Frequently Asked Questions

This page is available to allow anonymous questions concerning health-related or personal issues. Your security and confidentiality are guaranteed since we require no personal information to submit a question. All questions are welcome. To review the answer to your question, please check this page after 2-4 business days and the answer to your question will be posted to the list of FAQ items.

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• I have no health insurance, how much does it cost for a general yearly physical and does the health department have anyone that can do an eye exam?

  It is hard to say how much a general physical will cost; since you are uninsured either the Health Department or community centers can do the general physical under a sliding fee scale. The Health Department cannot do eye exams however; there are programs within the Health Department to help you get an eye exam, if you need one. If you would like further assistance or information, please call our main number 651-7450.

• Do you need a parent with you to get free birth control if you’r under 18?

  NC does not require a parent to accompany a minor to receive birth control however, we do encourage that you discuss this  matter with  a parent.

• What all do I have to have to get Birth control if I’m only 15?

  You will need to schedule an appointment to enroll in our Family Planning Clinic. On your first visit you will receive information about our available birth control methods and our provider will determine whether you need an exam.

• Is there a tuberculosis vaccination?

  Currently there is no vaccination for prevention of tuberculosis. People who have been exposed to someone with active tuberculosis may become infected, and not be actively sick, nor are they contagious. Those individuals are encouraged to take antibiotics to reduce the likelihood that they will develop active tuberculosis later, when circumstances may reduce their immune system’s ability to contain the infection. Those efforts are helping us to see a reduction in the number of cases of active TB in North Carolina. However, TB continues to be extremely contagious and requires public awareness to reduce its spread.

• Yesterday I started having a brown vaginal discharge. It was more than just drops in underwear but not period like either. I felt no pain. Today it was more flowing and fluid like. No pain either. Also, yesterday there was a tissue like clump about 2 cm long. I am sexually active and I use oral contraceptive pills.

  It is normal for a woman to have a vaginal discharge everyday. The amount and consistency can vary and depend on where you are in your menstrual cycle. However if your discharge is different from what you normally experience meaning change in color, consistency, increased amount or has an odor or associated itching you may need to have this evaluated to rule out infection. Also, if you have skipped any birth control pills or had to double up on them, this can also alter your menstrual cycle.

• Mother-in-law is 87 with separated shoulder and broken ribs from fall and now has macular degeneration with almost complete blindness. Why in the world does she not qualify for a nursing home?

  Placement in a nursing home or another facility begins with a conversation with the physician of the person seeking placement. So in this case, having this conversation with your mother-in law’s doctor. Speaking with the physician and letting them know your concerns and talking about options is the best place to start. When selecting a facility, such as a nursing home, assisted living facility, etc, it is always best to tour the facility. It is recommended to do a “drop by visit” and see how the facility operates before scheduling the tour. It is also recommended to view the facility’s last state survey results, click here to search an assisted living facility’s survey results or here to search for a skilled nursing facility’s survey results. The facility will also have the results readily available upon request. If you have any questions with the survey results have the administrator review it with you. For more information regarding assisted living facilities or skilled nursing facilities please click here.

• If you are pregnant without knowing and you continue to take your prescription birth control, will you lose your baby?

  Increased hormone levels from the birth control pill could cause birth defects or loss of pregnancy.  If you have a missed a period, it is a good idea to take a pregnancy test to ensure that you are or are not pregnant.

• Can you go to the Health Dept and get a free confidential STD check?

  It will remain confidential unless the patient tests positive for a STD and doesn’t seek treatment.  At this point, it becomes “hazardous” to their health & they are giving the opportunity to inform parents, if they don’t, the health department will in hopes that they get proper treatment.

• I miscarried in august 3, 2010! I was wondering of the sex of the baby was? I was to the border line of the 2nd trimester.

  Gender of a baby is not determined until 15 -20 weeks, this is done by ultrasound. If you were the beginning of your second trimester, the second trimester begins at week 12 when you miscarried, then an ultrasound to determine the baby’s gender would have not been done yet. There is no way to determine what the gender of your child was.

  If you have more questions, please contact your OB/GYN who provided care for you while you were pregnant.

• Are there any known cases of flu in Wilkes county at this time?

  There has been a case reported in the county. In order for someone to be tested with the flu, they must have a fever greater than or equal to 100 °F with a cough and/or sore throat during flu season. Please see our Cold and Flu Prevention Checklist on the home page.

