A woman’s health is one of the most precious things in her life. So, of course, it’s important that she finds the right doctor to help her keep the most intimate parts of her body healthy. Many women have gone through a lot of turmoil regarding their hormonal and reproductive systems and need quality care.
Finding an ob gyn can sometimes be intimidating and overwhelming for some women. However, the journey doesn’t have to be brutal. Keep reading to find out these 7 helpful tips on how to choose an ob gyn that’s perfect for you.
1. Look for a Specialist
A good method for how to choose an ob gyn is to consider your specific health needs first. For instance, if you’ve suffered from endometriosis, fibroids or pelvic floor issues, you may want someone who has dealt with these conditions more often and have a variety of answers and treatments readily available.
Make sure you check with the doctor to know of the extent that they’ve experienced dealing with your particular case. You especially want to do this if you have a rare illness or condition, as well as if you’re pregnant or trying to have a baby.
2. Inquire About Insurance
Another tip for how to choose an ob gyn would be to inquire about the insurance that they take. You may also be able to call your insurance company and see do they have a list of providers that are already pre-qualified for you to reach out to.
If you don’t have insurance, this will be something to consider when it comes to financial budgeting for your medical bills. Speak with the gynecology office about whether they have payment plans and arrangement options that will fit your situation before proceeding.
3. Ask for Referrals
The good thing about being a woman and looking for a doctor that specializes in women’s health is that you probably know at least one other woman. This makes it easy to ask for referrals from friends, family, and others in your network.
Be specific about your personal needs if you aren’t too apprehensive about sharing. You may run into someone with a similar condition that can point you in the right direction.
There are also plenty of private and safe space online communities and forums for women’s health that can be beneficial for you during your search. Put the word out about you taking recommendations and see what helpful information you receive.
4. Research Credentials
Looking into the educational and professional background of the ob gyn is also another helpful way to find one. It’s important to check up on the validity of their degrees, certifications, and licenses in the states that they work in.
Most obstetricians and gynecologists require a four-year bachelor’s degree, a medical school degree and then a few more years (typically 3-7) after that for residencies and internships. Be sure that these basics credentials are well taken care of before moving forward.
5. Check out Local Directories
If you’re still having difficulty, you can check out some local directories that have medical experts listed and look under OB/GYN. This may take a little longer because you are basically cold calling offices with no prior information. However, there are a few things to consider when taking this route, which includes:
- Distance from your home
- Size of the office
- Adequate licensure
- Years in business
- Specialties listed
- Insurance details noted
Take some time to pick out all of the ones that look appealing to you and start calling. Be sure to bring up any known questions or concerns before scheduling the first appointment.
6. Take Gender Into Consideration
Some people may not think this is a big deal for how to choose an ob gyn. Yet, there are many women who would only feel comfortable with a certain gender providing them service. If this is your case, then you should absolutely stand firm in this.
Whether you prefer a female doctor or have no preference, your comfort and security is the most important part. If the ob gyn is assigned to you in a hospital or clinical setting, be vocal about making the required changes for your best experience.
7. Read Patient Reviews
Although medical records are private when it comes to talking with professionals, people sharing their own information is perfectly fine. So if you look up the specific office, hospital, etc. online, you may find some very honest reviews.
Go through the reviews thoroughly and take some with a grain of salt. Be able to differentiate someone’s personal bad experience versus the overall care of the facility and/or provider. Take verified reviews into consideration first, as these have usually been screened by Google or the respective platform.
8. Schedule a Consultation
Let’s say you’ve found an ob gyn that’s close to you, accepts your insurance and is experienced with your particular condition. The best thing to do is to see can you schedule a consultation to feel the practitioner out before actually going into appointments.
There are some key things that you want to make sure of upon meeting the medical professional. Here are some factors to consider:
- Good listener and communicator
- Knowledgable of their field and your specific needs
- Open to trying a variety of treatment
- Is collaborative and not pushy of their views
- Caring and understanding
- Takes the time to notate things that are important to you
- Personalizes you healthcare
- Friendly and personable
If the provider is lacking in too many of these areas or you feel like you two just aren’t connecting, don’t hesitate to reconsider your choice.
Learn How to Choose an Ob Gyn That’s Right For You
Figuring out how to choose an ob gyn that is the perfect fit for you can reduce a lot of stress and anxiety. The most important thing to remember is that your health and comfort comes first. Never rush into a starting with a practitioner because you feel guilty or like you don’t have options.
Take your time, ask around and do your research. Also, have faith that the right doctor will show up in your life.
For more tips and advice, check out our blog.