Texas Tech Physicians Responds to Concerns About Women’s Health Care in West Texas

Texas Tech Physicians Responds to Concerns About Women’s Health Care in West Texas

LUBBOCK, Texas — Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Texas Tech Physicians have issued a statement addressing public concerns about obstetric care, acknowledging a regional provider shortage while disputing characterizations of their practice.

“Recent public comments include inaccurate characterizations regarding TTP and our obstetrics practice,” the statement reads. “It is important to clarify that TTP did not employ the two physicians referenced.”

The response comes amid concerns raised by Lubbock OB/GYN Dr. Amber Coon about women struggling to obtain appointments and establish pregnancy care. In her earlier statement, Coon described the 2 physician positions as UMC Physicians employed positions.

“Women are waiting too long for routine appointments. Pregnant patients are struggling to establish care at all,” Coon wrote.

Texas Tech Physicians said its practice includes 24 general obstetricians across the region, including 12 in Lubbock, who are accepting new patients. Those physicians work alongside hospital laborists, maternal fetal medicine specialists, nurse practitioners and advanced practice registered nurses.

“West Texas faces a shortage of maternity care providers, making physician recruitment, retention and access to care a priority for our institution,” the organizations stated.

According to the statement, services include routine gynecologic care, pregnancy and delivery care, fertility services, menopause management, urogynecology and gynecologic oncology.

The organizations said they remain committed to training future physicians, recruiting providers and improving appointment availability. The statement did not provide specific appointment wait times or a timeline for additional recruitment.

For information about services and scheduling, Texas Tech Physicians listed 806-743-2669.