If you are like most ladies, you probably find it hard to reveal your most intimate body parts and life to a doctor. Even if you are excited about having a baby, finding an ObGyn or obstetrician/gynecologist can feel like an overwhelming task. However, you and your baby’s health comes first if you are pregnant. So, among the many obgyns in Columbus Ohio, how do you find the right one? Here are a few things you can do:
Get Referrals
The first things you may want to do is to ask your primary practitioner for a referral list. Friends, loved ones and other health care specialist are ideally a good source of recommendations. Take some time to research the obgyns’ experience and credentials. As you narrow down the list, contact each obgyn’s office and ask for an appointment for an interview.
Research the ObGyn’s Credentials
One of the most crucial considerations when picking an ObGyn is board certification. It proves that the practitioner has the skills, training and experience needed to provide obstetric and gynecologic care. Ideally, confirm that the doctor has no history of disciplinary actions or malpractice claims. You can find the practitioners medical school, certifications, training hospital and history on state websites.
Consider the ObGyns Experience
When facing a complicated gynecologic issue or a high-risk pregnancy, experience is vital. The more experience the ObGyn has with a particular procedure or condition, the higher the chances of good results. Additionally, some ObGyns in Columbus Ohio focus on obstetrics, while others work exclusively on gynecology. Ask how many patients the doctor has worked on and if you require a specific procedure, ensure you inquire how many of the procedures they have performed. Find out the complication rates as well.
Research The Quality of The Hospital
Your ObGyn’s hospital is your hospital. As such, you should look at the quality of care at the hospital before you settle for a particular doctor. The quality of a medical center matters a lot as top-rated hospitals rarely have complications cases. Also, consider whether the location of the hospital is important to you. Regular visits to the ObGyn means that you need a convenient location.
Go Through The Patient Satisfaction Surveys
Reading what previous patients have to say regarding an ObGyn can give insight into how they practice medicine. Patient satisfaction surveys generally ask individuals regarding their experience with office friendliness, scheduling appointments, office environment and wait times. You can learn how well others trust the practitioner, how much time they spend with each patient and how well they address questions.
Assess The Communication Style
Given how sensitive pregnancy can be, it is important that you pick an ObGyn that you’re comfortable speaking to and supports your information requirements. When you first meet the doctor, make a query and take note of how they respond. Does he or she answer it in a manner you can comprehend? Find a doctor who has an interest in getting to know you, respects your decision-making process and will consider your preferences in regards to treatment.
Know What Your Health Insurance Covers
Your health coverage is a big issue. To get the most benefits from your policy and pay the least amount of money from your pockets, ensure you pick an ObGyn that participates in your plan. However, you should still consider experience, credentials, hospital quality and outcomes.
The Gender
It is ideally vital that you feel comfortable with the ObGyn’s gender as you will be openly discussing sensitive information. Consider whether gender matters to you and if you feel awkward or inhibited in front of an obstetrician/gynecologist of a particular gender. At the same time, do not deny yourself the best care due to the practitioner’s gender.
These are the most important things to consider if you want to have the best out of the many ObGyns in Columbus Ohio.