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We appreciate the importance of your time and will make every effort to honor your scheduled appointment time. However, we ask for your understanding if uncontrollable delays occur. If you are unable to keep your appointment, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance.

Obstetrical Care

St. Luke’s Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates understand that the birth of a baby is one of the most meaningful events a family can experience. We offer complete prenatal care, delivery and post partum care, including ultrasounds, nonstress tests, prenatal bloodwork and biophysical profiles.

In the first weeks of your pregnancy, you will be scheduled for a visit with our OB nurse who will take a complete medical history; provide you with information on obstetrical anesthesia, natural childbirth, labor, delivery and breastfeeding; discuss physical and emotional changes you can expect and explain to you the schedule of office visits you will have during your pregnancy. She will also help you complete the necessary paperwork for our office and the hospital.

Once you have met with the OB nurse, you will be scheduled for your first pre-natal appointment with one of our obstetricians. You will then have regular appointments with the physicians for the entire length of your pregnancy. An ultrasound is usually scheduled around week 20 of your pregnancy in order to view fetal development. In the final weeks of your pregnancy you will see the physician on a weekly basis up until delivery.

St. Luke’s Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates encourage you to take advantage of the videotapes and reading materials that are available to you throughout your pregnancy. Please feel free to ask to view them anytime you visit our office.

While we do not practice general medicine, we will handle most medical problems during your pregnancy or make referrals for problems outside our areas of specialty. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have, and we encourage active participation of the baby's father.

Gynecological Care

In order to monitor your health, we recommend an annual comprehensive examination, including a discussion with your physician, pelvic exam and Pap smear, breast exam, blood pressure evaluation, check of weight and height, appropriate laboratory testing and self-breast examination instruction. Our physicians follow the American Cancer Society guidelines for mammograms.

Fees, Payment and Insurance

We participate in most insurance and managed care plans. Please bring your insurance card to your appointment. Insurance companies are billed directly for office procedures. You will be responsible for any copays or co-insurance balances. You will be asked to sign an authorization for payment of services to be made directly to our office.

For obstetrical and surgical patients, our billing office will contact your insurance company for verification of your coverage and precertification requirements.

If we do not participate in your insurance plan, you are responsible for payment at the time of your visit. We accept payments as cash, check, MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card, and a receipt will be provided. Our billing office can be reached by dialing 610-954-6049.

Prescription Refills

When you call the office, our nursing staff will address general questions or concerns, including prescription refills. If a nurse is unavailable when you call, she will return your call within the same day. When calling for prescription refills, please have your pharmacy name and phone number available. Please allow 48 hours for prescription refills to be called in by our office.

Emergencies

A physician is available to assist you in an emergency 24-hours-a-day. If you have an emergency or health concern that arises during the day, please contact our office immediately. Please provide your name and a description of the emergency. If an emergency arises at night or during the weekend, please call our office number and the physician on-call will be contacted. You can reach our office by calling 610-691-3603.

Note: If you believe any delay in medical attention could result in a life-threatening situation, please go immediately to the nearest emergency room for treatment and notify our office as soon as you are able.

About our Doctors

	Jennifer Episcopio, MD Graduated Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA with degrees in theology and pre-medical studies Awarded medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine Completed obstetrics and gynecology residency program at St. Luke's Hospital - Bethlehem Campus More about Dr. Episcopio
	Christopher B. Gilbert, MD, FACOG Received medical degree from The University of Medicine and Dentistry - New Jersey Medical School in North Brunswick, NJ Completed the obstetrics and gynecology residency program at St. Luke's Hospital - Bethlehem Campus Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology More about Dr. Gilbert
	Bruce Kaufmann, MD, FACOG Awarded medical degree by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA Completed internship and residency training at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, PA Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology More about Dr. Kaufmann
	Ronald M. Kriner, DO, FACOG Received medical degree from the Philadephia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, PA Completed the obstetrics and gynecology residency program at St. Luke's Hospital - Bethlehem Campus Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology More about Dr. Kriner
	Robert J. Sallash Jr., MD, FACOG Received medical degree from Temple Medical School in Philadelphia, PA Completed the obstetrics and gynecology residency program at St. Luke's Hospital - Bethlehem Campus Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology More about Dr. Sallash
	Joseph M. Skutches, MD, FACOG Earned medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA Completed the obstetrics and gynecology residency program at Misericordia Hospital in Philadelphia, PA Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology More about Dr. Skutches
	Karen Taverna-Miller, MD, FACOG Received medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA Completed the obstetrics and gynecology residency program at St. Luke’s Hospital – Bethlehem Campus Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology Special interest in advanced laparoscopic surgery More about Dr. Taverna-Miller
	Sherwood Samet, MD, FACOG *East Stroudsburg office only* Awarded medical degree by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA Completed residency training at Harrisburg General Hospital in Harrisburg, PA Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology More about Dr. Samet
	Adriaan van Gaalen, MD, FACOG Received medical degree from Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands Completed the obstetrics and gynecology residency program at St. Luke’s Hospital – Bethlehem Campus Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology More about Dr. van Gaalen

Meet Your Physicians' Assistants and Nurse Practitioners

	Kathryn McAllister, RNC, MS, CRNP Graduate of University of Rochester, Master of Science, Nurse Practitioner in Women's Health Care Nursing Program Member of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Board certified by NCC as a Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner
	Amy Scott, RNC, MSN, CRNP Graduate of University of Pennsylvania Masters of Science in Nursing program International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Member of American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and National College of Nurse Practitioners Board certified by NCC as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
	Brucinda Kress, PA-C Awarded BS in Physician Assistant studies from King's College, Wilkes-Barre, PA Board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants Special interest in adolescent gynecology
	Wendy Lukens, PA-C Graduate of King's College Physician Assistant Program Board certified by National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

Directions

Bethlehem Office: From Route 22

Take 378 South across the Hill to Hill Bridge to West Third Street. Turn right on to West Third Street. West Third Street becomes Delaware Avenue. Follow Delaware Avenue to the first traffic light. Turn right on to St. Luke’s Place. At the bottom of the hill, turn right on to Ostrum Street. Our office is located in the Doctors’ Pavilion at 701 Ostrum Street on left.

Wind Gap Office (St. Luke's Professional Building ): From Route 33

Take the Route 512N/Wind Gap exit. Turn right at the end of the exit ramp. St. Luke’s Professional Building is located immediately on the right. To enter the parking lot, take the first right onto Sullivan Trail.

East Stroudsburg Office

From the Bethlehem/Allentown Area

Take 22 East to PA-33N. Continue on US-209 N towards I-80 East/Stroudsburg. Merge onto I-80 E/US-209 N. Merge onto the Seven Bridge Rd./US-209 N via Exit 309 toward PA-447 N/Marshalls Creek. Turn Left onto Independence Rd./PA-447.

From the Easton/Phillipsburg Area

Take 22 West to PA-33N. Continue on US-209 N towards I-80 East/Stroudsburg. Merge onto I-80 E/US-209 N. Merge onto Seven Bridge Rd./US-209 N via Exit 309 toward PA-447 N/Marshalls Creek. Turn Left onto Independence Rd./PA-447.

From Brodheadsville/Saylorsburg/Wind Gap Area

Take PA-33N. Continue on US-209 N towards I-80 East/Stroudsburg. Merge onto I-80 E/US-209 N. Merge onto Seven Bridge Rd./US-209 N via Exit 309 toward PA-447 N/Marshalls Creek. Turn Left onto Independence Rd./PA-447.