Your OB/GYN sees you through all of life’s changes. From puberty to pregnancy, through menopause and beyond, you need a trusted provider who can help you navigate these seasons with skill, sensitivity, and compassion.
Choosing the right OB/GYN is important for your overall health. Here are three tips to help you select the right provider for your needs.
Start by focusing on convenience
Start with the big picture, and then fill in the details. While the doctor’s bedside manner and interactions with you are important details, you can make your search easier by first narrowing it down to location, hospital network, and insurance. Choose a practice with a convenient location so you don’t find yourself driving long distances when you might not be feeling well or if you are pregnant. Find out in advance if the doctor you would like to see accepts your insurance plan.
Make sure the OB/GYN you choose is associated with the best hospital network near you. Consider where you’ll deliver your baby if you plan to have one or where you’ll have any major procedure you may need, such as a hysterectomy.
Consider your preferences
When choosing and visiting an OB/GYN, your comfort level should be honored. Personal preferences that add to your comfort, such as whether your provider is male or female and if they have a private practice or are part of a bigger medical group, are important details to consider. If you have a busy schedule, a larger group offers easier access to appointments. If you prefer seeing the same OB/GYN every visit, a smaller group or single physician office best aligns with your preferences.
This is also where the provider’s communication style and bedside manner come into play. Find someone who makes you feel supported and at ease, whether it’s for your annual well-woman visit, an outpatient procedure, or the birth of your baby.
Physician, midwife, or both
Decide whether you’re more comfortable with a physician or a midwife for your ongoing care. Many practices already have midwives in their group who work with the physicians. Many midwives are advanced practitioners (APRNs) who can perform well-woman exams and see patients with varying needs.
A midwife is a specialized medical professional who partners with a woman during their prenatal, labor and delivery, and postnatal processes. They’re experts in breastfeeding, delivery, personalized birth plan development, preconception options, family planning, pregnancy nutrition, and prenatal testing. Midwives deeply understand a woman’s physical and emotional changes during pregnancy and beyond.
Whether you prefer to see a physician or a midwife, AdventHealth for Women is honored to have many of each on our dynamic team whose mission is to serve you. Many OB/GYN practices now offer both physicians and midwifery care.
Find an OB/GYN
In addition to exceptional services, AdventHealth offers one-on-one guidance for your healthcare journey. Women’s Health Navigation is a team of specially trained registered nurses who provide expert, personalized clinical assistance and educational, emotional, and spiritual support. This complimentary service includes:
- Finding an OB/GYN (physician, midwife, and specialist) that accepts your insurance
- Answers to your health care questions
- Assistance with scheduling annual office visits and screenings
- Coordinated care among multiple providers and facilities
- Resources and support for you and your family
Whatever your concerns and health needs, know you’re not alone. Ask an expert who knows you and can provide trusted advice. To get connected, visit FindMyNewOBGYN.com.
