Albert C. Simmonds IV, MD in Baltimore: An OB/GYN Focused on Prenatal and Gynecologic Care

Dr. Albert C. Simmonds IV is an obstetrician and gynecologist based in Baltimore who provides comprehensive prenatal care, labor and delivery oversight, gynecologic surgery, and routine women's health services, operating within the context of Baltimore's network of academic medical centers and independent obstetric practices.

What Dr. Simmonds Actually Offers

Dr. Simmonds combines obstetric and gynecologic services under one practice, meaning his patients can access both pregnancy-related care and routine gynecology appointments without referral to separate providers. He manages low-risk and moderate-risk pregnancies, delivers babies at affiliated hospitals, handles routine gynecologic exams and family planning counseling, and performs in-office procedures such as colposcopy and IUD insertion. For higher-risk pregnancies or conditions requiring maternal-fetal medicine consultation, he coordinates with specialists at Johns Hopkins or University of Maryland medical centers. This integrated model suits patients who prefer continuity across pregnancy and postpartum gynecologic care without juggling multiple providers.

Service Range and Typical Costs

Prenatal care packages typically run from $2,500 to $4,500 depending on delivery location and insurance coverage, with the global obstetric fee covering routine visits, delivery, and immediate postpartum care. Office-based gynecologic visits cost $150 to $300 for a new patient and $100 to $200 for established patients, though most insured patients pay only a copay (verify your plan). IUD insertion, colposcopy, and ultrasound are billed separately. Uninsured patients should call the office to discuss self-pay rates, which are often negotiable. Payment plans are available for patients without coverage; ask at the first visit.

How Dr. Simmonds Compares to Other Baltimore OB/GYNs

Baltimore's obstetric landscape divides into hospital-employed physicians (Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland, Mercy Medical Center), independent practitioners like Dr. Simmonds, and nurse-midwifery practices. Hospital-employed OB/GYNs often have same-day appointment availability and on-site ancillary services (lab, ultrasound, imaging) but may involve a rotating call schedule, meaning you may not deliver with your primary provider. Independent practices such as Dr. Simmonds's typically offer continuity of care and smaller caseloads, though appointment wait times may stretch to two to three weeks. Nurse-midwifery practices (available at Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland) focus on low-risk pregnancy and birth and often offer longer initial visits and lower rates ($1,500 to $3,000 global fees). Choose Dr. Simmonds if continuity and a physician's full surgical capability matter; choose a midwifery service if you prefer a low-intervention model for a low-risk pregnancy; choose a hospital system if you prioritize same-day urgent access or complex risk factors requiring specialist input.

Who This Practice Suits and Who It Does Not

Dr. Simmonds suits patients planning a first or second pregnancy, those with mild-to-moderate pregnancy risk factors (gestational diabetes, hypertension controlled before pregnancy, advanced maternal age), and anyone prioritizing a consistent provider through delivery. His practice also serves women seeking routine gynecology, contraception counseling, and minor gynecologic procedures without navigating a large hospital system. This practice does not serve patients with pregestational diabetes, active cardiac disease, or prior complex obstetric complications without specialist co-management (which Dr. Simmonds arranges but does not replace). Patients requiring high-frequency fetal monitoring, delivery at a specific hospital system, or a midwifery model should discuss options at the first call.

What the First Visit Involves

A new prenatal patient should expect a 60-minute appointment including a full health history, blood pressure and urine testing, ultrasound dating scan (if not done elsewhere), discussion of screening options (first-trimester genetic screening, quad screen, cell-free DNA), and baseline counseling on nutrition, exercise, and prenatal vitamins. New gynecology patients undergo a focused history, pelvic exam, and Pap smear if due. Bring your insurance card, photo ID, prior medical records, and a list of current medications. Confirm whether your insurance plan requires a primary-care referral; many do not, but some do.

Hours, Location, and Parking

Dr. Simmonds's office is in central Baltimore with parking available on-site or in a nearby lot; confirm specific parking fees and hours when you call to schedule. Office hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays with one early evening slot each week (verify current schedule, as obstetric practices often shift hours seasonally). Deliveries occur at Johns Hopkins Hospital or University of Maryland Medical Center depending on your insurance and preference; discuss delivery hospital choice at your first visit.

Dr. Simmonds holds credentials in both obstetrics and gynecology and maintains hospital privileges where most Baltimore patients deliver, making him a practical choice for patients seeking a single physician partner through pregnancy and beyond.