Capital Region women’s health · OBGYN, pregnancy, imaging and portal guide
Plan CareNet Medical Group Visits With the Right Office, Service and Preparation
CareNet Medical Group is an obstetrics and gynecology practice serving patients in New York’s Capital Region from Schenectady and Clifton Park. The practice provides routine gynecology, pregnancy care, preventive screening, breast imaging and treatment for a range of reproductive-health concerns.
This guide brings the important patient instructions into one page: how to choose the right visit, request an appointment, activate FollowMyHealth, check insurance, prepare for an annual exam or mammogram, understand pregnancy billing and request medical records.
PREVENTIVE CARE
PREGNANCY PATH
PORTAL READY
Do not wait for an online reply during an emergency. Call 911 for severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, chest pain, severe breathing difficulty or another life-threatening condition. During pregnancy, urgent warning signs such as heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, seizures or difficulty breathing require immediate medical attention.
Practice type
Obstetrics and gynecology.
Service area
New York Capital Region.
Offices
Schenectady and Clifton Park.
Patient portal
FollowMyHealth for established patients.
Start with the correct visit
Which CareNet Medical Group appointment solves your problem?
ROUTINE GYNECOLOGY
Preventive or ongoing women’s care
Choose a gynecology appointment for preventive care, menstrual concerns, birth-control counseling, cervical screening, breast-health discussion, menopause symptoms or ongoing reproductive-health management.
Prepare: last menstrual period, medication list, previous screening dates, symptoms and questions.
PREGNANCY CARE
Positive test or pregnancy planning
Choose obstetrical care for pre-pregnancy planning, a suspected or confirmed pregnancy, prenatal monitoring, fetal ultrasound, delivery planning or postpartum follow-up.
Prepare: first day of the last period, test date, current medicines, pregnancy history and insurance information.
PROBLEM VISIT
New symptom that needs evaluation
Request a problem-focused visit for abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, breast changes, unusual discharge, painful intercourse, urinary symptoms or another new concern.
Tell the scheduler how severe the symptom is, when it began and whether pregnancy is possible.
Best scheduling shortcut: Do not request only “an appointment.” Tell the representative whether the visit is preventive, pregnancy-related, imaging-related, procedural or for a new symptom. The correct visit length and preparation can be different.
Capital Region offices
CareNet Medical Group locations and contact information
Local appointment tip: A provider may work at both offices but not on every day. Confirm the exact street address from the appointment message instead of driving to the office used for a previous visit.
Choosing a clinician
CareNet Medical Group doctors and advanced practitioners
The practice’s official provider directory lists board-certified obstetrician-gynecologists as well as physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Provider availability and new-patient status can change, so use the live directory before requesting a particular clinician.
Providers shown in the official CareNet directory
| Provider |
Role |
What to confirm |
| Beatrice Tsao, MD |
Board-certified OBGYN |
Office, appointment type and availability. |
| Hee-Joo Cheon-Schingo, MD |
Board-certified OBGYN |
Office, appointment type and availability. |
| Esther Moon, MD |
Board-certified OBGYN |
Office, appointment type and availability. |
| Emily Campito, MD |
Board-certified OBGYN |
Office, appointment type and availability. |
| Erin Adams, PA-C |
Physician assistant |
Whether the requested care can be scheduled with an advanced practitioner. |
| Tiffany Bovard, NP |
Nurse practitioner |
Location and type of visit offered. |
| Victoria Caruso, MSN, APRN, FNP-C |
Nurse practitioner |
Location and type of visit offered. |
| Ane Kline, PA-C |
Physician assistant |
Location and type of visit offered. |
Do not assume an advanced practitioner means lower-level care. Physician assistants and nurse practitioners can provide many routine, preventive and follow-up services while working with the physician team. Ask which clinician best matches the reason for your visit.
Appointment workflow
How to request a CareNet Medical Group appointment
Identify the visit reason
Decide whether the visit is an annual examination, new gynecologic symptom, pregnancy confirmation, prenatal follow-up, contraception consultation, mammogram, procedure discussion or postoperative follow-up.
Choose an office
Select Schenectady or Clifton Park based on the provider and service—not only driving distance.
Check insurance participation
Give the scheduler the complete insurer and product name shown on the card.
