How to Choose an OB-GYN: 10 Ways to Find the Best OB-GYN 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. 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 and find the doctor that’s the right fit for you and your healthcare needs.
10 Questions to Ask Yourself
Here are 10 factors to consider as you go about looking for the best OB-GYN for you:
- Insurance plan: Does the doctor participate in your network?
- Reviews: What do other patients say about their philosophy and style?
- Location: Is the facility easily accessible for you?
- Access: Can you get an appointment when you need one?
- Hospital privileges: Where is the doctor authorized to practice?
- Certifications: What are the doctor's professional qualifications?
- Mental health focus: Do they address holistic well-being?
- The practice: What is the environment of the private or group practice?
- Individual needs: Does the doctor specialize in your specific health conditions?
- Communication: Is the doctor a good fit for your communication style?
Evaluate Your Insurance Plan and Costs
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. If you are a Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary, you can check the Physician Compare tool, which allows you to search by medical specialty. 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.
Seek Recommendations and Reviews
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.
Consider Location and Access
OB-GYN doctors see patients in hospital-adjacent facilities, clinics, private practices, and group practices. When evaluating a location, consider the following:
- 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?
Understand Professional Training and Certifications
When selecting a specialist, it is helpful to understand the vocational training required to become an Obstetrician Gynaecologist. The following data highlights the typical medical training pathway:
- Medical Degree: Takes 4 to 6 years depending on whether you are coming into the degree as a university undergraduate or graduate.
- Internship: 1 year where a number of rotations are completed in different departments in a hospital.
- Residency: 1 or more years involving more rotations in a hospital.
- Vocational training: It takes 6 years to complete a Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRANZCOG).
You may also want to check with the university or universities regarding entry requirements, such as the Undergraduate Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT), to ensure your doctor has met the highest standards of student selection and professional training.