Susan M. Shuck, MD, FACOG in Chattanooga: OB/GYN Care Through Pregnancy and Beyond

Susan M. Shuck is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist in Chattanooga who provides full-scope women's health care, including prenatal and delivery care, gynecological surgery, and routine preventive gynecology for adult women. She operates within Chattanooga's medical landscape as an independent practitioner serving patients who need continuity of care from a single provider across multiple reproductive life stages.

What This Practice Handles

Shuck's scope spans obstetrics, gynecology, and preventive women's health. For pregnancy care, she manages prenatal visits, delivery, and postpartum follow-up. In gynecology, she performs in-office procedures such as IUD placement and biopsies, handles routine pap smears and breast exams, and performs surgical procedures including hysterectomy and treatment for endometriosis or fibroids. The practice also addresses menopausal symptom management and routine preventive care, making it suitable for women across multiple age groups who prefer staying with one provider rather than rotating between OB and general gynecology.

Comparison to Other Chattanooga OB/GYNs

Chattanooga has two primary pathways for obstetric and gynecologic care. Large hospital-affiliated groups such as those within Erlanger Health System or CHI Memorial often employ multiple physicians, which means pregnant patients may see different doctors at prenatal visits and face whoever is on call at delivery. Shuck's practice offers continuity in the form of a single provider relationship, though this can mean longer appointment waits if her schedule fills relative to larger group practices. Patients prioritizing knowing their delivery physician prefer this model; those needing immediate appointments or flexibility across multiple providers typically find larger group practices more accommodating. Shuck's board certification in both obstetrics and gynecology (FACOG credential) places her on par with other board-certified practitioners locally, but the distinction between solo and group practice is operational, not clinical.

Insurance and New-Patient Access

The practice accepts most major insurances, though specifics vary by plan and change periodically. Verify your coverage by calling ahead before scheduling. New-patient appointments for routine gynecology typically book within 2 to 4 weeks; obstetric intake (around 8 to 12 weeks of pregnancy) may have shorter lead times during slower seasons but can extend during busy months. Walk-in care is not available; all appointments are scheduled. If you are pregnant and seeking an OB provider in the second or third trimester, call as soon as you decide to switch, since space for late-pregnancy transfers depends on Shuck's current patient load.

What a First Visit Involves

For routine gynecology, the first appointment includes a full history, breast exam, pelvic exam, and pap smear (if due). Bring insurance information and a list of current medications. The visit typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. If you are coming as a pregnant patient, bring records from any prior ultrasounds or lab work and be prepared to discuss full obstetric history, previous pregnancies, and any complications. Shuck will schedule follow-up visits at standard intervals (every 4 weeks until 28 weeks, then every 2 weeks, then weekly at term). Delivery happens at a hospital setting (confirm which facility at your first prenatal visit).

Hours and Logistics

Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with no weekend or extended evening availability. Lunch hours may affect scheduling, so call ahead. The practice is located in Chattanooga; parking is available on-site. Routine appointments typically require 15 to 20 minutes of parking time for routine visits, longer for first appointments. Emergency obstetric care (labor, severe pain, heavy bleeding) routes through the hospital system after hours.

Who This Practice Suits and Who It Does Not

Shuck's practice works best for women who value a consistent provider relationship, do not need same-day or walk-in capability, have insurance accepted by the practice, and are willing to wait the typical lead time for routine appointments. It suits patients across their reproductive years: young women seeking routine gynecology, women planning or pregnant, those managing gynecologic conditions surgically, and midlife women addressing menopausal symptoms. It does not suit patients who require immediate same-day care, prefer care from a large group with multiple provider options, or need frequent evening or weekend availability. Patients without insurance or with non-accepted plans will need to verify payment arrangements before scheduling.

Shuck's solo practice structure in Chattanooga fills a niche for patients seeking undivided provider attention and continuity through pregnancy and gynecologic care within a smaller, focused setting.