Explain urgent symptoms clearly
Mention severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, pregnancy, recent surgery or rapidly worsening symptoms so the clinical team can decide the appropriate response.
Use phone or online request
Call 518-381-1121 for direct assistance. The online form may be used for a routine appointment request but should not replace an urgent clinical call.
Confirm the appointment details
Save the date, arrival time, provider, office address, preparation, required forms and cancellation instructions.
Appointment call script
“I need a [routine, pregnancy, problem-focused, imaging or procedure] appointment. My main concern is [brief description]. It started on [date]. I may be [number] weeks pregnant. My insurance is [full plan name]. Which office and provider should I schedule with, and is there anything I need to complete or avoid before the visit?”
Prevent repeat visits
What to bring to your CareNet appointment
Photo identification
Current insurance cards
Medication and supplement list
Allergy and reaction list
Date of the last menstrual period
Pregnancy-test date when applicable
Previous Pap, mammogram or ultrasound reports
Relevant surgery and pregnancy history
Preferred pharmacy details
Referral or authorization when required
Completed practice forms
Written questions in priority order
Create a simple symptom record before the visit
1
Start date
Record when the symptom began and whether it was sudden or gradual.
2
Pattern
Note whether it relates to the menstrual cycle, activity, intercourse, urination or eating.
3
Severity
Describe bleeding, pain, fever, discharge or other symptoms in measurable terms.
Women’s health services
What CareNet Medical Group treats and provides
Service categories and common reasons to schedule
| Service |
Common patient need |
Preparation question |
| Routine gynecology |
Preventive examination, menstrual concerns, sexual health and menopause care. |
When were your last Pap test and annual examination? |
| Cervical screening |
Pap testing, HPV-related evaluation and follow-up of abnormal screening. |
Bring prior abnormal results, procedures and pathology reports. |
| Contraception |
Discussion of pills, devices, barrier methods and other birth-control choices. |
List medical conditions, smoking status, migraine history and previous side effects. |
| Pelvic pain and bleeding |
Evaluation of pain, heavy periods, irregular bleeding, fibroids or endometriosis symptoms. |
Track symptom timing, bleeding amount and cycle pattern. |
| Breast health |
Breast examination, screening discussion and digital mammography. |
Report lumps, discharge, skin changes and family history before scheduling routine screening. |
| Bone health |
Osteoporosis screening, prevention, diagnosis or treatment planning. |
Bring fracture history, medication list and prior bone-density results. |
| Pregnancy care |
Preconception, prenatal care, ultrasound, delivery planning and postpartum follow-up. |
Know the last menstrual period, medications and pregnancy history. |
| Gynecologic procedures |
Evaluation and treatment when medication or observation is not sufficient. |
Ask about alternatives, anesthesia, recovery, fertility effects and pathology results. |
Preventive visit
What to expect from a routine gynecology examination
A routine visit may include health-history review, medication review, blood-pressure or weight checks, breast examination, pelvic examination and screening discussion. Not every patient needs every test at every annual visit.
You are due for cervical screening
The clinician will consider age, previous Pap or HPV results, treatment history and current guidelines.
You have a new symptom
Tell the office before the appointment because a preventive visit and problem-focused evaluation may be documented or billed differently.
You are menstruating
Call before canceling. Whether the visit can proceed may depend on the planned examination, bleeding level and reason for the appointment.
You are anxious about the examination
Tell the clinician before undressing. Ask what each step involves and request that the examination stop at any time if needed.
A pelvic examination and a Pap test are not the same thing. A pelvic examination assesses reproductive structures. A Pap or HPV test collects cervical cells for screening. The clinician decides which parts are medically appropriate.
Pregnancy journey
CareNet Medical Group obstetrical services
Before pregnancy
Family planning, medication review, fertility discussion, menstrual-cycle review and health-risk preparation.
During pregnancy
Prenatal visits, testing, fetal ultrasound, fetal monitoring, high-risk evaluation and labor planning.
After delivery
Hospital follow-up, postpartum visits, recovery guidance and assessment of postpartum concerns.
