FAQ's
Q: I already bought a pregnancy test from the store. Why do I need to come in and be tested with you?
A: Taking a test here and discussing your most recent menstrual cycle will help determine the best time to schedule an ultrasound so that we do not schedule too early and have to do a repeat appointment. We can also help you with medical insurance, referrals and other questions you may have about your pregnancy.
Q: I had unprotected sex and am worried I could be pregnant. Can I come in today for a pregnancy test?
A: If you become pregnant a test would not show a positive result until roughly 2 weeks after the incident, typically when you would be late or miss your period. (It takes that much time for the pregnancy hormone to be detected by the test.)
Q: Can I walk in or do I need an appointment?
A: Scheduling an appointment will guarantee you are seen in a timely manner and that your appointment is scheduled when a nurse is available, if you have medical questions. It also allows you to do the paperwork via mobile phone. However, walk-ins are always welcome for pregnancy testing (ultrasound appointments need to be scheduled) and we will accommodate you as best we can.
Q: How early can I come in for an ultrasound?
A: You need to be at least 6 weeks (based on your LMP - first day of your last menstrual cycle) before we can perform an ultrasound.
Q: I went to the doctor and found out I was pregnant. Can I come in for an ultrasound at no cost?
A: If you have already had an ultrasound at your doctor’s office and are between 6 and 16 weeks we may be able to offer you a free limited OB ultrasound through our “Model Training Program.” Contact us to find out more information.
Q: At how many weeks does Next Step stop offering ultrasounds? Why?
A: We offer ultrasounds between 6-16 weeks of pregnancy. Our limited early OB ultrasounds only check for whether the pregnancy is in the uterus, whether or not the fetus has a heartbeat, and to determine gestational age of the embryo. After 16 weeks your doctor will want you to have a more complete ultrasound, and this should be scheduled through your OB doctor.
Q: Can I come in for an ultrasound to find out the sex of my baby?
A: No, our limited OB ultrasounds do not determine the sex of the baby. This is typically done around 20 weeks through your doctor.
Q: Can I have family or friends into the ultrasound room with me?
A: We typically allow 1-2 visitors during the ultrasound exams. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Q: Can I get birth control or the morning after pill at Next Step?
A: Our clinic does not sell or prescribe birth control. We do help with education so that you can make an informed decision.
Q: I don't live near Lynnwood, WA. Where can I go to find a pregnancy center near me?
A: Option Line is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-395-HELP.
Visit their website to search for a center in your area that can assist you.
Q: What do I do if my pregnancy test is positive and I don't have insurance?
A: We can help direct you to local hospital financial assistance programs that are available as well as give you what information you may need to see if you qualify for WA state health assistance. Next Step also offers assistance for limited prenatal care depending on the need and of the state health care and hospital charity care outcomes.
Q: Do I need to make an appointment to come in for supplies?
A: No, you may come in any time we are open for supplies.
Q: How often can I come in for diapers and clothes? And what sizes do you offer?
A: You may come in once per month (every 30 days) for diapers/wipes/formula. Clothing is available when your child is currently in a size, and we have newborn-2T size clothing. We also occasionally will have larger kid sizes (3t-6t). Please call ahead to check.
Q: When do you accept donations?
A: Any time we are open - Monday to Friday 10:00am-5:30pm – no appointment needed.
Q: Are there certain items you cannot accept as a donation?
A: We cannot accept car seats, unless they are less than 1 year old. We also cannot accept cribs nor mattresses. We also ask that all donations be in good, usable condition.
Q: How do I obtain a copy of my medical records from Next Step for myself or my medical provider?
A: You can come in to fill out a form and provide a picture ID in order to request medical records. Your medical provider can also directly request records from us via fax. Our fax number is (425)608-9508.
Q: Do you do abortions?
A: Our clinic does not perform abortions (or provide abortion referrals). We provide professional consultations about abortion, but only for patients seen in the clinic. We do provide ultrasounds to confirm gestational age after a positive pregnancy test.
Q: Can you refer me for an abortion?
A: We do not provide referrals specifically for abortion. If you are seen here as a patient we have information about receiving ObGyn care overall. We do provide ultrasounds to confirm gestational age after a positive pregnancy test.
Q: Are you saying that I can't have an abortion?
A: Next Step respects you and your decisions about your health care. We provide patients with evidence-based medical education so that you can make a decision that is right for you.
Q: Abortion Pill/RU-486
A: The Next Step provider cannot prescribe RU-486. They do provide ultrasounds to confirm gestational age after a positive pregnancy test.
Q: Is my visit confidential if someone calls asking about me?
A: Due to confidentiality, we will not verify that you have ever been seen or treated at our clinic. We can telephone or email information to the client if we have a contact on record.
Q: I think I am pregnant, but I am bleeding/cramping, etc. Can I come in to get checked out?
A: If you think you are pregnant and you are bleeding, we advise that you seek immediate medical attention from your own physician or at the ER. We do not provide emergency care.
Q: What should I do if I am experiencing bleeding, cramping, or have medical questions?
A: Any questions medical related can never be answered by a non-medical person. We can put you in touch with our registered nurses.
Q: What kinds of referrals do you provide for clients?
A: Every client is given a referral list of options for further reproductive healthcare and other community resources. Referrals are given only to our clients.
Q: I need pregnancy verification/proof of pregnancy/letter to apply for Medicaid/WIC, etc.
A: Clients need to sign a release and then we will give them a copy of the document they need, or we can provide an appointment to do the pregnancy verification if it has not yet been done.
Q: I need you to send a copy of Pregnancy Test Verification/US Report to my Doctor
A: In order to send medical records to a doctor’s office (or ER or other health care facility) we must have a consent for release of records signed by the client. Clients can come in with their photo ID to sign the release here or may do so at their doctor’s office.
Q: Call from a doctor’s office or emergency department regarding a client.
A: Does the facility have a consent for release of records from the client? We will need that faxed from the facility or will need the client to come by our office and sign a release. We do not release any information without a client’s specific permission.