i
Loading Page
loading, please wait

Select Year:

Home > PA Providers > Obstetricians & Gynecologists: OB-GYNs
placeholder image of provider

Dr. Christina Marie Black, MD

Specializes in: Obstetrics & Gynecology
Penn State College of Medicine (2004)
Professional interests include: vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), cesarean section (C-section), dilation and evacuation (D&E), and more.
1627 Chew Street 1st Floor
Allentown, PA 18102

Dr. Christina Marie Black, MD is an obstetrician and gynecologist in Allentown, PA specializing in obstetrics & gynecology. She graduated from Penn State College of Medicine in 2004 and has 20 years of experience. Dr. Christina Marie Black, MD is affiliated with Lehigh Valley Health Network and VALLEY HEALTH PARTNERS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER.

View Doctor's Full Profile (610) 402-1600

Office Locations

Address:

1245 S Cedar Crest Boulevard Suite 201
Allentown, PA 18103

Address:

1627 Chew Street 1st Floor
Allentown, PA 18102

Some issues Dr. Christina Marie Black, MD can help you with:

Breast Biopsy

Breast biopsy is a procedure where a small sample of tissue is collected from the breast for testing. A physician may prescribe a breast biopsy for a variety of reasons, but they are most frequently prescribed for a lump found in the breast. Biopsy samples extracted are examined by pathologists in a laboratory setting and are tested to determine if they are cancerous or benign, or indicative of some other condition. Depending on the lab results, physicians may prescribe additional treatment. Other circumstances which may prompt a breast biopsy include:

  • Mammograms that detect other unusual features in the chest, such as a cyst or calcium deposit
  • Breast scans or ultrasounds that display abnormalities
  • Nipple changes, such as scaling, crusting, or bloody discharge

Breast biopsies are collected through several different procedures and the specific type of biopsy that a patient receives depends on the size, location, and features of a breast lump or irregularity. The three main methods of collecting a breast biopsy include:

  • Fine needle aspiration (FNA biopsy), where a thin needle is directed into a breast lump or abnormality, extracting a small sample of tissue or liquid
  • Core needle biopsy (CNB biopsy), where a hollow needle is directed into a breast lump or abnormality, extracting cylinders of tissue called "cores"
  • Open (surgical) biopsy, where a breast lump is removed through an incision in the breast

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) and core needle biopsy (CNB) are sometimes image-guided, where a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI helps direct the physician performing the needle extraction.

Fine needle aspiration, the most common biopsy method, generally requires few patient preparations. It is recommended patients avoid using lotion, deodorant, and perfume prior to their biopsy procedure. FNA biopsy is performed with local anesthesia (topical numbing cream) and typically has a quick recovery, but patients may experience soreness for a few days. Core needle biopsy extracts slightly more tissue than an FNA biopsy.

Open (surgical) biopsy is more invasive and requires general anesthesia, where patients are put to sleep during the procedure. Patients must fast prior to the surgery. After the biopsy is performed, patients are monitored in a recovery room for a time before being discharged, when they will need someone else to provide transportation.

Although some may consider breast biopsy to be a simple procedure, it can catch critical issues - particularly breast cancer - that impact wellness. If a breast biopsy reveals an underlying condition like life-threatening cancer, patients can receive the diagnosis and medical treatment that is necessary for their long-term health.

Cesarean Section (C-Section)

A Cesarean section (more often known as "C-Section") is a surgery performed during labor and delivery. A C-Section is a procedure that delivers a baby through an incision in the lower abdomen and uterus. In the United States, about a third of all births are performed by Cesarean section. Most often, a C-section is done by an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB-GYN), or in certain regions, a general surgeon or family physician.

C-section incisions can be up-and-down (vertical), from belly button to lower abdomen or side-to-side (horizontal), across the lower abdomen. Side-to-side incisions are more frequently used. After the exterior incisions are made, the doctor then cuts into the uterus and amniotic sac and delivers the infant and cuts the baby's umbilical cord. The mother receives medicine to expel the placenta and the doctor helps to safely remove it. Finally, the doctor uses sutures to seal the uterus and tissue incisions. The initial C-section skin incision is also closed with sutures or staples.

C-sections are typically performed with regional anesthesia, which inhibits pain in the lower half of the body, but allows mothers to be awake. However, some mothers may receive general anesthesia, where they are put to sleep during the surgical procedure.

C-sections may be planned or unplanned, depending on the circumstances of the birth.

