Tips For Choosing An OBGYN

Choosing an OBGYN is an important decision. OBGYN stands for obstetrician and gynecologist. An obstetrician delivers babies and monitors a pregnant mom throughout the course of her pregnancy. A gynecologist cares for the well being of a female and her reproductive system. This is a woman’s most intimate physician. When it’s time to choose a new one, due to moving, becoming pregnant or simply desiring a new provider, care must be taken to make a good selection.

Here are some tips to aid in the decision making process:

Philosophy: Medical philosophies differ greatly among practitioners. Natural childbirth, holistic methods, pro-caesarean and more should be considered. It’s wise to make consultation appointments with a few doctors in order to discuss philosophical beliefs. This is an important foundation for the relationship.

Specializations: Infertility specialists are just one example of possible arenas of focus a physician may have. If a couple is having trouble conceiving, they may want to work with a doctor that has a broad range of knowledge in this area. Once pregnancy occurs, the doc will be able to follow them through until delivery of the infant(s). Another specialization is oncology, which is the study of cancer. If a person has had cancer or is at a higher risk for whatever reason, she may want to seek medical treatment from a practitioner who has expertise with this disease.

Insurance: Check to see if this medical practice accepts the type of health coverage you have before signing up. It’s a good idea to check with the doc’s office as well as your own insurance company. No one wants to find out they weren’t covered after the fact.

Office hours and location: Convenience and alignment of hours are important. Finding out what hospital the physician delivers babies at is important, too. A mom in labor doesn’t want to drive clear across town in order to check into the hospital.

Gender: Sometimes moms-to-be prefer to be seen by a female doctor. Others feel more comfortable under the care of a male OBGYN. This is definitely a personal preference that should be pondered.

Taking new patients? Make certain the doctor you’re interested in signing up with is taking new patients. The best way to ascertain this is by a simple phone call to the receptionist or scheduler.

Office Staff: When you first call the office, you will probably get an initial impression of how the place is run. If the secretarial staff is cranky, this is a red flag. The staff’s demeanor often reflects the medical practice’s mood.

Personality click: This is an important business relationship where a woman will be discussing intimate body parts and sharing the births of her children. It must be a compatible one in order for it to be successful. Do the two of you click?

Emergency back-up: It’s also important to find out what doctors will be on call in case your primary obstetrician is unavailable. Babies can be born around the clock and the doc is only human. He or she must sleep sometime! Who are the alternates that may be on duty the day that junior decides to make his way into the world?

Choose the best OBGYN to meet your needs. You and your new baby will be glad you did.