Whether you’re going to an Gynecologist and Obstetrician (OB-GYN) for a preventive screening, birth control advice, ectopic pregnancy symptoms scare checkup, or to get help for a menopausal issue, you need an Gynaecologist & obstetretician who can respond to your changing needs. And someone who is a good fit for you.

Navigating the healthcare system and finding a Gynaecologist & obstetrician 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 becoming a Gynaecologist & obstetrician and how to go about finding the doctor that’s the right fit for you and your healthcare needs.

Here are 10 questions to ask yourself as you go about looking for the best Gynaecologist & obstetrician for you.

1. Which doctors are part of your insurance plan?

If you have health insurance, your policy documents should identify which Gynaecologist & obstetrician in your area participate in your plan.

It’s always a good idea to check with your doctor’s app to confirm that they work with your insurance provider before you make an appointment.

2. Who is getting rave reviews?

Your co-workers, friends, and family members can be a great resource for finding a Gynaecologist & obstetrician 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 neighbourhood 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.

3. Will getting to the doctor be an epic journey?

Gynaecologist & obstetrician 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.

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4. What kind of extra access might you need?

Most Gynaecologist & obstetrician practices offices have standard business hours during the week. Does that work for you or do you need more flexibility?

If getting to see a Gynaecologist & obstetrician 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

5. What hospital does the doctor use?

Gynaecologists & obstetricians 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 labour and delivery facilities in advance. It could influence your decision for or against a particular doctor.

6. What certifications does the doctor have?

Certification is an added level of education that indicates a doctor is an expert in a particular field of medical practice.

The American Board of Medical Specialties provides a database of board-certified doctors you can search. It’s called Certification Matters.

When doctors maintain board-certified status, they are required to stay up to date on research and practice standards. Board-certification status is ongoing. It’s not a one-and-done test.

You may want to ask about your doctor’s subspecialties. Some gynaecologists do not deliver babies. Some are experts in menopause and perimenopause. Some specialise in treating cancers.

As you think about what life stages are coming up in your future, consider whether your doctor is equipped to provide the care you are going to need.

7. Is your doctor comfortable addressing mental health and wellness?

It’s important to partner with a Gynaecologist & obstetrician who recognizes the importance of good mental health. It helps to have a doctor who’ll regularly screen you for signs of depression and anxiety so these conditions can be prevented, detected early, and treated successfully if necessary.

You want a doctor who has the awareness and the skills to help you manage your mental health and wellness in each phase of your life.

8. How do you feel about the practice as a whole?

Many doctors practice as part of a group. If your doctor isn’t available when you need an appointment, will you be expected to see another doctor?

Many practices rely on nurse practitioners and physician assistants to provide primary care services. How comfortable are you with the other healthcare professionals in the practice?

Though the appearance of the clinic may seem superficial, it could be an indication of how well the healthcare team will care for you.

9. Can this Gynaecologist & obstetrician meet your individual needs?

For lots of women, going to the Gynaecologist & obstetrician is a tricky business. On one hand, good sexual and reproductive healthcare can save your life and keep you healthy.

On the other, visiting this kind of doctor can cause anxiety, physical discomfort, and embarrassment.

10. Can you share personal information with this doctor?

Talking about your body, your sex life, and your reproductive health can be hard. What makes it easier? An Gynaecologist & obstetrician who listens — really listens — and answers all your questions in a way you understand.

You want a Gynaecologist & obstetrician who lets you finish your questions without interrupting and who doesn’t wave away your concerns or pass judgement on your choices.

It’s not imperative that you and your doctor share the same views on every issue, but it’s important to know about some basic views and values up front. For instance:

• How does your doctor view pain management?
• How open is your doctor to natural alternatives?
• How does your doctor view access to reliable birth control?
• Will your doctor perform a vaginal birth after C-section?
• Will your doctor perform an abortion if you need one or give you abortion information marietta ga? 
• How sex-positive is your doctor?

Conclusion:

Finding the right OB-GYN is important to your physical, emotional, sexual, and reproductive health.

Apart from purely practical considerations like distance, hours, and insurance coverage, it’s also a good idea to evaluate the doctor’s qualifications, communication style, and views on healthcare options that matter to you. Also, think about the practice as a whole, since you’re likely to be interacting with more than just your OB-GYN.

You’re forming what could be a lasting partnership with a doctor who will have a significant impact on your health. So, take all the time you need to find one that makes you feel comfortable and at ease with every aspect of your reproductive, hormonal, and sexual health.