How to Prepare for Your Visit

Review Your Financial Options and Insurance Coverage

  • If you have healthcare insurance, check your coverage and benefits with the following steps:

    • Email pictures of the front and back of your insurance card to bridgercare@bridgercare.org so we have it ready for your visit.

    • Call your insurance provider using the customer service or member phone number listed on the back of your insurance card

    • Request a representative to “verify benefits”

    • Ask if your provider is in-network with your plan using this NPI: 1831716927

      • “Is the provider in-network with my plan? Their NPI is 1831716927.”

    • Ask about your benefits for the CPT codes corresponding to your visit (see chart below). Remember to write down your estimated benefits.

      • “If I give you specific CPT codes, can you explain my benefits to me?”

    • Ask for a call reference number and write it down. This can be used to appeal their coverage decision if your claim is denied.

    • If you have Medicaid or Plan First, your visit should be fully covered!

    • If you don’t have insurance, please call our front desk to ask about:

      • Our sliding-fee scale for discounted services

      • Additional resources for free or low-cost IUDs, vaccines, & colposcopies

      • Interest-free payment plans

      • Enrolling in Medicaid and Plan First

If You’re Getting an IUD

Before Your Appointment

  • To confirm you are not pregnant, schedule your IUD insertion at least two weeks after any unprotected sex and use an effective birth control method every time you have sex until your IUD appointment.

  • You may choose to schedule your IUD insertion during your period to help with pain management.

  • Let us know if you’d like a Xanax prescription for anxiety management at least 5 days before your appointment. Please note you cannot drive yourself to and from your appointment if you take Xanax.

Day of Your Appointment

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or fluids.

  • Eat a light meal before your appointment.

  • Take ONE of the following pain relievers 30 minutes before your appointment:

    • 600-800 mg of Ibuprofen

    • 500 mg of Naproxen (Aleve)

    • 1000 mg of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

    • Ibuprofen and Aleve are most effective but take Tylenol if you can’t take NSAIDs!

  • If applicable, take your Xanax as prescribed and coordinate transportation to and from your appointment as you should not drive yourself.

During Your IUD Insertion

  • We offer cervical numbing spray or lidocaine injection for pain management.

  • We provide heating pads, drinks, and snacks for cramping and light-headedness.

  • You may choose to have a support person/guest with you in the exam room during the procedure.

  • Distraction techniques are helpful during the procedure and can include essential oils, stress balls, and music to help with relaxation.

After Your IUD Insertion

  • Plan to rest and take care of yourself after your appointment.

  • Continue taking ONE of the following pain relievers for 1-2 days after your insertion:

    • 600 mg of Ibuprofen every 6 hours or 800 mg every 8 hours

    • 500 mg of Naproxen (Aleve) every 12 hours

    • 1000 mg of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 6 hours, do not exceed 3000 mg in 24 hours

  • Drink a full glass of water and eat a snack when taking pain relievers.

  • Use a heating pad or take a warm bath or shower to help with cramping.

  • Treat yourself to your favorite ice cream! You deserve it!