How to Find the Right OB-GYN
You'll see a lot of your gynecologist during your life--and vice versa. Whether you're planning on getting pregnant or just looking for quality care, finding an OB-GYN you can trust to respect your views is absolutely critical.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Ask a trustworthy medical professional to recommend a board-certified doctor. You can also search for doctors by ZIP code on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Web site (acog.org). Ask friends and family for a recommendation.
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2
Consult your insurance company. You'll likely want a doctor who is on your health care plan's network of providers.
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3
Ask your physician how often you need to schedule pap smears, breast exams and other procedures. You can also discuss birth control options (see How to Choose Birth Control).
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4
Schedule an appointment to discuss prenatal care if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon.
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5
Write down any specific concerns you have about your pregnancy. Talk about your views on the labor process including natural childbirth, epidurals, fetal monitoring, circumcision and episiotomies. Get specific. Find out under what circumstances labor would be induced, or when a cesarean section would be advised.
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6
Discuss your birth plan, particularly if it includes a home birth. Some doctors or groups will not take a patient who wants a home birth.
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7
Find out if your doctor will be at your labor. Often another doctor from the group is on call; if so, you'll want to meet the other physicians.
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8
Ask where your doctor delivers babies. Make sure that you are comfortable with the facility and it is covered by your insurance.
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9
Chat with the physician's office manager and find out what the policies are on emergency phone calls and appointments. Talk about the doctor's fees and find out what your insurance covers.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you have an underlying condition that might shift your pregnancy into a higher-risk category (diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy), ask the doctor if he or she recommends specialized care.
To improve the chance that your doctor will actually be there when you give birth, look for a small practice where he or she is most likely to be on call on the big day.
If you're sticking with your regular gynecologist and are planning to become pregnant, schedule a preconception exam. You'll get some good information about your baseline health and a sense of whether your doctor is really the right person to deliver your baby.
