8 Tips for Choosing the Best Obstetrician for You
As you prepare to welcome a new member into your family, finding the right obstetrician to guide that journey is a top priority. Ideally, you’ll work with the same practitioner for your gynecology needs as well as your obstetric services. That approach allows you to work with a practitioner you already know and trust when the time comes to get pregnant.
Many women in Dunwoody, Georgia, and the greater metropolitan Atlanta area rely on the team at Dunwoody OBGYN when it comes to providing the full scope of women’s health needs. If you’re searching for highly skilled, caring, and compassionate providers, we’re here to help. Here are eight tips to help you find the right OBGYN for your unique needs.
Know which providers are in your network
If you have insurance coverage, choosing an obstetrician who is in your provider network will usually be more affordable than selecting an out-of-network practitioner. Fortunately, most insurance companies have a wide range of providers to choose from, so you’ll still have an opportunity to shop around.
Some insurance companies offer an online directory that allows you to set parameters like distance from your home. You may even be able to screen out providers who are not accepting new patients, which can save you time.
Consider the location of your specialist
While there’s nothing wrong with traveling a short distance to see an outstanding women’s health specialist, you may want to consider looking for a provider that is relatively close to your home.
As you move through the stages of pregnancy, your prenatal care visits will become more frequent. If you have to cross town every time you have an appointment, that can eat away at your precious time. Being close by is also a benefit in the event of complications or acute care visits.
Check for hospital affiliations
If you already know which hospital you prefer for your labor and delivery, be sure to check with your potential obstetrician to be sure they partner with that facility. Not all OBGYN specialists work with all hospitals, especially in a large urban area like Atlanta.
If you’re considering a home birth, be sure to ask prospective practitioners how they can help. Finding a provider who is supportive of your wishes is an essential part of a happy and healthy pregnancy.
Understand your communication preferences
Some women feel strongly about having a practitioner to whom they can feel a close connection. After all, your OBGYN works in partnership with you to navigate the phases of life, including your journey through pregnancy and motherhood.
Know your communication style and preferences. If you’re someone who needs to talk through all the options when faced with a medical decision, you’ll want to find an obstetrician who is willing to spend a bit more time with you.
Other women prefer to keep their prenatal care as quick and efficient as possible. If you’re not one to mince words or ramble, look for a provider who is also able to get down to the business at hand promptly.
Check each provider’s certifications
When it comes to women’s health specialists, the gold standard of certification is becoming a board-certified OBGYN through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). Our doctors, Alvin Sermons and Lisa Price, have completed the voluntary process through which providers demonstrate their dedication to professional excellence and become board-certified.
Board-certified OBGYNs go through rigorous training and pass written and verbal examinations to achieve certification status. They also participate in ongoing education and professional development throughout their careers.
Look for a provider who takes a holistic approach
Women’s health is not just about the physical aspects of reproduction; there is also a strong mental health component. If mental and emotional health is important to you, look for a provider who acknowledges the interconnectivity of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual parts of life.
Holistic providers still adhere to science-backed treatment and advice. They just understand that your feeling and coping mechanisms play a significant role in how your pregnancy will unfold, and are there to offer the guidance and support you need to thrive.
Be sure your provider can meet any special needs you may have
Each woman is unique and brings a distinct set of needs to her health and wellness, including during pregnancy. If you have special needs, you deserve to work with a provider who is able and willing to adapt their care to your specific circumstances.
An example is the case of women who’ve survived domestic violence or sexual assault. There are often challenges in placing trust in health providers after a traumatic event. Look for an OBGYN who understands how trauma shapes health services.
Another example is members of the transgender community. Becoming pregnant and getting essential prenatal care can be complicated for those who embrace a gender role that differs from the gender they were assigned at birth.
Finally, trust your gut
No matter how you go about finding the right obstetrician for your pregnancy journey, no advice is better than simply trusting your instincts. There are times when a provider checks off all the boxes outlined above, but you just don’t feel comfortable in their office or care.
Your health is never an area in which politeness should overrule instinct. If you don’t feel comfortable working with a practitioner, you shouldn’t feel bad about looking for someone else. OBGYNs are people just like everyone else, and there is a fit for virtually every set of needs.
When you’re ready to begin searching for a top quality obstetrician, the team at Dunwoody OBGYN hopes you will stop by and sit down with us to learn more about how we approach pregnancy and childbirth services. You can reach out online or by phone to schedule an appointment.