• If a teen comes into the health department to be checked for STDs does it remain completely confidential from EVERYONE including the teens parents and/or doctor?

  It will remain confidential unless the patient tests positive for a STD and doesn’t seek treatment.  At this point, it becomes “hazardous” to their health & they are giving the opportunity to inform parents, if they don’t, the health department will in hopes that they get proper treatment.

• What is your Maternal Nurse and what does she do?

  We have Pregnancy Care Managers who are either Social Workers or Nurses. The Pregnancy Care Managers work with the patient’s OB doctor to help manage the care of the patient while she is pregnant. Their job is to assist the patient during the pregnancy to meet the patient’s needs and goals. These staff can help with community resources if needed. The ultimate goal is to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy birth delivery.

  The Postpartum/Newborn nurse is a part of the Welcome Baby Program through the Health Department. It is a free service offered to all new mothers and babies. What the Postpartum/Newborn nurse does is schedule a  one  time home visit with the new mother and child. I assess both mother and baby, providing education, and detecting possible problems early. I educate about normal newborn characteristics, feeding issues, and community resources as needed. I am also a Certified NC Lactation Educator, so I can assist mother with breastfeeding and any issues that may be occurring. I also provide a gift bag through Smart Start with educational materials and gifts for the baby.

  For more information on either program please call 651-7450.

• I found out 3 weeks ago that I’m pregnant..I will be 18 in a week, should i wait to go to the crisis center and apply for medicaid when I’m 18 or should I go now?

  You can either go now or wait until you are 18 years old, it does not matter, to sign up for Medicaid. The type of Medicaid that you would receive does not end until you are 19 years old. Medicaid will cover you through your pregnancy. However you must go to the Department of Social Services (DSS) to sign up for Medicaid. DSS will want proof of your pregnancy, so you can get that from the crisis center, and take it with you when you go to apply for Medicaid. For more information, please contact DSS at 651-7400.

• Do you keep the full death certificate of a individual, not just the simple first page document? If so, how do I get a copy; and if not, who would I talk to besides the Register of Deeds that only has one page certified copy?

  The Health Department does not keep the full death certificate of an individual. All death certificates and birth certificates are sent to vital records in Raleigh, click here for the website. If you need a copy please contact the Register of Deeds or Vital Records, from the link provided above. If you need more information please feel free to contact the Register of Deeds at 651-7351 or contact the Health Department at 651-7450.

• Can someone from another county sign a death certificate?

  A death certificate is signed by a the Medical Examiner, a MD, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant from the county in which the person died. So for example, a person who lives in Wilkes County dies in Forsyth County, then the Medical Examiner, a MD, nurse practitioner or physician assistant from Forsyth County would sign their death certificate.

• Can you help someone get surgery done? I have no insurance.

  There may be some assistance with the surgery available through the Access to Care Task Force. Please contact our Access to Care Coordinator, Armando, at 336-651-7386 or by e-mail at alimon@wilkescounty.net.

• Are the condoms you give as good as the name brand condoms like Trojan?

  Yes. The brand of condoms that we provide here at the health department, Lifestyles, are a name brand and as good as any other brand that you can purchase at a pharmacy. Condom manufacturers quality test their product to make sure they meet industry standards before they arrive on the shelf. In addition to the manufactures testing, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration performs routine G.M.P. inspections (Good Manufacturing Practice). To learn more about G.M.P. Inspections, please click here. For more information on a specific condom brand testing, please visit their website.

• How long should I wait to take a pregnancy test? I had intercourse a little over a week ago, is it too soon?

  In order to be tested at the WCHD, a woman’s menstrual period must be at least seven days overdue/late.  Some tests will pick up the pregnancy a few days before a period is due, but it’s always best to wait until a menses is missed.

• When you test someone to see if they are pregnant do you also test them to see if they have an STD’s?

  The Health Department does not perform STD testing at the same time as testing for pregnancy unless the patient is here for an STD exam & the provider feels a pregnancy test is needed.  If they are just scheduled for a pregnancy test, that is all that will be performed at that visit.

• I have had a negative pregnancy test, but my period still hasn’t started. What might be the problem?

  Stress, rapid weight gain or loss, cyst, diet changes or any number of things. I would recommend if continues to have missed periods contact their primary care doctor.

• Is there any help to uninsured women who are due for a mammogram? I lost my job in April and have no health insurance but I am due for my mammogram.

