Search for an OBGYN can be a little daunting. It’s an important decision that can have a great impact on your health or the health of your baby. There are plenty of options to choose from and it may be difficult to narrow the field. Here are five tips to help you choose the right OBGYN.
Minimizing out-of-pocket expenses is a priority for many women, even depending on their insurance plan. Depending on the type of insurance you have, you may be able to focus your options. However, some plans have limited choices. You may have to make the difficult decision to pay more for the physician that’s the right fit for you.
One of the easiest ways to find an OBGYN is through people that you know. Ask your friends, family and other healthcare providers for recommendations. You will be able to interview the referrer and get a secondary perspective not easily found with a typical OBGYN search process. If you can’t get a referral, be sure to check online reviews to help you with your decision.
An experienced doctor who comes recommended by a friend sometimes isn’t enough to overcome someone without compassion or a good “bedside manner.”
When making your choice, experience should be a deciding factor. If you have preexisting conditions, planning to for pregnancy or have a unique family history, you will want to choose a physician that can guide you with respect to your unique needs. While lesser experience may not signal a bad doctor, you can feel a little more comfortable with an OBGYN that has many happy patients and worked with a wide variety of patients.
Just like making friends and dating, compatibility is very important. Look for an OBGYN that is a good communicator and makes you feel heard. An experienced doctor who comes recommended by a friend sometimes isn’t enough to overcome someone without compassion or a good “bedside manner.” This person will be someone who may have to guide you through some challenging or unique times. Make sure that you find someone you can relate to and trust.
The first priority is to find a well-recommended, experienced OBGYN. However, where their office is located is also important. You will want any doctor visits, especially during a pregnancy, to be a reasonable distance from your home or workplace.
If you are pregnant or looking to start a family, you may also want to consider looking at the hospital that the OBGYN works out of. Their hospital is likely to be the one where you give birth. Make sure it is up to your standards of care.
Christopher Quinsey, MD, has delivered over 3,600 newborns over the past 20 years in Central Florida. He and his friendly, attentive staff is available to walk you through any questions you may have about your health or your pregnancy.
*This blog is for general informational purposes only. Christopher K. Quinsey MD, P.A. does not distribute medical advice through this blog. As such, this blog does not constitute a patient-client relationship between the reader and Christopher K. Quinsey MD, P.A.
