FAQs
How do I become a new patient at Redwood Women's Center in Fortuna, CA?
Please call our office at (707) 725-6108 to become a new patient. Our team will ask what type of care you need, review scheduling options, and let you know which forms, records, referrals or authorizations are required.
What ages do you see?
Redwood Women's Center provides women's healthcare across many stages of life, serving patients throughout Fortuna and Humboldt County. Please contact us so we can match your age, healthcare needs and requested service with the appropriate provider.
Which provider should I schedule with?
Our team includes an OB-GYN, certified nurse-midwife and nurse practitioner. When you call, tell us the reason for your visit and any provider preference. We will help schedule you with the provider whose training and availability best fit your needs.
What is the difference between an OB-GYN, a certified nurse-midwife and a nurse practitioner?
An OB-GYN is a physician specializing in pregnancy, reproductive health, gynecology and gynecologic surgery. A certified nurse-midwife provides pregnancy, postpartum, preventive and reproductive healthcare. A nurse practitioner provides advanced assessment, diagnosis and treatment within the provider's certification and scope. Our clinicians collaborate and coordinate referrals when another level or type of care is needed.
Are you accepting new patients in Fortuna and Humboldt County?
New-patient availability can vary by provider, service and insurance plan. Please contact our office for the most current information.
I just had a positive pregnancy test. When should I call?
Call us after a positive home or laboratory pregnancy test so we can collect important information, review any immediate concerns and schedule your prenatal care at the appropriate time. Seek urgent care sooner if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, fainting or another concerning symptom.
When will my first prenatal appointment be?
The timing of a first prenatal visit depends on your pregnancy history, symptoms and medical needs. Our scheduling team will give you individualized instructions. Please tell us about pain, bleeding, prior pregnancy complications or other urgent concerns when you call.
Where do your patients deliver?
Prenatal office visits take place at Redwood Women's Center in Fortuna. Delivery location and hospital coverage should be discussed with your provider and confirmed during pregnancy.
Can I bring a support person to my appointment?
We welcome patient support while also protecting privacy, safety and the quality of the visit. Please confirm our current visitor policy when scheduling. Your provider may ask to speak with you privately for part of the appointment.
What should I bring to my first visit?
Bring your photo ID, insurance card, medication list, relevant records and imaging, referral or authorization if required, and a list of questions. Complete requested forms before arrival whenever possible.
Do you accept my insurance?
Insurance participation varies by plan and provider. Contact our office and your health plan before the visit to confirm network status, referral requirements, covered services and estimated patient responsibility.
Do I need a referral?
Some insurance plans and services require a referral or prior authorization. Check with your health plan and contact our office before scheduling so we can help identify what is needed.
How will I receive my test results?
Results are reviewed by the care team and communicated through your patient portal. Some results take longer than others or require an appointment to discuss. Contact us if you have not received expected results within the timeframe provided at your visit.
How will I receive my test results?
Results are reviewed by the care team and communicated through your patient portal. Some results take longer than others or require an appointment to discuss. Contact us if you have not received expected results within the timeframe provided at your visit.
How do I request a prescription refill?
Submit refill requests through your patient portal for review. Some medications require an appointment, monitoring or laboratory testing before renewal. Contact your pharmacy first to confirm whether refills remain.
Can I use the patient portal for urgent symptoms?
No. Portal messages and website forms are for non-urgent communication and may not be reviewed immediately. Call 911 for a medical emergency. For urgent concerns, call our office or follow the after-hours instructions provided by the clinic.
What should I do when the office is closed?
For urgent concerns that cannot wait until the next business day, call (⚠️ after-hours number/process — still to be finalized). Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for a medical emergency. Do not rely on email, website forms or portal messages for urgent care.
How do I get copies of my medical records?
Complete a medical-records authorization form and submit to our office. Please allow the legally permitted processing time. Certain fees may apply when allowed by law.
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Telehealth availability depends on the type of visit, provider, patient location and insurance coverage. Contact our office to learn whether your appointment can be completed by telehealth.
What if I need an interpreter or accessibility accommodation?
Please tell us when scheduling if you need language assistance, mobility support, communication assistance or another accommodation. We will work with you to support access to care.
What is your cancellation or late-arrival policy?
Please give at least 24-hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Patients arriving more than 10-minutes late may need to reschedule so each patient can receive appropriate time and attention.
I've seen Dr. Stokes before. Can I continue my care with him here?
Yes. If you've previously received care from Dr. Stokes, we welcome you to continue that care at Redwood Women's Center. Our office can help coordinate the transfer of your medical records. Just let us know when you call to schedule.
Does Redwood Women's Center offer doula support?
Yes. Redwood Women's Center collaborates with Anastasia Diaz, birth and postpartum doula and founder of Lost Coast Doula. Learn more, or contact Lost Coast Doula directly for current availability and enrollment or scheduling information.
What is the difference between a doula and a medical provider?
A doula provides non-medical education, emotional reassurance, physical comfort measures and continuous support. Medical providers assess health conditions, diagnose concerns, order testing, prescribe treatment and provide clinical care. Doula support complements, but does not replace, medical care.
Will my insurance cover doula services?
Redwood Women's Center bills for the doula services. Coverage depends on the patient's health plan, eligibility and requested services. Patients should verify benefits, authorization requirements and potential financial responsibility before services begin.