Finding a doctor in Queens is easy. Finding a doctor you actually like? That’s a whole different story. If you’ve spent any time scrolling through local forums or asking for recommendations in Forest Hills, you’ve likely seen the name The Woman’s Health Pavilion Forest Hills pop up more than a few times. It’s a busy place. Honestly, it’s one of the most high-volume OB-GYN practices in the area, and for good reason.
When you're looking for gynecological care or a place to manage a pregnancy, you aren't just looking for a white coat and a stethoscope. You're looking for someone who won't rush you out the door while you're still trying to remember that one question about your thyroid or your birth control side effects. The Woman's Health Pavilion Forest Hills operates on a model that tries to bridge the gap between a large, multi-specialty facility and the kind of personal touch you’d expect from a smaller boutique clinic. It’s a tough balance to strike. Sometimes the waiting room is packed. Sometimes the administrative side feels like a lot. But the clinical expertise is where they usually win people over.
Why Location Matters for Queens Residents
Forest Hills is a hub. Located at 109-33 71st Road, the office is basically sitting in the heart of the neighborhood. If you live in Rego Park, Kew Gardens, or even parts of Flushing, you know that getting anywhere can be a nightmare if the trains aren't running or the GCP is backed up. The fact that this pavilion is right off Queens Boulevard makes it accessible. It’s not just about convenience, though.
In a city where medical deserts are a real thing, having a dedicated women's health center that offers everything from routine paps to high-level surgical consultations in one spot is a massive win. You aren't trekking to Manhattan for a sonogram and then back to Queens for your follow-up. They do the heavy lifting on-site.
The Team Behind The Woman's Health Pavilion Forest Hills
You aren't just seeing one doctor here. That’s the first thing you need to realize. The practice is led by Dr. Zalvan, Dr. Scarantino, and a broad team of board-certified OB-GYNs, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.
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Some people get tripped up by the "team" approach. You might see a different face for your third prenatal visit than you did for your first. If you’re the type of patient who wants one-on-one continuity with a single person for nine months, you have to be vocal about that. However, the upside is that there is almost always someone available. If you have a sudden concern—maybe some unexpected spotting or a weird pain—they can usually squeeze you in because they have the staffing levels to handle it.
The practitioners there, like Afua Akanah or some of the senior midwives, have built reputations for being incredibly patient. They deal with a very diverse population. You’ll hear five different languages in the waiting room. That cultural competency matters in a place like Queens. They understand that health isn't just a lab result; it's influenced by your lifestyle, your background, and your specific anxieties.
Specialized Services That Actually Save Time
Most people come in for the basics. Annual exams. Birth control. But the Forest Hills location is equipped for much more than the "bread and butter" stuff.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: This is a big one. They focus heavily on laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures. If you're dealing with fibroids or endometriosis, the goal is to get you in and out without a massive scar or a month-long recovery.
- Maternity Care: They are affiliated with Northwell Health’s Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Medical Center and Katz Women’s Hospital. This is a major detail. LIJ is one of the top-rated places to give birth in the region.
- On-site Lab and Imaging: Honestly, this is the biggest time-saver. Getting your blood drawn and your ultrasound done in the same suite where you have your exam is a luxury you don't appreciate until you’ve had to go to three different buildings in one day.
Managing the "Big Practice" Reality
Let's be real for a second. Large practices have a reputation for being "factories." You’ve probably read reviews where someone complained about a 45-minute wait or a billing snafu. It happens. At The Woman’s Health Pavilion Forest Hills, the volume of patients is high because the demand in Queens is astronomical.
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To get the most out of your visit, you have to be your own advocate. Don’t wait for the doctor to ask you if you have concerns. Bring a list. Write it down on your phone. If you feel like the conversation is moving too fast, say, "Wait, I need to understand this better." The providers are knowledgeable, but they are also working within a system that moves quickly.
Also, a pro-tip for Forest Hills: try to book the first appointment of the morning or the first one after lunch. It minimizes the "snowball effect" of delays that happens in every medical office in America.
Understanding the Affiliation with LIJ and Katz
When you’re pregnant and choosing a provider at The Woman's Health Pavilion Forest Hills, you’re also choosing your delivery hospital. This is a non-negotiable part of the process. LIJ Forest Hills is close, but many patients from this practice deliver at the main Katz Women’s Hospital at LIJ in New Hyde Park.
Katz is specialized. It has a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). For a high-risk pregnancy, that’s not just a "nice to have"—it’s essential. The doctors from the Pavilion are the ones who follow you there. It’s a seamless handoff. You don't want a stranger delivering your baby, and this affiliation ensures that the doctors who know your chart are the ones making the calls in the delivery room.
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Beyond Pregnancy: Mid-Life and Menopause
A lot of the marketing for OB-GYN offices focuses on cute babies. But what happens when you’re 50? Or 60?
The Forest Hills pavilion doesn't ignore the post-reproductive years. They handle hormone replacement therapy (HRT), bone density screenings, and the often-ignored symptoms of perimenopause. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about "natural" treatments versus medical intervention. The practitioners here tend to take an evidence-based approach. They’ll talk to you about the risks of osteoporosis and how to manage those "hot flashes from hell" without making you feel like you're just "getting old." It’s about quality of life.
How to Navigate Your First Visit
If you’re new to the practice, the first thing you’ll notice is the paperwork. It’s 2026, and while things are digital, there’s still a lot to verify. Make sure your insurance is confirmed before you walk in. The office takes a wide range of plans—including many Medicaid managed care plans—which is part of why they stay so busy.
- Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early. Parking in Forest Hills is notoriously difficult. If you’re driving, give yourself an extra 20 minutes just to find a spot or use one of the garages on 71st Ave.
- The Intake: You’ll likely see a medical assistant first for vitals. Be honest about your medications. Even the "natural" supplements.
- The Consult: This is your time. Whether it’s a concern about heavy periods or a consultation for permanent birth control, the Forest Hills staff is trained to handle the "tough" questions without judgment.
Actionable Steps for New Patients
If you are considering becoming a patient at The Woman’s Health Pavilion Forest Hills, don't just wing it.
- Verify Insurance: Call your provider directly and ask if "The Woman's Health Pavilion" is in-network. Don't just rely on the website list; these change.
- Request Records: If you're transferring from another Queens OB-GYN, get your digital records sent over at least a week before your appointment. It prevents the "we don't have your last pap results" roadblock.
- Download the Portal: Use their patient portal. It’s the fastest way to get lab results and message your provider without playing phone tag with the front desk.
- Prepare Your Questions: Specifically ask about their "on-call" rotation so you know who might be delivering your baby or handling an after-hours emergency.
Choosing a healthcare provider is a massive decision. It's about trust and technical skill. In the crowded landscape of Queens medical care, the Forest Hills pavilion remains a cornerstone because it provides a level of specialized, comprehensive care that is hard to find in a single zip code. Be proactive, stay informed, and make sure you're getting the time and attention you deserve.
Next Steps for Your Health:
- Call the office at (718) 263-1963 to verify if they are currently accepting new patients for your specific insurance tier.
- Book a "Meet the Doctor" visit if you are planning a pregnancy; this allows you to interview the team before committing to a full prenatal care schedule.
- Review the LIJ Medical Center facility details online so you are familiar with the labor and delivery suites before your third trimester begins.