  There are two programs that the health department participates in that could offer assistance if you need a mammogram, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure NC Triad.

  The Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP) is a federal program. North Carolina takes part in so that we can offer breast and cervical cancer screening, education and prevention at extremely low costs. One of our main goals is to allow women who do not qualify under other state and federal programs to be screened for breast and cervical cancers.

  Through the BCCCP Program, women are eligible for reduced/ no cost exams if they are:

  • Age 50-64
  • Not covered by Medicaid or Medicare Part B
  • Have little or no insurance to cover breast and cervical screenings
  • Meet household income guidelines. These guidelines are given below. Income guidelines can change every year so they may not be exactly what are given below.

  Payment is determined by a sliding fee scale according to family size and family income. Other services may cost extra. Be sure to call ahead if you are interested in the program.

  The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure NC Triad is a grant funded program that the health department applies for each year.

  Through the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure NC Triad, women are eligible for mammograms at a reduced/ no cost exams if they are:

  • Age 35-64
  • Not covered by Medicaid or Medicare Part B
  • Have little or no insurance to cover breast screenings
  • Meet household income guidelines.

  For more information on the BCCCP program or the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure NC Triad program please call the health department at 651-7450.

• When can people get tdap vaccine?

  The Wilkes County Health Department is currently sponsoring Free TDAP Clinics at area high schools. The Free Clinics are Tuesday August 28th from 4:00pm-6:00pm at East Wilkes High School and on Thursday August 30th from 4:00pm-6:00pm at Wilkes Central High School.

  If you are unable to attend either of the Free Clinics, the Wilkes County Health Department is also taking “walk-ins” daily for the vaccine.

  You will be eligible to receive this vaccine if you have not received a TDAP vaccine in the past. The age group targeted is 16 and above

  For more information please call the Wilkes County Health Department at 651-7450

• What do I need to do if me and my 9 month old sons father want to add another middle name to his name?

  The Clerk of Superior Court Office states that they do not have the necessary forms on hand to begin a name change. The office did state that someone could perform an internet search to find the forms, however the forms found on-line may not be the correct or proper forms. The office stated that usually when someone wants a name change, the party usually contacts a lawyer to complete the paper work prior to filing it with the Clerk of Superior Court. For more information please contact the Clerk of Superior Court at (336) 651-4400.

• Does the Health Department offer the Abortion Pill?

  The Morning-After Pill or Plan B Pill is often referred to as the abortion pill. The Morning-After Pill or Plan B Pill is not the same as RU-486, which is an abortion pill. It does not cause a miscarriage or abortion. In other words, it does not stop development of a fetus once the fertilized egg implants in your uterus. So it will not work if you are already pregnant when you take it.

  The Health Department does provide the Morning-After Pill or Plan B Pill. Call the Health Department at 651-7450 to make an appointment for emergency contraception. With emergency contraception, you must take the pill within 72 hours (3 days) of failure of your regular form of birth control or after having unprotected sex.

  For more information regarding The Morning-After Pill or Plan B Pill please contact your doctor or you can visit www.plannedparenthood.org.

• Do you see patients for Plan B Pill?

  Yes. Call the Health Department at 651-7450 to make an appointment for emergency contraception. With emergency contraception, you must take the pill within 72 hours (3 days) of failure of your regular form of birth control or after having unprotected sex.

• How do I go about having my sister involuntarily committed? She is suicidal and has mental issues and a danger to herself and her children.

  The process of an involuntary commitment depends on the situation. If the situation poses an immediate threat, a life or death situation to themselves or others then the first step should be to call 911.

  If the threat is not immediate and someone is planning suicide, having thoughts of suicide or some other type of psychotic break, then visiting the magistrate’s office in the county which the person lives is a good place to start. The magistrate’s office will begin the paperwork for the involuntary commitment; if the magistrate feels enough evidence has been presented and involuntary commitment is necessary.

  Once the paperwork has been completed, then the sheriff’s department will serve papers to the person in question, take them into custody, and transport them to the local hospital. At this point the hospital will complete an evaluation to determine if involuntary commitment is needed. If at this point involuntary commitment is needed then the person will be transported to a facility that can provide treatment. However if the evaluation at the hospital does not indicate involuntary needed then the person will be released.

  Throughout the process, at anytime any of the agencies need assistance, they will contact Day Mark Recovery for guidance.