Pre-existing conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, herpes, and HIV may prompt a doctor to prescribe a C-section. Other situations for C-section include:

  • A large baby or birth to multiple children
  • Pelvic fracture or limited birth canal
  • Baby in the "breech position," where a baby is positioned feet or bottom first in the uterus
  • Baby with a developmental disorder
  • Irregular fetal heartbeat
  • Mother with a history of previous C-sections

Other mothers may require a C-section due to complications arising during delivery. These unplanned, emergency C-sections allow for a healthy birth even when complex complications are present. Problems during labor which may necessitate a C-section include:

  • Labor not progressing
  • Fetus switching position during labor
  • Distressed infant
  • Blockage of the cervical opening by the placenta
  • Prolapsed umbilical cord

Mothers should expect about a six-week recovery period following a C-section, including an initial hospital stay of two to three days. While in the hospital, mothers may spend time with their baby and begin breastfeeding. After returning home, mothers should limit strenuous activities such as lifting, reaching, and exercise, and should make sure to get plenty of rest.

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a diagnostic procedure performed to examine the inside of the uterus. A thin tube with a camera and light at the end, called a hysteroscope, is inserted through the vagina. It allows the physician to view the cervix and uterine walls. Sometimes, gas or liquid is used to expand the uterus and allow a better view. If necessary, tiny instruments can also be passed through the tube and used for certain procedures, such as taking a biopsy or removing a polyp.

Hysteroscopy is often done to figure out the cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding. However, it can also be used to:

  • Identify the cause of recurrent miscarriage
  • Remove polyps or fibroids, non-cancerous growths in the uterus
  • Remove adhesions, scar tissue within the uterus
  • Identify uterine septums, a wall of tissue dividing the uterus
  • Perform ablation, the removal of excess uterine lining

If surgery is necessary, hysteroscopy is often used along with laparoscopy, a kind of surgery performed through small incisions in the abdomen. Tiny tools are passed through the incisions, and the hysteroscope guides the doctors while surgery is performed.

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Christina Marie Black, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Christina Marie Black, MD treated as an obstetrician and gynecologist in Allentown, PA were breast exam, gynecologic procedures, preventive care and cytology.

breast exam 61
cytology 25
doctor visit 31
gynecologic pathology 25
gynecologic procedures 61
pelvic imaging 20
preventive care 25
ultrasound (sonogram) 20
women's imaging 20

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christina Marie Black, MD.

Gender
Male 0
Female 98
Ethnicity
Black / African American
Asian / Pacific Islander
Non-Hispanic White 42
Native American / Alaskan Native
Hispanic
Other
Age
75 to 84 17
85 and over
Less than 65 2
65 to 74 60

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Christina Marie Black, MD From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Christina Marie Black, MD treated were high cholesterol, hypertension, depression and diabetes.

Hypertension 43
High Cholesterol 46
Stroke
Ischemic Heart Disease 9
Depression 19
Chronic Kidney Disease 11
Asthma 2
Osteoporosis 12
Heart Failure
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Diabetes 14
Atrial Fibrillation
Cancer 6
Dementia

Education & Training

Dr. Christina Marie Black, MD graduated from Penn State College of Medicine in 2004. She completed residency at Georgetown University Hospital. She is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology - Obstetrics and Gynecology Publications & Clinical Trials View Clinical Trials View Scholarly Works and has a state license in Pennsylvania.

Medical School: Penn State College of Medicine (2004)

Residency: Georgetown University Hospital (2005)

Board Certification: American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology - Obstetrics and Gynecology Publications & Clinical Trials View Clinical Trials View Scholarly Works

Licensed In: Pennsylvania

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Christina Marie Black, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Lehigh Valley Health Network
VALLEY HEALTH PARTNERS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Christina Marie Black, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.95 out of 5 stars based on 34 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Christina Marie Black, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Allentown, PA. 

4.95
Overall Rating
Leave a Review

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Christina Marie Black, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

Payments by Company
CSL Behring $60 Haegarda
$46 		Hizentra
$14
Boston Scientific Corporation $24 Advantage System
$24
Sprout Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $18 ADDYI
$18
AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $16 VYLEESI
$16
Avion Pharmaceuticals $13 Balcoltra
$13
Types of Payments
Food and Beverage $115
Education $16

Biography

Dr. Christina Black is a physician who specializes in obstetrics & gynecology. She graduated from Penn State College of Medicine.

Obstetricians & Gynecologists: OB-GYNs in Nearby Locations

Other Providers in Allentown, PA