Choosing Your New OB/Gyn

Finding a good doctor can be challenging, and I think that finding an OB/Gyn can be even harder than other types of doctors. I like my internist, but I only see her about once a year and don't have to discuss super personal issues with her. Your relationship with your OB/Gyn is likely to be different, especially if you're pregnant. If you're lucky, your friends will have a great recommendation who takes your insurance. If not, here are some things to consider when looking for your new doc:

1. Does the doctor have the smarts? Your OB should have completed a full 4 year residency program. Beyond that, it's great if he or she is board certified. If not, you might inquire why; board certification in our specialty is a complicated process that takes several years to complete. A recent residency graduate will likely be "board eligible" after passing the written board exam, meaning s/he hasn't had the chance to complete the oral exam yet. Board eligibility lasts 6 years, so if a doctor has been in practice for several years and is not board certified, this might be a red flag (but not always--a few years ago one of my partners completed his annual recertification a few days late, and he was technically not certified for the next 12 months).

2. Do you like the office? You will likely have as much interaction with the office staff as you will with the doctor. You want to make sure that they are pleasant on the phone and willing to help you make an easy transition into the office (sending you new patient forms in advance, getting records transferred, etc.). You also need to find an office whose hours work with yours.

3. What hospital affiliation(s) does the doctor have? This is particularly important for OB patients. If you have a specific hospital in mind for delivery, obviously you want a doctor who works there. This also goes for anyone who might need surgery. It is particularly important if your insurance plan covers different percentages at different hospitals.

4. Who covers for the doctor after hours? Even solo practitioners do not work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You want to make sure that there is a clear plan for coverage if your doctor is unavailable and that you are comfortable with the arrangement.

5. What services are available at the office? Some practices add to convenience by providing some additional services in-house, such as ultrasonography, bone density scanning, or minor surgeries.

No matter how much homework you do, you won't really know if a doctor is right for you until you have at least one office visit. Perhaps the most important part of the doctor-patient relationship is that intangible "bedside manner" thing we all talk about but no one can quantify. A good OB/Gyn is someone you can discuss the most intimate aspects of your life, though you probably won't be ready for that at the first appointment. Often patients bring to us concerns that they are unable to discuss with their best friends or spouses. If your new OB/Gyn seems squeamish or judgmental, it's time for you to move on. If you find him to be professional and concerned about your needs, you've found your new doctor!