), hormonal methods (oral contraception, patches, injections, contraceptive implants), intrauterine devices (copper and hormonal IUDs), natural methods (tracking fertile window, withdrawal approach), permanent methods (tubal ligation and vasectomy), and emergency contraception (Morning-after pills, copper IUD).
We not only discuss these options with our patients but also emphasize the importance of understanding the benefits, effectiveness, and potential side effects of each method. The providers at Suburban Family Medicine at Norristown recognize the significance of preventing unintended pregnancies and are committed to offering a wide range of family planning options at our practice.
As the demand for long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) in the United States continues to rise, surpassing the availability of providers offering them, our physicians have taken proactive steps to receive comprehensive training in providing LARCs. Our ultimate objective is to deliver holistic care that ensures the well-being of families within our community.
To schedule an appointment with Suburban Family Medicine at Norristown, located at 2705 Dekalb Pike, Suite 202, East Norriton, PA 19401, please contact 610-275-7240.
Author: Onyinye Onyemaechi, MD, PGY-2, Suburban Family Medicine Residency at Norristown
Corresponding author: Ashley J. Miller, DO, Family Medicine, Suburban Family Medicine at Norristown
Ashly J. Miller, DO
Family Medicine
Dr. Ashley J. Miller, DO, is a board-certified Family Practice and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine specialist. She earned her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency at Mercy Suburban Hospital in East Norriton. Dr. Miller furthered her medical training at Roxborough Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County in Willingboro, NJ, and Virtua Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly, NJ.
Dr. Miller’s contributions to academic research have been recognized through multiple publications, including three features in the Pennsylvania Academy of Science and Development Biology for her noteworthy research on aminopeptidase expression and characterization during sea urchin development.
In her practice, Dr. Miller prioritizes lifestyle medicine as a fundamental approach to managing chronic illnesses. She advocates for a holistic treatment approach, incorporating medications and medical interventions as needed.