Information to gather after a positive pregnancy test
First day of the last menstrual period
Date and type of pregnancy test
Current prescription and nonprescription medicines
Previous pregnancies and outcomes
Current pain, bleeding or concerning symptoms
Insurance maternity and hospital benefits
Call promptly during pregnancy for concerning symptoms. Bleeding, significant pain, persistent vomiting, fever, fluid leakage, reduced fetal movement later in pregnancy or symptoms that feel severe should not be left in a routine portal message.
Typical prenatal pattern
How often prenatal visits may be scheduled
Approximately once a month
Routine visits may include history review, blood pressure, weight, urine testing, blood work, fetal-heart assessment and discussion of symptoms.
Approximately twice a month
Monitoring becomes more frequent as pregnancy progresses and additional testing may be planned.
Approximately once a week
Visits focus on maternal health, fetal well-being, labor preparation and delivery planning.
This schedule is only a general pattern. High-risk pregnancy, bleeding, hypertension, diabetes, fetal-growth concerns, multiple pregnancy or other complications can require more frequent visits.
What may happen during a prenatal visit
Urine testing
Blood-pressure and weight check
Medical-history review
Blood testing when scheduled
Fetal-heart assessment
Abdominal measurement
Ultrasound when medically planned
Questions and warning-sign review
Breast imaging
How to prepare for a CareNet mammogram
CareNet states that digital mammography is available near its Schenectady and Clifton Park offices. Digital images can be adjusted and reviewed on a computer, and computer-aided detection may assist the radiologist in identifying areas requiring closer review.
Report breast symptoms before scheduling
A new lump, nipple discharge, skin change or focal pain may require diagnostic rather than routine screening instructions.
Discuss pregnancy possibility
Tell the ordering clinician and imaging staff if you are or may be pregnant.
Bring prior images when requested
Comparison with earlier mammograms can help the radiologist understand whether a finding is new or stable.
Avoid deodorant, powder or lotion
On the day of the examination, do not apply these products under the arms or on the breasts unless the imaging site gives different instructions.
Wear easy-to-remove clothing
You will generally remove clothing and jewelry from the waist up and wear an examination gown.
Expect brief breast compression
Compression spreads the tissue, reduces motion and helps produce a clearer image with a lower radiation dose.
Comfort tip: If your breasts are usually tender before a menstrual period, the practice suggests that scheduling about a week after the period may be more comfortable. Tell the technologist immediately if compression becomes significantly painful.
Treatment options
Gynecologic procedures offered by CareNet Medical Group
Procedures listed by the practice and questions to ask
| Procedure |
General purpose |
Questions before consent |
| Colposcopy |
Closer examination of the cervix after certain abnormal screening results. |
Will a biopsy be taken, and when should results be available? |
| LEEP |
Removal of abnormal cervical tissue using a thin electrified loop. |
What restrictions, bleeding and follow-up testing should be expected? |
| Dilation and curettage |
Removal or sampling of tissue from inside the uterus for selected conditions. |
Why is it recommended, what anesthesia is used and when is pathology reviewed? |
| Endometrial ablation |
Treatment intended to reduce certain types of heavy uterine bleeding. |
Is future pregnancy safe or recommended, and what alternatives exist? |
| Myomectomy |
Removal of uterine fibroids while leaving the uterus in place. |
Which surgical approach is planned and how may it affect pregnancy? |
| Hysterectomy |
Removal of the uterus for selected conditions when other options are unsuitable. |
Which organs will be removed, what alternatives remain and what is the recovery plan? |
Useful decision rule: Ask what problem the procedure is expected to solve, what happens without treatment, which nonsurgical choices remain, whether fertility is affected and what result would require additional treatment.
FollowMyHealth setup
How to activate the CareNet Medical Group patient portal
Call the office
Give the representative the email address you want connected to your medical account.
Find the invitation email
The official instructions say the invitation comes from noreply@followmyhealth.com.
Open “Click here to begin”
Use the invitation link rather than searching for an unrelated portal page.
Choose existing or new user
Select the existing-user option when you already use FollowMyHealth with another practice. Otherwise, create a new account and connection.
Enter the invite code
CareNet states that the invite code is the year you were born.
Review and accept access
Read the terms, grant access and complete the health-record connection.
Portal tasks available to established patients
ID
Update information
Manage personal and insurance details.
