My Doctor Online The Permanente Medical Group
Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Rebecca Margulies, MD
Urogynecology
Welcome to My Doctor Online, a web site that my colleagues and I developed to make it easier for you to take care of your healthcare needs. On this site you will find answers to many of your questions about my clinical practice. Also included are several online features that will allow you to e-mail me, check your laboratory results and refill prescriptions. I hope you find its content informative and useful.
Quick Links
- Dr. Margulies' Recommended Pelvic Health Web Resources
- Curriculum Vitae
- Take the Floor
- National Association for Continence
General References
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Office Visit
Getting Here
Below are the steps to take as you prepare for your appointment:
- My office address, maps, and transportation instructions are included in “Offices and Directions.”
- Please arrive 20 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.
- Please bring your Kaiser Permanente medical card and a photo ID, like your driver’s license, with you.
Before Your Visit
We also need information about your current medications, so that we can give you the best care:
- It is important for us to know which medicines, and how much of each, you are taking. If you are taking any vitamins or medications not prescribed by a Kaiser Permanente provider, please bring a list of the medications, as well as the dose and when you take them.
- Our electronic medical record tells us what has been prescribed, but only you can confirm what you take. This includes prescription medications as well as over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin, vitamins, or herbs or supplements.
Think about the questions and issues you would like to discuss. It is a good idea to write them down and bring them to our visit.
Complete a Urogynecology questionnaire
Before your initial visit, you will be asked to complete a urogynecology questionnaire. The doctor who referred you to us may have given this to you, or we may send it to you in advance.
The questionnaire includes a 2-day bladder diary. To complete this diary, you will need to measure your urine and water intake and write down each time you void and each time you drink for two 24-hour periods. You can perform the measurements for the bladder diary using a standard measuring cup or you can pick up a “toilet hat” from our office. Please complete the bladder diary before the day of your visit.
During Your Visit
Before you see me, you will meet with my medical assistant (MA). She will also assist me during your exam.
- My MA will call you in from the waiting room, take your vital signs, record your weight, and bring you to the exam room.
- You will be asked whether you smoke. If you do smoke and are ready to try to quit, we can give you information about the many services we provide to help you quit.
- You will receive a Preventive Health Prompt. Your Preventive Health Prompt lists all of the preventive tests, screenings, and immunizations you have had in the past as well as when you will be due for your next test or screening. We can discuss and schedule any preventive tests that you need.
I will review your health history, and your exam will include the following:
- During your visit, we will review your symptoms and history in the Urogynecology questionnaire and bladder diary. Then you will have a pelvic exam including taking measurements of your vagina and bladder. If you are due for a Pap test, we can do one during your visit.
- After that, we will talk about the findings and the treatment options for you to consider.
- Occasionally, because this is a teaching institution, a resident may talk to you about your symptoms and be involved in your care. This option is completely up to you to accept or decline.
Please ask questions. It is always good to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have about instructions, medical tests, medications, or treatments. If you don't understand my answers, please ask for more information.
After Your Visit
My MA can give you a copy of your After Visit Summary, or you can access it online.
- This summary includes my name and the date and time of our visit, your vital signs, my test orders, and your medications or immunizations. It may include instructions I’ve given you during our visit.
You can view your After Visit Summary online.
Test results
- If you had lab work or other tests done, we’ll contact you with your results by letter, e-mail, or phone.
- You may view most of your results online. Since the results are often available online before I contact you, my comments and recommendations usually follow separately.
Follow-up questions/activities
- You can contact me by secure e-mail for nonurgent questions. It’s direct communication with me, and I am usually able to respond to questions in 24 to 48 hours.
- You can call my office during work hours at (415) 833-4597. My nurse will answer the phone, or if she is taking care of another patient, you can leave a message and she will call you back shortly.
- From my home page, you can also refill your prescriptions, book future appointments, view your test results, and review information about past visits.
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