Developing a good relationship with your doctor is one of the best things you can do for your health, and for your peace of mind.

 

Franklin Square Hospital Center is proud to be a hospital of choice for many of the residents in Harford County. Now, the expert care that many have come to know and trust is more convenient and accessible with the opening of the new Franklin Square Women’s Care Center at Bel Air. The center offers comprehensive services including Women’s Care OB/GYN, Breast Services, and the Bel Air Oncology Center specializing in the treatment of women’s cancers.

Developing a good relationship with your doctor is one of the best things you can do for your health, and for your peace of mind. A recent survey showed that 40 percent of women changed to a new OB/Gyn because their doctors were impersonal, judgmental or inaccessible. Women should trust and feel at ease not only with their doctor but also with the entire office team. A visit to an OB/GYN often requires women to share the most sensitive and intimate information. The same survey indicated that about 15 percent of women under age 45 routinely see no other type of doctor; making their OB/GYN also responsible for a host of other health matters, from stress management to cholesterol monitoring.

“The doctor-patient relationship, especially for women, is an important one,” says, Leigh Matlaga M.D., OB/Gyn. At the Women’s Center, we all share a commitment to earn the trust of our patients and to develop a partnership with each of them. We begin with an agreement that, if you take care of yourself, come in for a regular visit and report any symptoms that may signal a medical condition we will help you live your life to its fullest."

The convenience of the Women’s Center at Bel Air will not only encourage women to take better care of themselves, but the expertise of the physicians, nurses, and healthcare staff will also allow us to focus on improving the health outcomes for women in Hartford County”, adds Marge Jahn, Certified Nurse Midwife with the Women’s Care OB/GYN.

A woman should be involved in her medical care. Here are a few tips to help you become a more active partner in managing your health.

• Know your family medical history, and learn about other factors that may put you at higher risk for disease.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercising, developing and maintaining a healthy diet, not smoking and managing stress can help keep you healthy.
• Always ask your health care professional for a full explanation of any pharmaceutical or other treatments she/he prescribes, including the side effects that you may experience.
• Schedule regular medical checkups and screenings to monitor your current health and identify potential problems early.
• Seek a second medical opinion if you feel you need more information. This may be especially important if you ever need surgery or treatment for a chronic or life-threatening illness. Your health insurer may also require a second opinion.
• Be aware of disease symptoms. Know when to seek medical care and where to turn if you develop symptoms.

The Franklin Square Women’s Center at Bel Air is pleased to partner with you for your health care needs. Below is a list of the comprehensive services offered and the numbers to call for an appointment.

The Franklin Square Women's Center at Bel Air • 410-569-7789
• Annual Exams and Pap Smears
• Routine and High Risk Obstetrical Care
• Midwifery Services
• Pre-natal and Birth Education
• Diagnostic Evaluations
• Family Planning
• Genetic Counseling
• Infertility Treatment
• Adolescent Care
• Treatment for Menopause
• Laparoscopic Surgery
• Minor Gynecological Surgical Procedures
• Pelvic Surgery
• Urinary Incontinence

Comprehensive Breast Services • 410-515-6090
• Diagnostic Mammograms & Clinical Breast Exams
• State-of-the-Art Biopsies
• Surgeons experienced in State-of-the-Art Surgical Techniques
• Clinical Trials
• Support Services

Bel Air Oncology Center • 410-515-6400
• Multi-disciplinary Team of Oncologists
• Compassionate, Oncology Certified Nursing Team
• Consultations & Second Opinions
• Cancer Treatments Focused on a Women’s Individual Needs
• Clinical Trials Program
• Patient & Family Support Service