  If you have any further questions please contact one of the following:

  • Wilkes County Sherriff’s Office at 903-7600
  • Wilkes County Magistrates Office at 651-4419
  • Day Mark Recovery at 667-5151
• Will the Health Department accept people with no health insurance?

  We are part of a community care network that does accept patients with no health insurance.  People with no insurance are routed through our social worker, Armando Limon.  He will get the person an appointment with the appropriate provider. If you would like more information please contact Armando at 651-7386.

• Who would I talk to if I believe there is mold in the home I rent? Two of my nieces and myself have had bad breathing problems since we have moved into my new home.

  The information that we provide is from the Department of Health and Human Services. Please click this link http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/oii/mold/ for more information. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our Environmental Health Services office at 336-651-7530.

• What do you do if you have a UTI?

  If you think you might have an UTI, then an appointment needs to be scheduled as soon as possible with your doctor. A UTI could potentially be a dangerous diagnosis, sepsis CAN possibly be developed if left untreated.  If diagnosed with a UTI, then your doctor will take the proper course of treatment, this is usually prescribing an antibiotic.

• How long is a perc test valid in Wilkesboro NC?

  If a septic permit has been issued, the permit is good for 5 years.  One or more of the following could invalidate the permit:

  1. The original site plan has changed (house location, drive, number of bedrooms, etc.)
  2. The site has been disturbed, graded, etc.
  3. Property dimensions have changed
  4. Other factors based on the permit conditions

  They would need to contact us.

  8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday, at 336-651-7530.

• Is there a cost when you come to the health department?

  The Wilkes County Health Department accepts Medicaid, NC Health Choice, private insurance including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna-Tyson Insurance, and offers a sliding fee scale for those who are uninsured.  The sliding fee scale is based on family size and household income. For more information please contact us at 336-651-7450.

• I am 60 years old, and haven’t worked steady in around two years.Is there any kind of help for me getting a check up, etc?

  There are two community centers who can provide primary care to you for a small co-pay of $10 or $20, if you meet the guidelines for their MAP program. Please call West Wilkes 973-7050 or Mountain View 696-2711 to make an appointment. If neither center can help you, please call the Health Department at 651-7386.

• Can you have your period or bleed while you are pregnant?

  Uterine bleeding somewhat suggestive of the menstrual period occurs occasionally after conception. One or two episodes of bloody discharge, somewhat suggestive of  and sometimes interpreted as menstruation, are not uncommon during the first half of a pregnancy.  Almost always such bleeding is short and scant. If at anytime during your pregnancy  you have any questions or concerns to be sure that you contact your OB/GYN.

• What is a good website for accurate sexual health information?

  There are a number of different websites or resources for accurate sexual health information. Click any of the links below.

  • http://www.cdc.gov/sexualhealth/
  • http://www.sexualhealth.com/
  • http://www.webmd.com/sex/default.htm
  • http://www.who.int/topics/sexual_health/en/
  • http://www.nationalsexstudy.indiana.edu/
  • http://www.plannedparenthood.org/
  • http://www.iwannaknow.org/teens/index.html
  • http://www.plannedparenthood.org/info-for-teens/
• I severely injured my shoulder in an accident, and I probably need surgery on it. I have no insurance and very little money. Are there any programs that might be able to help me?

  There may be some assistance with the injury available through the Access to Care Task Force. Please contact our Access to Care Coordinator at 336-651-7386 or by e-mail at alimon@wilkescounty.net.

• Is there a stop smoking clinic in the Wilkesboro area?

  Currently, there is not a clinic in Wilkesboro or near by that can assist in stopping the use of tobacco products (whether it is chewing tobacco, snuff, cigarettes, etc). However, if you or someone you know is thinking about stopping the use of tobacco, here is a free resource – Quitline NC. For a limited time Quitline NC is offering free nicotine replacement therapy such as patches, gum, or lozenges. For more information, please see Quitline NC’s website by clicking here or call toll free 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

• How do users ask a question?

  Anonymous questions can be asked by visiting this form on the WilkesHealth.com website.  Enter the question and the reCaptcha security code (when applicable), and your question will be submitted to our staff for review/response.  Since the question is 100% anonymous, we will not be able to respond via email. You will need to check back on the website to read the response to your question.  We try to respond to all inquiries in 2-4 business days.

• What is the FAQ?

  The FAQ is a section designed to allow WilkesHealth.com visitors to ask questions.