While having great doctors is always important, selecting the right OBGYN is especially so. These initials stand for obstetrician and gynecologist, which is a combined medical specialization. Obstetricians deliver babies and follow expectant moms through their pregnancies. Gynecologists specialize in the female reproductive system. It’s crucial to select a good fit for your needs when looking for a new woman’s healthcare provider.
Specialization
Even if you’re not pregnant when you’re seeking a new woman’s healthcare provider, it’s better to choose an OBGYN rather than a gynecologist if you are of child-bearing age. Unless you’re absolutely sure you’re not going to have a child in the future, it’s wise to start with one practitioner who does it all: gynecological care and obstetrical care. Having a consistent practitioner will provide a sense of stability and allow you to establish a trusting relationship, crucial parts of a successful partnership.
Location and Hours
You’ll want to find a doctor that is easily accessible to your home and one who has hospital privileges at a nearby medical facility. It’s more important that this healthcare provider be close to your home than your office because you might be hurrying in the middle of the night to the hospital when the labor pains start. You’ll also want to check the hours/days of the week that the doctor’s office is open. If you select an MD who only works part-time, he or she might not be available when you are. It’s helpful to find a practice where there’s always an OBGYN on call, should your physician be unavailable for one reason or another.
Insurance & Financial Arrangements
It’s also important to sign on with a doctor who accepts the type of health insurance you have. If you don’t have medical insurance, find an OBGYN who will work with you to create a doable plan for the financial arrangements. Yes, having a baby seems like such a miracle that it’s hard to think about cash; but in the real world, it costs money. Many doctors will give you a schedule of when payments are due during your pregnancy, such as a down payment initially with monthly amounts due through the nine months.
Communication Skills & Personality Click
In addition to a doctor’s specialization, location, hours, insurance and financial practices, it’s also imperative to find an MD who is a good communicator. Not every doctor has the bedside manner you’re seeking. Because your gynecologist and obstetrician is such an intimate partner in your medical care, having one who clicks with your personality is a must.
Take your time choosing the right doctor for you. Selecting your OBGYN is, by far, one of the most important choices you’ll make about your health. The physician who oversees your pregnancy and delivers your baby will not only affect your life, but that of your newborn.