Finding the Right Gynecologist for You
Most women know that searching for a great OB/GYN fit for their personal preferences and medical needs can feel like a daunting task. When searching, patients are often faced with a myriad of questions: Will I be able to find someone I’m comfortable around? Will they be able to address any concerns or questions? Will my insurance cover the practitioners who have great reviews?
We’re tackling some of these hard-to-answer questions by highlighting key traits to look for, so you can find the right doctor for you and have access to treatment options best suited for your needs.
What should I look for?
Convenience and Affordability
Convenience and ease should play a huge role in your search for an OB/GYN, especially if you’re someone who feels motivated to schedule (and attend) appointments that are nearby and work within your schedule. You can use sites like ZocDoc or WebMD to find physicians in your area. If you suffer from heavy or painful periods, you can use our ‘Find a Physician’ locator tool, too.
Affordability and coverage are two important factors to consider in addition to logistical convenience. If you’re on a health insurance plan, search for a provider that’s covered within your program, and do your research on what out-of-pocket costs might look like for you. If you are not on an insurance plan, look into health centers in your community that provide the services you need for an affordable cost, without insurance coverage.
Experience and Specialty
If you’re looking for a seasoned medical professional for peace of mind, then this is an important component to look for in your search. Alternatively, you might prefer an OB/GYN that falls within a similar age group as you, so you can have a relatable, peer-to-peer conversation about your health needs. Take a look online or look into your potential doctor’s bio on their practice website to understand how many years of experience they have, and if their specific experience aligns with what you’re looking for. In the same vein, you might also want to consider any specialties the OB/GYN has to make sure that they’re experienced in what you need; whether that’s support with fertility, uterine health, pelvic health, prenatal or pregnancy care. Practices will usually communicate these specialties on their website, or you can find out more by calling a practice you’re interested in.
Personality and Comfort Level
It’s important to use your first appointment with OB/GYN as a trial run to make sure that your personality meshes well with that of your doctor. You’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable with your OB/GYN’s approach to care, and that your needs are being addressed. If you feel hesitant to ask a question, or conversely, that your questions are met with dismissed responses, you may be better off looking for a practitioner elsewhere. Of course, it’s difficult to tell what an OB/GYN will be like until the moment you meet them in your appointment. Consider taking a look at online patient reviews before you schedule an appointment. You can also utilize neighborhood forums or social media groups to ask other women in your community which doctors they prefer.
At the end of the day, whether you’re seeking your first gynecologist or a change from a previous practitioner, the most important thing to leave your appointment with is the feeling that your voice was heard, and your needs met. Conversations addressing gynecological health symptoms can feel nerve-wracking or embarrassing to begin with, so finding a healthcare provider you feel completely comfortable with is key.
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