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Home > PA Providers > Obstetricians & Gynecologists: OB-GYNs

Dr. Ernesto Rodriguez, MD

Accepting New Patients

(Ernesto Rodriguez, MD)

(738 Ratings)

Specializes in: Obstetrics & Gynecology, Gynecology and General Practice

Central University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (1992)

Professional interests include: vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), cesarean section (C-section), dilation and evacuation (D&E), and more.

400 N 17th Street Suite 204
Allentown, PA 18104

(610) 969-3630

Dr. Ernesto Rodriguez, MD is an obstetrician and gynecologist in Allentown, PA specializing in obstetrics & gynecology, gynecology and general practice. He graduated from Central University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in 1992 and has 33 years of experience. Dr. Ernesto Rodriguez, MD is affiliated with Lehigh Valley Physician Group (LVPG), Lehigh Valley Health Network and LVPG Obstetrics and Gynecology-17th Street.

Office Locations

Address:

400 N 17th Street Suite 204
Allentown, PA 18104

Some issues Dr. Ernesto Rodriguez, 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.

breast exam	37
cytology	23
doctor visit	45
gynecologic pathology	23
gynecologic procedures	37
lab tests	33
pelvic imaging	14
preventive care	23
ultrasound (sonogram)	14
women's imaging	14

**Gender**
Male	0
Female	78

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	0
Black	0
Hispanic	48
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	19
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	47

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	14
Depression	51
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	15
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	28
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

**Gender**
Male	0
Female	74

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	0
Black	0
Hispanic	53
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	20
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	43

Hypertension	51
High Cholesterol	54
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	16
Depression	53
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	18
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	38
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

breast exam	31
cytology	11
doctor visit	41
gynecologic pathology	11
gynecologic procedures	31
lab tests	61
pelvic imaging	13
preventive care	11
ultrasound (sonogram)	13
women's imaging	13

**Gender**
Male	0
Female	142

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	0
Black	0
Hispanic	104
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	94

Hypertension	46
High Cholesterol	41
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	48
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	21
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	30
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

breast exam	42
cytology	16
doctor visit	18
gynecologic pathology	16
gynecologic procedures	42
lab tests	34
pelvic imaging	14
preventive care	16
ultrasound (sonogram)	14
women's imaging	14

**Gender**
Male	0
Female	79

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	0
Black	0
Hispanic	56
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	48

Hypertension	58
High Cholesterol	44
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	53
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	24
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	34
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

breast exam	30
cytology	16
doctor visit	24
gynecologic pathology	16
gynecologic procedures	30
lab tests	38
pelvic imaging	15
preventive care	16
ultrasound (sonogram)	15
women's imaging	15

**Gender**
Male	0
Female	68

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	0
Black	0
Hispanic	46
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	43

Hypertension	53
High Cholesterol	46
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	19
Depression	47
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	28
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	38
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

breast exam	39
cytology	20
doctor visit	44
gynecologic pathology	20
gynecologic procedures	39
lab tests	38
pelvic imaging	19
preventive care	20
ultrasound (sonogram)	19
women's imaging	19

**Gender**
Male	0
Female	84

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	0
Black	0
Hispanic	60
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	56

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	45
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	13
Depression	50
Chronic Kidney Disease	14
Asthma	26
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	32
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

breast exam	44
cytology	18
doctor visit	40
gynecologic pathology	18
gynecologic procedures	44
pelvic imaging	13
preventive care	18
ultrasound (sonogram)	13
women's imaging	13

**Gender**
Male	0
Female	88

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	0
Black	0
Hispanic	52
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	27
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	50

Hypertension	56
High Cholesterol	43
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	17
Depression	43
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	22
Osteoperosis	16
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	33
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

breast exam	20
doctor visit	27
gynecologic procedures	20

**Gender**
Male	0
Female	49

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	0
Black	0
Hispanic	30
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	23
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	47
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	22
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	31
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

breast exam	35
doctor visit	11
gynecologic procedures	35
lab tests	19

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Ernesto Rodriguez, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Ernesto Rodriguez, MD treated as an obstetrician and gynecologist in Allentown, PA were lab tests, breast exam, gynecologic procedures and preventive care.

breast exam	34
cytology	16
doctor visit	34
gynecologic pathology	16
gynecologic procedures	34
lab tests	39
pelvic imaging	14
preventive care	16
ultrasound (sonogram)	14
women's imaging	14

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ernesto Rodriguez, MD.

**Gender**
Female	66
Male	0

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	0
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	44
Other	0

**Age**
85 and over	0
75 to 84	0
Less than 65	38
65 to 74	8

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Ernesto Rodriguez, MD From 2013 - 2021

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

Hypertension	44
High Cholesterol	38
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	7
Depression	39
Chronic Kidney Disease	11
Asthma	17
Osteoporosis	2
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	26
Atrial Fibrillation	0
Cancer	0
Dementia	0

Education & Training

Dr. Ernesto Rodriguez, MD graduated from Central University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in 1992. He completed residency at University of Puerto Rico Affiliated Hospitals. He 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: Central University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (1992)

Residency: University of Puerto Rico Affiliated Hospitals (1994)

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. Ernesto Rodriguez, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Lehigh Valley Physician Group (LVPG)

Lehigh Valley Health Network

LVPG Obstetrics and Gynecology-17th Street

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Ernesto Rodriguez, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 738 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Ernesto Rodriguez, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Allentown, PA.

4.5

Overall Rating

(738 Ratings)

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General Payments

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

**Payments by Company**
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.	$6,655 Da Vinci Surgical System $6,655
AbbVie Inc.	$729 Orilissa $446	ORIAHNN $266	LO LOESTRIN FE $18
AbbVie, Inc.	$489 Orilissa $290	Lupron $199
Shionogi Inc	$229 Osphena $229
Myovant Sciences Inc.	$160 MYFEMBREE $160
Other	$404 INTRAROSA $125	MYFEMBREE $91	GARDASIL 9 $44	NURTEC ODT $29	$115

**Types of Payments**
Education	$3,023
Travel and Lodging	$3,004
Food and Beverage	$2,638

Biography

Dr. Ernesto Rodriguez specializes in general practice and gynecology. In addition to English, Dr. Rodriguez speaks Spanish. His areas of expertise include the following: colposcopy, hysterosalpingography, and adolescent gynecology. He is professionally affiliated with Lehigh Valley Physician Group (LVPG). He graduated from Central University of the Caribbean School of Medicine and then he performed his residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of Puerto Rico. Dr. Rodriguez's patients gave him an average rating of 4.5 stars (out of 5). According to Lehigh Valley Health Network, he is currently accepting new patients at his office in.