M
Secure messages
Send non-emergency messages to clinical staff.
A
Appointments
Review or manage available appointment functions.
L
Lab results
Review results that have been released to the account.
Rx
Refill requests
Request routine prescription renewal.
H
Health information
Review available visits, medications, allergies and educational information.
The portal should not replace important communication. The practice specifically encourages patients to call when necessary. Use a phone call for symptoms that require timely review.
Portal troubleshooting
What to do when FollowMyHealth does not work
No invitation arrived
Check spam and junk folders for noreply@followmyhealth.com, then ask the office to confirm the email address in your account.
You already use FollowMyHealth
Choose the option to sign in and add the CareNet connection rather than creating an unnecessary second account.
The invite code fails
Enter the four-digit year of birth and confirm that the office entered your date of birth correctly.
A result is missing
The test may still be pending, awaiting clinical review or not released through the portal. Contact the ordering office when the expected timeframe has passed.
A refill is urgent
Do not wait for a portal response when medication may run out. Call the office and give the drug name, dose, pharmacy and last dose available.
Your symptom is worsening
Call the office or seek urgent medical care. Do not assume that sending a portal message creates immediate clinical review.
Coverage verification
Insurance accepted by CareNet Medical Group
The official insurance page says the practice participates with many major commercial, government and managed-care plans. A company may offer several networks, so the exact plan must still be verified.
Plans listed by CareNet Medical Group
| Status |
Insurer or program |
Patient action |
| Listed in network |
Aetna |
Verify product, provider and office. |
| Listed in network |
Blue Cross Blue Shield, Empire Blue Cross, Empire Plan, Excellus and Highmark plans |
Give the office the full network name from the card. |
| Listed in network |
CDPHP and MVP Health |
Confirm referral and authorization rules. |
| Listed in network |
Humana, Medicare and New York State Medicaid |
Verify provider participation for the exact product. |
| Listed in network |
Tricare and UnitedHealthcare |
Ask whether a referral or prior authorization is needed. |
| Listed in network |
United Health Dual Plan |
Verify both Medicare and Medicaid coordination. |
| Listed out of network |
Emblem Health |
Ask the insurer about out-of-network benefits before scheduling. |
| Listed out of network |
Fidelis |
Ask the insurer whether any exception or alternative provider applies. |
Insurance verification script
“My insurance is [full product and network]. I want to see [provider] at the [Schenectady or Clifton Park] office for [visit, test or procedure]. Is that provider and location in network? Do I need a referral or authorization, and what copay, deductible or coinsurance may apply?”
Insurance participation is not a price guarantee. Screening, problem-focused evaluation, imaging, laboratory work and procedures can be processed differently. Verify both medical necessity and benefit category.
Maternity financial planning
How CareNet pregnancy billing is divided
The practice’s pregnancy information explains that routine obstetrical care may be grouped into an obstetrical fee, while imaging, special testing, hospital services and outside laboratory work may create separate charges.
Routine obstetrical services
May include routine prenatal appointments, delivery-related professional care, hospital visits after delivery and scheduled postpartum visits.
Separately billed CareNet services
Ultrasounds, non-stress tests, problem visits and certain hospital encounters may be billed separately.
Other-company charges
Hospital facilities, anesthesia, pediatric care and outside laboratory services may send their own bills.
Pregnancy insurance checklist
Notify the insurer of the pregnancy
Confirm the delivery hospital is in network
Check professional and facility deductibles
Ask how ultrasounds and testing are covered
Pre-register the expected newborn when instructed
Add the baby to insurance promptly after birth
Ask about anesthesia and pediatric-provider networks
Save authorization numbers and cost estimates
Newborn billing detail: CareNet instructs patients to add the baby to a parent or guardian’s policy after birth. Services provided directly to the newborn are billed under the baby’s identification rather than the pregnant patient’s account.
Disability and leave forms: The practice directs pregnancy-related New York disability, FMLA and Paid Family Leave questions to its billing-office process. Obtain the employer’s form, complete and sign the employee section, and follow the office’s timing instructions before submission.
Pregnancy cost call script
“I am pregnant with an estimated due date of [date]. Please explain which CareNet professional services are included in the obstetrical fee, which ultrasounds or problem visits are separate, which delivery hospital is used, and which hospital, anesthesia, pediatric or laboratory bills I should verify independently.”
