Finding a doctor is a tough enough challenge without having to worry about a specialty, so you can imagine how difficult finding an OBGYN can be. Though it might seem like a daunting task, finding an OBGYN is far from impossible. Here’s what you can do.
Ask Your Primary Care Physician For Some Referrals.
Your primary care physician should know a few women’s specialists, so that should be the first person you talk to. What’s more, the professionals they recommend going to will also likely be in your insurance network, too (assuming that your primary care physician is in your network as well).
Decide What Your Needs Are.
Many women try finding an OBGYN specifically when they want to get pregnant, but if you’re looking more for a professional health care practitioner who specializes in women’s needs — one who can offer such services as breast cancer examinations, for example — then you may only need a general gynecologist.
Do Your Homework.
Once you’ve got a list of medical professionals who can provide the services you need and want, it’s time to do some digging. Check online at sites like Vitals or Healthgrades to see the referred professionals’ credentials, speacialties, years in practice, patient reviews, education, and even if they’ve had any problem with malpractice. Another important thing to do when digging around and finding an OBGYN is to visit their offices and get a feel for them. If you get a bad feeling, find someone else.
There are several things to look for when trying to find a doctor, like whether they offer preventative medicine and outpatient services, but these are the criterion you must absolutely look for when finding an OBGYN.
Finding an OBGYN can be tough, but your health depends on it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments. Helpful research also found here.