How to Find an OB-GYN Who Is Right for You

December 23, 2021 10:33 am Published by

woman talking to her doctor.

Finding an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) or women’s health provider who meets all your needs can be a challenge. Whether you are planning to have a baby, are wanting to address specific a health concern or are just looking to make a change, you want a provider who makes you feel comfortable and respects your views on matters that are important to you. And, of course, you should take insurance and office hours into consideration.

Starting the Search

When it’s time to look for an OB-GYN, it’s a good idea to start by asking friends, family or coworkers if they have or know of a provider who could be a good fit for you. Or if your current provider is moving or retiring, ask him or her for a recommendation.

If you get any promising leads, check with your insurance company to see if those providers are on your plan. If you don’t have any names yet, you can get a list of covered providers from your insurance company.

Digging Deeper

Once you have a few names, do some research to learn more about the provider and clinic. You’ll want to find out:

  • Do the provider’s hours work with your schedule?
  • Does the provider have any certifications?
  • Does the provider offer telemedicine appointments?
  • How far is the provider’s office/clinic from your house? Is it convenient?
  • Is the provider accepting new patients?
  • Is the provider part of a group practice? Who will see you if your provider is unavailable?
  • What hospital is the provider affiliated with?

To learn more about the OB-GYN’s communication style and views, you can also try checking reviews on social media or community apps to get insight from other patients.

First Appointment

After finding a provider who meets all your practical needs, use your first appointment to make sure he or she is a good match. Ask questions to make sure you are both on the same page about anything that’s important to you. For example, if you’re planning on becoming pregnant and would like to work with a midwife (a medical professional who gives labor support and can deliver babies), ask the provider about his or her views on this. Other things to consider after your first visit include:

  • Did the provider listen to you and make you feel comfortable?
  • Did the provider answer all your questions and explain things in a way that you could understand?
  • Did the provider take his or her time and not make you feel rushed?
  • Was the provider respectful?
  • Were the nurses and office staff welcoming and friendly?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, this provider might not be a good fit for you. Remember that the most important thing is to find the right match, so if you are not satisfied after your first appointment, you might want to keep looking.

Learn about Women’s Health Services at Magnolia Regional Health Center.

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This post was written by Magnolia Regional Health Center