Medical records
How to request CareNet Medical Group records
Open the practice forms page
Select the Medical Records Release form rather than submitting a general appointment request.
Identify the patient
Enter the legal name, date of birth, current contact information and any other identifier requested on the form.
Describe the records needed
Use a specific date range and name the records, such as visit notes, Pap results, pathology, ultrasound, mammography or prenatal records.
Name the recipient
Provide the clinician, hospital, insurer, attorney or patient address receiving the information.
Review authorization language
Understand what information may be released, the purpose, expiration and revocation terms.
Sign and submit correctly
Follow the delivery instructions printed on the current form. Keep a copy and record the submission date.
Faster request tip: “All records” can produce a larger, slower and potentially more expensive request than needed. Ask the receiving clinician which exact reports are required before ordering the complete chart.
Common patient problems
What to do when your care process stalls
No appointment confirmation arrived
Call 518-381-1121 and verify that the online request was received. An appointment request is not necessarily a confirmed booking.
Your insurer says the office is out of network
Compare the exact product, provider and office. Do not rely on the general company name.
A laboratory bill came from another company
Compare the test date, ordering provider and laboratory name with the explanation of benefits. Outside laboratory work may be billed separately.
A hospital bill is separate from CareNet
Delivery and pregnancy care can generate professional, facility, anesthesia, pediatric and laboratory bills from different entities.
A test result is missing from the portal
Ask whether the test is complete, reviewed and released. Request a copy when the result must be sent elsewhere.
Your symptoms changed after scheduling
Call again and describe the change. The original appointment type may no longer be appropriate.
Office maps
CareNet Medical Group directions
Schenectady office
2123 River Road
Schenectady, NY 12309
518-381-1121
Clifton Park office
2 Chelsea Place
Clifton Park, NY 12065
518-381-1121
Before leaving home: Check the appointment message for the correct office, provider and arrival time. Imaging or procedural instructions may require earlier arrival than a routine examination.
Patient questions answered
CareNet Medical Group frequently asked questions
What kind of medical practice is CareNet Medical Group?
It is an obstetrics and gynecology practice serving patients in New York’s Capital Region.
Where are the two CareNet offices?
The Schenectady office is at 2123 River Road. The Clifton Park office is at 2 Chelsea Place.
What number should I call?
The published number for both offices is 518-381-1121.
How do I request an appointment?
Call the practice or use its online request form for a routine visit. Call directly when symptoms may require faster clinical review.
What services does CareNet provide?
Services include routine gynecology, cervical and breast screening, contraception counseling, pregnancy care, fetal ultrasound, mammography and selected gynecologic procedures.
How do I join the patient portal?
Call the office with your email address. Follow the invitation from noreply@followmyhealth.com and enter your birth year as the invite code when instructed.
What can I do through FollowMyHealth?
You can manage contact and insurance information, send secure non-emergency messages, review available lab results, manage appointments and request refills.
Does CareNet accept Medicaid and Medicare?
The official insurance list includes Medicare and New York State Medicaid, but exact provider and product participation should be confirmed before care.
Are Fidelis and Emblem Health accepted?
The practice currently lists Fidelis and Emblem Health as out-of-network plans.
Does CareNet provide prenatal care?
Yes. The practice provides pre-pregnancy, prenatal, fetal-monitoring, delivery-related and postpartum care.
How often are prenatal visits scheduled?
The practice describes a typical pattern of monthly visits through 28 weeks, twice-monthly visits from 28 to 36 weeks and weekly visits after 36 weeks. Individual schedules vary.
Does CareNet offer digital mammography?
Yes. The practice states that digital mammography is available near both office locations. Confirm the exact imaging site and insurance requirements.
How should I prepare for a mammogram?
Do not use deodorant, lotion or powder on the breasts or underarms on the examination day. Report symptoms and any chance of pregnancy before imaging.
How do I request medical records?
Download the Medical Records Release form from the official forms page, complete the requested information and submit it according to the current form instructions.
Final live actions
Official CareNet Medical Group patient tools
The important instructions are explained above. Use the official website when you are ready to complete the live appointment request, portal setup, provider check or form download.