How Do You Choose the Right OBGYN? (2024)

For some women, finding an OBGYN feels like a rite of passage. It is such an important step to take for a woman’s health, and today wants to answer this question: How do you choose the right OBGYN?

What is an OBGYN?

An OBGYN provides a range of services related to women’s reproductive health, including routine gynecological exams, prenatal care, childbirth, family planning, menopause management, and treatment for conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and infertility.

Choosing the Right Doctor

There are many factors to consider individually when choosing an OBGYN, such as your goals towards treatment, whether or not you’re family planning, or if you have any special conditions. You can find our list of providers here, along with their descriptions. Here are some other great tips for choosing:

• Ask for Recommendations: Start by asking your friends, your primary care physician, family members, and other healthcare professionals for their personal recommendations. The people who know you best can help to provide accurate insights, through personal experience or professional knowledge.

• Research Credentials: Look for OBGYNs who are board-certified and have the necessary credentials and training in obstetrics and gynecology. One good place to start is with multi-practitioner practices like our own, with multiple vetted doctors. You can also check medical board websites or professional organizations if it helps your state of mind.

• Consider Experience and Specialization: Consider the OBGYN’s experience and whether or not they specialize in areas relevant to your needs, such as high-risk pregnancy, fertility issues, or further gynecological conditions.

• Evaluate Communication Style: With an OBGYN, you should be comfortable communicating openly and honestly. They should effectively listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and involve you in decision-making about your healthcare. Consider the gender of your doctor, if there is one you’d feel more comfortable with.

• Assess Office Location and Hours: Consider the location of your OBGYN’s office. We’re lucky to have multiple offices in the Mid-South area to accommodate as many patients as possible. You can choose the location that works best for your means of travel and route.

• Look Over Patient Reviews: Read online reviews and testimonials from previous patients to learn about their experiences with their OBGYN. While individual reviews will always vary, they can provide you with valuable insights into the doctor’s bedside manner, professionalism, and quality of care.

• Evaluate Hospital Affiliations: Find out which hospitals and birthing centers your OBGYN is affiliated with and whether they have the privilege to deliver babies at those facilities.

• Consider Insurance Coverage: Check whether the OBGYN accepts your health insurance plan and whether they are in-network providers. Some plans cover your annual visit. This also helps if you have unexpected out-of-pocket expenses in the future.

• Schedule an Appointment: Once you’ve narrowed down your options, schedule your appointment with us. You can meet them in person, ask questions, and assess your comfort level.

• Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, you know best what kind of provider works for you. In our practice, we can ensure that you’re in the hands of the very best.

FAQs

We’d like to address more questions you may have about this process of choosing a provider.

Q: How often should I see my OBGYN for routine check-ups?

The frequency of your visits to your OBGYN will, of course, depend on your age, medical history, and other individual health needs. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to have an annual well-woman exam, though pregnant women or those with other concerns will probably require more frequent visits.

Q: What should I do if I have an urgent issue outside of your regular office hours?

If you have an issue that is considered an emergency, you should either seek urgent care or the emergency department. However, you can also call our office to speak with an after-hours provider, who may be able to provide clarity for non-emergency situations.

Q: What are some questions I should ask during my initial consultation?
This will depend on the reason for your visit, but some good key questions are:

• What are your areas of specialization?
• What is your approach to prenatal care and childbirth?
• How do you handle emergencies or complications during pregnancy or delivery?
• What is your stance on topics like natural childbirth, pain management, or cesarean sections?

You can also address any specific points of anxiety you may have. Remember that communication is key, and our doctors are here to listen to you and provide you with individualized care.

The Highest Standards of Service

In all of our locations, MOGA is committed to setting itself apart for the level of excellence we provide our patients, regardless of age or situation. If you would like to visit one of our providers, you can contact us for more information.

Posted by Memphis Obstetrics & Gynecological Association, P.C.

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