Women often associate OB-GYNs with pregnancy. But the fact is, even if you’re single, expecting, or even non-sexually active, you should definitely have an OB-GYN you can trust. Thankfully, more and more women are becoming aware of the importance of having an OB-GYN. For example, OB-GYNs in Pleasant Grove, UTÂ have been actively elevating women’s health through decades of specialization in the field. But picking a doctor for so intimate a concern isn’t always so simple. The best way to find the right doctor for you is to ask the right questions. And most of these defining questions are so simple that they may even be easy to overlook.
1. Are they covered by your HMO?
Many doctors nowadays are covered by health care providers. But not all HMO’s are partnered with every doctor. The best way to find out is to call their clinic and ask if the OB-GYN you wish to see is a partner of your HMO. For check-ups with the OB-GYN, some tests may need to be done. And while those tests are often just standard procedure, they can be hefty if you’re not covered.
2. How many specialty cases have they been successful in?
This, of course, pertains to the patients they have helped throughout their practice. These can include helping with fertility or successfully managing complicated births. It can also mean helping diagnose conditions like PCOS (Polycysticovarian Syndrome) or the like. The more complex cases the doctor has been a part of, the more likely he or she is to have a wider grasp of the many needs of a patient.
3. Read their body language.
The way that a doctor interacts with their patients, whether it’s a more formal demeanor or a more casual bedside manner, can set the tone for how well you’ll be able to communicate. The better you are able to speak with your physician, the better he or she can get a grasp of what you need and how to treat you.
4. Research the hospitals they’re affiliated with.
Your OB-GYN will most likely be affiliated with a hospital or, at least, a clinic. The practices and services these institutions provide can also shape how your doctor can treat you. If you are looking for a specialized tool or technology, it might only be available at certain places. See if you are more interested in a specialty service or a doctor’s expertise, then this criterion can help you decide which practitioner you should visit. This also lets you determine the distance the doctor or the service is from you. This will play a big factor if you’re going to be visiting frequently since commuting will certainly affect your schedule and budget.
5. How open are they to patient preferences?
You might want to use non-traditional approaches like a doula or herbal medication, and not all medical doctors are open to that. Ask your doctor right off the bat if they are flexible to any ideas you might have, as well as any philosophies you have. They may very well be able to marry their philosophies with yours, after all.
Women’s health awareness and success rates are increasing thanks to the growing number of OB-GYNs joining the medical field. This is a promising fact, as not only will more specialized doctors help lessen female mortality rates but also help spread a culture of women’s healthcare being a norm. Choosing an OB-GYN is the first step you and your loved ones should take to safeguard your health. Whether you visit them often or just for your annual check-up, finding a doctor who respects and understands your needs is the key.
