General Questions and Answers


What does it mean when the doctor is board-eligible or board-certified?

The American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology certifies graduates of approved ob/gyn residency training programs as board eligible. This means an individual has received a medical degree and has completed four years of advanced, intensive training in all aspects of the specialty. In order to be board certified (otherwise known as a diplomate,) a physician must have successfully passed a comprehensive written exam usually done at the completion of the final year of residency. After two years in practice the doctor must then complete an oral exam before a national examining board. It is only after successfully passing both tests that a physician can be considered board certified as a specialist. An obstetrician-gynecologist requires recertification every ten years.


What does F.A.C.O.G. stand for?

F.A.C.O.G. stands for "Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology". Once a physician has acheived diplomate (board certified) status he/she may apply for membership in the national society dedicated to advancing women's healthcare. The College establishes national guidelines concerning women's health in the United States.


How long will it take for Dr. Eder to call me back if I call during office hours?
Patients are encouraged to call the office with questions concerning their health. However, it would be unfair to other patients if the doctor were to leave the examination room to answer every phone call. (Telephone calls are a common reason of physicians running behind schedule!) We therefore request that you use discretion in your phone calls. Please furnish the receptionist will all of the necessary information concerning the reasons for your call. If she needs to discuss the matter with the doctor, she will return your call as soon as possible. Unless it is an emergency, the doctor will return your call after office hours.

How can I get my prescription refilled?
Prescription refill requests should be made during office hours, so that your chart may be reviewed. Please check with your pharmacist first as he/she may already have permission to refill a prescription. For the sake of safety, we do not make telephone diagnoses nor prescribe medications by telephone for disorders not undergoing current therapy.

How can I obtain a copy of my medical records?
In accordance with New Jersey statutes, original medical records may not be released. Requests for copies must be made in writing and are subject to a nominal administrative fee as defined by the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners.


What are your policies regarding office visits and appointments?
Office hours vary and evening hours are available for your convenience. Office visits are by appointment only and we make every effort to honor all time commitments. If it is necessary for you to change or cancel an appointment, we request at least 24 hours notice. This is especially important for patients who are scheduled for surgery or special procedures.

How do your fees work?
Every effort has been made to provide comprehensive obstetrical and gynecological services at rates which are at or below the present prevailing rates for our community. Our fee schedule is available upon request. Payment for medical services are generally requested at the time the services are rendered. (For your convenience, our offices accept credit card and debit card payments.) If this policy places an undue hardship on you, please discuss the problem with the office manager prior to your consultation with the doctor. Unless otherwise specified, any lab work will be billed to you directly from the outside laboratory. Estimated lab charges are also available by request.

What kinds of insurance do you accept?
Our practice participates in most managed care programs. As this list constantly changes, please check with our business office for the latest update. Many of these plans require prior authorization from a primary care provider in order for you to be seen. If this is the case, you must bring your referral in order to receive treatment. Certain plans require a co-payment and this must be paid at the time of the visit.

For those programs where a primary care physician is assigned, the managed care program usually requires a patient to contact this person first before calling our office with health-related questions. Only in certain situations (maternity care, post-surgery, or under specific therapy prescribed by us, for example) are we permitted to intervene without prior authorization.


Managed care plans may have restrictions with respect to hospitals, referral physicians, as well as the type and extent of treatment. Changes in hospitals, participating physicians, labs, and ancillary service providers occur continuously. While we make every effort to keep abreast of these modifications and relay them to you, it is ultimately the patient's responsibility to make certain her program approves of the choice of hospital, physician, or laboratory where she has been referred. We recommend careful review of your plan's benefits and suggest contacting your program's patient relations representative for explanations.


Here is a list of the many plans we participate with:

  •       Aetna       
  •       Amerihealth     
  •       Anthem     
  •       Beech St.     
  •       Blue Cross and Blue Shield   
  •       Cigna     
  •       First Health   
  •       GreatWest    
  •       Healthnet  
  •       Independence Blue Cross     
  •       Keystone Healthplan East  
  •       Klais and Company     
  •       Magnacare     
  •       Medicaid w/ NJ Horizon Health   
  •       Medicaid w/ University Health Plan  
  •       Medicare    
  •       Multiplan     
  •       Oxford   
  •       PHCS  
  •       Qualcare     
  •       Tricare  
  •       Unicare 
  •       United Healthcare