Compassionate OBGYN in Falmouth, ME

Direct Care is an innovative, common-sense model that takes the practice of medicine back to its roots, the doctor-patient relationship! Direct care can be served in both the primary care and specialty care areas of medicine. Direct care does not require health insurance and only accepts cash payments for visits or services rendered. This translates into more choices in your doctor’s appointment times, extended visits, and improved contact with your provider. 

The Direct Care Specialty model is an innovative way to provide quality patient care to the area of gynecology. As the sole physician of Higher Ground Women’s Health, I choose to have a small panel of membership patients so that each individual can get personalized care for an ongoing relationship for a variety of reasons and we can dive deep into sensitive issues. If you have a short term need such as a  procedure from an outside practice, or want a one time consult, that is ok too! I will be providing fee for service options for these needs. I have got you covered!  

If you’re visiting a doctor in the traditional setting, chances are that their office spends a significant amount of time, staff, and money, on insurance billing and overhead. To make ends meet they work harder and longer each day, with shorter appointment times, in order to see more patients, as quickly as possible. Many times patients must come back multiple times, perhaps seeing different providers, having to retell your story, pay extra for additional issues “that are not covered for a routine visit”,  or even worse the patients  do not bring up issues that they would like to talk about because it feels rushed or strained. Doctors on the other hand are burning out ,or dropping out of medicine at all time highs, independent of the Covid pandemic. The system is broken! We want all this hassle gone for patients and OURSELVES by reinvesting in BOTH, using funds instead into Electronic Medical Records where everything will be tracked digitally, saving time consuming paperwork, while also giving doctors access at any given moment, from any location. We can provide longer appointments, free from interruption because there won’t needlessly include multiple trips back between the front desk looking for this or that,  and I PROMISE that I will not be typing at the computer trying to check off “all of my boxes required”  when you are telling me your story. A serious pet peeve of mine. We may even share a cup of tea in my office – consult room, wouldn’t that be lovely! 

Luckily Maine has many direct primary care doctors and I highly encourage you to sign up with one for an excellent primary care experience. Prevention is key! Please press link below

 We believe in traditional insurance when you need it – for serious illness, or expensive unanticipated events or procedures, catastrophic coverage is encouraged.

In short, we don’t accept insurance because we believe medical care should be accessible and straightforward. The direct care model offers predictable costs at a manageable price. Without the red-tape of insurance, we can focus on what we do best: taking care of you.

No, you don’t have to get a membership. While we believe a membership with Higher Ground Women’s Health provides the most value, it is not required. Patients have the opportunity to pay the individual costs associated with each visit instead.

You can visit our Pricing & Services page for more information.

At Higher Ground Women’s Medical, we don’t offer 15 minute check-ins. We don’t believe in them. We think it’s important to have time to get to know you, your medical history, and your needs. Our team will always schedule ample time for you to share your experiences, ask questions, or anything else that might arise.

The name “Higher Ground” marks a significant day in Dr. Lisa’s life and career. As she shares: In the summer of 2013 or maybe 2014, I quit my full time job at a hospital that I had loved, and whose practice and patients loved me. It was just a knowing that my time there had come to a close. It was now time for me to switch from autopilot to “Lisa, what do YOU want to do? Where are you supposed to be? What is your path?”

Asking these questions was incredible. Powerful, but scary.

That day, I was on my way home from a per diem gig at the hospital as the overwhelm — and doubt — seeped into my brain. It was a sunny day in Maine. I was driving, sunroof open, along the river, and UB40’s “Higher Ground” comes on — blaring — through my radio.

Of course, there was construction. There is always construction. But this time, there was also a man with a stop sign looking at me!

As I waited there, the song goes on: “Every hour of every day, I’m learning more, the more I learn the less I know about before, the less I know , the more I want to look around, digging deep for clues on higher ground.”

The stop sign man breaks out in a huge smile and we are both dancing. He’s using his sign as a microphone, I’m busting a move from my car seat, and we are singing together. And as I’m laughing, sun streaming, I have this feeling in my heart. I knew I was on the right path.

I knew it would be ok. And I knew I should keep going.

This moment is etched in my heart. I am grateful for it, and the ability to listen. This was the creation of Higher Ground Women’s Health, and a reflection of what I want for every person walking through the door. This is about wanting more, reaching for safety, and a higher vantage point.

Direct Primary Care (DPC) may seem like something new and different; however, this is a movement of physicians that has been in the making for over 15 years. These doctors want to return to an era where they can spend more one-on-one time with their patients without being passed from provider waitlist after waiting weeks on end at an ER or urgent care facility–a frustrating experience which could have easily been prevented by switching now! Transitioning today will allow you direct access as well improved quality health care not available elsewhere such as increased flexibility around when appointments might work best based upon individual needs while still offering broader doctor networks if needed down the line later

If you’re ready to book a discovery call or have a few more questions, feel free to reach out.

We recommend seeing an OBGYN at least once a year for well-being and wellness visits. These annual check-ups are crucial for maintaining overall health and allow us to catch any potential issues early.

For those who are pregnant or dealing with specific conditions like infertility, menopause, or hormonal imbalances, more frequent visits may be necessary. Our team at Higher Ground Women’s Health tailors the number of appointments to each individual’s needs, ensuring that every woman receives the comprehensive care she deserves.

Women ought to schedule their inaugural pap smear by the age of 21. This test serves a pivotal role in observing and safeguarding women’s health, most importantly, in the early detection phase of cervical cancer when treatment is most effective.

After the first screening, suggestions regarding the frequency of pap smears will be based on one’s medical history and age. For women between 21 to 29 years, the counsel is to go for this crucial test every three years.

For those aged 30 and above, the advice modifies to every five years, given that testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) is likewise performed. HPV is a crucial factor in determining the risk of cervical cancer.

Our aim is to provide individualized care plans adjusted to resonate with each person’s specific needs, promising sweeping assistance through all life stages—from fertility procedures to managing menopause.

We advise that young women begin to visit an OBGYN during their teenage years, specifically around ages 13 to 15. This initial consultation is an excellent chance for you to establish rapport with your healthcare provider, discussing menstrual cycles, contraception, and any other reproductive health questions you might have.

Maintaining these consultations on a yearly basis or as suggested based on individual health requirements is vital as you advance through various life stages such as pregnancy, postpartum care, menopause, and more.

Dr. Lisa Parsons guides our team to provide all-encompassing care in sync with each stage of a woman’s life, from fertility concerns to sexual health provisions. We ensure each client feels listened to and supported during all their health shifts.

As we progress, we’ll discuss the ideal frequency of your OBGYN visits for the best health management.

As soon as you find out you’re expecting, making an appointment with your OBGYN should top your list of priorities. The best time for this initial visit is early in the pregnancy, typically between 6 to 8 weeks.

This first check-up is crucial as it helps confirm the pregnancy, estimate the due date, and gives you a chance to raise any questions or concerns you may have. It’s also the perfect time for receiving advice on how to look after your health during this important period.

After the first appointment, continuous follow-ups are essential throughout your pregnancy. These regular visits are key in keeping track of both your well-being and your baby’s development. Each appointment will be scheduled according to specific milestones in your pregnancy journey, ensuring that you get comprehensive care designed just for you.