Brown Howard MD in Chattanooga: Obstetrics and Gynecology on the North Shore
Brown Howard MD operates a solo obstetrics and gynecology practice serving women across East Tennessee from a North Shore office location, offering prenatal care, delivery, gynecological services, and management of high-risk pregnancies within a one-physician model that contrasts sharply with larger group-based OB departments elsewhere in the region.
What this practice actually is
Brown Howard MD is a independent, privately-run obstetrics and gynecology practice, not part of a health system's employed physician network. This structure means a single physician manages continuity of care, sees patients throughout pregnancy and delivery, and coordinates hospital care directly rather than rotating through a call pool. For patients accustomed to multispecialty group practices, this represents a smaller, more concentrated practice model. The physician maintains hospital privileges at local facilities for delivery and surgical procedures.
Services and what to expect
The practice covers the full range of OB-GYN care: routine gynecological exams and contraceptive counseling, prenatal care from initial confirmation through labor delivery, obstetric ultrasound, colposcopy and treatment of abnormal cervical findings, hysteroscopy and diagnostic laparoscopy, and management of conditions including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and recurrent pregnancy loss. Specific pricing for office visits, ultrasounds, and procedures should be confirmed directly with the practice, as fees vary by insurance plan, deductible status, and whether procedures are performed in-office versus at a hospital facility. Many patients under commercial insurance plans and Medicaid coverage receive prenatal visits with modest copayments, though uninsured rates differ substantially. Verify current pricing before scheduling.
How it compares to other Chattanooga OB-GYN options
Chattanooga's obstetric care divides between independent practitioners like Brown Howard MD and large group and hospital-affiliated practices. Erlanger Health System operates a maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics department with multiple physicians, nurse midwives, and rotating on-call coverage; this suits patients who prefer team-based care, want exposure to different providers, or have medical complexity requiring subspecialist input. Parkridge Medical Center similarly offers group obstetric care with hospital-employed physicians. Groups typically provide backup coverage if your physician is unavailable, though you may see different providers at prenatal visits and delivery. Brown Howard MD's single-physician model reverses this trade-off: one clinician continuity throughout pregnancy and delivery, but the physician's schedule and availability are less redundant. Choose Brown Howard MD if continuity of care and a stable physician relationship matter most. Choose a hospital system or group if you prefer backup coverage, want exposure to multiple providers, or have prenatal complications likely to need subspecialist consultation (such as advanced maternal age, prior preeclampsia, or fetal anomaly).
Who this practice suits and who should look elsewhere
This practice suits low-risk pregnant patients seeking consistent physician care, women prioritizing continuity over group resources, and established gynecology patients who value a direct relationship with one provider. Patients with complex medical histories, multiple prior cesareans, or conditions requiring maternal-fetal medicine consultation (preeclampsia with severe features, gestational diabetes requiring insulin, placental abnormalities) may benefit from the built-in subspecialty access of a hospital system or large group. Patients without established OB-GYN care who want to try multiple providers before deciding on one should consider a group first.
What the first visit involves
An initial prenatal visit confirms pregnancy dating via ultrasound, records detailed obstetric and medical history, performs a physical exam including blood pressure and abdominal/pelvic assessment, and typically involves labwork (blood type, Rh status, complete blood count, screenings for infectious disease). Gynecology first visits cover history, current concern, pelvic exam, and discussion of treatment or management options. Allow one to one-and-a-half hours for a first prenatal visit. Bring insurance cards, photo ID, and a list of current medications. Call ahead to confirm what records or referrals (if applicable) are needed before arrival.
Hours, location, and logistics
The practice is located on the North Shore. Confirm current office hours and parking details directly with the office, as physician schedules shift with hospital coverage and delivery demand. On-call obstetric care means the physician may be unavailable during scheduled office hours for labor and delivery; ask about how the practice handles urgent gynecologic issues outside office hours and what the hospital contact protocol is.
Brown Howard MD's single-physician continuity model fills a specific niche within Chattanooga's obstetric landscape, appealing to patients who value consistency and direct access over the institutional resources of larger systems.
