10 Tips for Choosing an OB-GYN Who’s Right for You
Whether you’re going to an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) for a preventive screening, birth control advice, pregnancy care, or to get help for a menopausal issue, you need an OB-GYN who can respond to your changing needs. And someone who is a good fit for you. Navigating the healthcare system and finding an OB-GYN whom you can partner with when it comes to your health needs and preferences can be challenging. That’s why we’ve put together 10 tips to help you figure out what’s important to you in an OB-GYN and how to go about finding the doctor that’s the right fit for you and your healthcare needs.
Insurance and Financial Considerations
If you have health insurance, your policy documents should identify which OB-GYNs in your area participate in your plan. In the United States, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) work differently. So, you’ll need to check your policy to find out what your costs will be if you pick a doctor who is out of your network. It’s always a good idea to call the doctor’s office to confirm that they work with your insurance provider before you make an appointment. If you are looking for specific resources, consider the following tools:
| Resource Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Physician Compare tool | Allows Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries to search by medical specialty. |
| American Medical Association Database | Maintains a doctor database that lets you search by specialty, state, and zip code. |
| Health Insurance Policy Documents | Identifies which OB-GYNs in your area participate in your insurance plan. |
Gathering Recommendations
Your co-workers, friends, and family members can be a great resource for finding an OB-GYN who’s a good fit for you. After all, they know you well, and likely have a good idea of the kind of doctor that you’d like. Social media and neighborhood apps may also give you some valuable insights into a doctor’s personality, philosophy, and communication style. Keep in mind, though, that online reviews may not always be as reliable as recommendations from people you know and trust.
Location and Ease of Access
OB-GYN doctors see patients in hospital-adjacent facilities, clinics, private practices, and group practices. If you plan to drive, how long will the trip take during peak traffic times? Does the facility offer plenty of free parking? If you’ll be using public transportation, is it a complicated or time-consuming route? Since you’ll probably go to the doctor during the workday, think about what the trip is like from your job to the doctor, too.
Finding an OB-GYN doctor close to home is getting harder. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists anticipates a national shortage of nearly 22,000 OB-GYN doctors by 2050. Being able to get to the OB-GYN is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a life-and-death equity issue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that Black, Native American, and Alaska Native women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women are. Studies have found that one of the biggest issues confronting these women is the lack of access to high quality healthcare during pregnancy.
Flexibility and Communication Styles
Most OB-GYN practices offices have standard business hours during the week. Does that work for you or do you need more flexibility? If getting to see an OB-GYN is difficult during regular hours, consider whether:
- the doctor offers any evening or weekend hours
- you can get in touch with an on-call doctor when the clinic is closed
- the doctor offers telemedicine options that will allow you to have virtual visits
- the doctor offers an online patient portal that allows you to communicate with them
A 2017 research review found that although some people are still a little reluctant to try telemedicine, patients who do use it cite numerous advantages. They say it saves travel time and costs, improves their communication with their doctor, and helps them achieve better health outcomes.
Hospital Privileges and Certification
Doctors usually have privileges with a certain regional or local hospital. If you have a strong preference for a hospital in your area, check to be sure that’s the hospital your prospective doctor uses. If you’re planning to deliver your baby in a hospital, you may be able to tour the labor and delivery facilities in advance. It could influence your decision for or against a particular doctor. Furthermore, certification is an added level of education that indicates a doctor is an expert in a particular field of medical practice.