Ultrasounds if using CPM?

[callieollie]

In another thread someone mentioned that they had a lay midwife and that they weren't able to write a script for an ultrasound, that only a CNM could. So what do you do if you want/need an ultrasound and you have a CPM?

[MamaMelis]

My midwife is a CPM and she had a relationship with a Dr who will do referrals for her. It meant a bit of a drive for us (30 min) but was worth it as the results were released directly to her. My other options would have been to go to my old OB (who delivered my last two children) to ask them for a referral, or to ask my primary care physician for a referral for a general anatomy scan. I would have had the results released directly to me and then taken them to my midwife.

HTH!

[LiLStar]

my cpm called in a referral to a freestanding imaging clinic. Didn't even have to see an OB

[MidwifeErika]

It all depends on the CPM. Some will have relationships that will make it very easy for you to get an ultrasound and others will not and the woman would need to be referred out to an OB in order to get the scan done.

[Sijae]

It depends on where you live. I'm in Oregon and we set up ultrasounds directly with the imaging company or hospitals for our clients. If your state is less midwife-friendly you may have to go through a dr. or CNM to get one.

[CorasMama]

I think that what privileges CPMs have varies greatly from state to state. Here in WA, my midwives were able to order an ultrasound, and can prescribe some meds, but couldn't prescribe my zofran.

[emnic77]

We decided to forgo ultrasound this time around, but my CPM has mentioned that she could set us up with some imaging place if we had wanted.

[mamakori]

My CPM refers to a local HB friendly perinatologist for u/s if the mom has insurance, or a lower-cost family practice clinic if no insurance. We had no issues getting in for our 20 week u/s, but we also live in a very HB friendly area (Austin, TX)!

[laughingfox]

If you want diagnostics, you'll need a referral, but as mentioned by PPs, whether or not your midwife can give them varies greatly by the area.

You can get an early due-date-verification ultrasound at a Pregnancy Resource Center, or a similar organization. It doesn't require a referral.

There are also a lot of freestanding imaging centers that will make pictures, DVDs, etc. of your baby, and do gender determination, if that's what you're looking for. Insurance doesn't cover them, though.

[smokeylo]

Originally Posted by LiLStar

my cpm called in a referral to a freestanding imaging clinic. Didn't even have to see an OB

Yes, this is the case in my area. Even my homebirth practicing CNM has to refer to an imagine place rather than the hospital since she doesn't have privileges there. It's out of pocket (around $350), so, yeah, we skipped the u/s during our pregnancies!

[tygrss]

My CPM gave you three choices:
(1) Her back up OB's office.
(2) free-standing imaging place
(3) She's good friends with the sonographer at the crisis pregnancy/women's center.They do ultrasounds for a reduced cost and use the money to help buy formula/diapers/clothes for women in need.