Baby names, stroller brands, nursery themes… the list of decisions can seem endless when you're expanding your family. One of the most important is choosing the right obstetrician.
Fortunately, there are questions you can ask yourself and potential providers to ensure you find the perfect match. At The Healthy Woman OB/GYN offices in Snellville and Lawrenceville, Georgia, and our primary care locations in Lawrenceville and Atlanta, Georgia, our highly skilled providers can help with all of your healthcare needs.
Also known as OBs, obstetricians deliver specialized support for women during preconception, pregnancy, childbirth, and for several weeks postpartum. They provide routine care and can diagnose and address any complications that may arise. Many obstetricians are gynecologists, too, and also treat a wide range of women’s health services outside of pregnancy.
While selecting an OB can feel overwhelming, having a set of criteria to consider can help successfully narrow the search. These include:
Research a potential doctor online to learn more. Determine their credentials, specialties, education, and number of years in practice. Read patient reviews and ask friends and family.
Consider the size of the practice and number of doctors. Where the practice is located and how long it will take to get there from home or work is another thing to think about. What are the parking and public transportation options?
For people with health insurance, a good first step is to identify the type of plan and the doctors who participate in it. It's a good idea to call the doctor's office to confirm whether they take a particular insurance. If you’re interested in using a doctor who’s out of network, you should determine the difference in cost to avoid surprises later.
Ask about the process of getting in touch with the doctor outside of office hours. Determine if they have an online patient portal and what kind of response time to expect when you have questions.
Typically doctors have privileges at specific hospitals. Anyone planning a hospital birth should research and determine if they have a preference and then confirm that the OB can deliver there.
If you have a specific health issue like diabetes or another medical condition that would make a pregnancy high-risk, or if you had a previous pregnancy with a complication, you should be extra diligent when selecting an OB and may require a specialist.
Before committing to an OB, try to determine if they are a good philosophical match. Questions could include their thoughts on the patient writing a personal birth plan, their cesarean delivery rate, and how they feel about inducing labor after the due date.
If you are pregnant or considering pregnancy, we can partner with you on the journey to expand your family. Call The Healthy Woman at 770-809-1100 or request an appointment online today.
Whether you're having a baby, looking for routine wellness checks, or seeking to address a concern, we provide personalized treatment for a wide range of services with a consistent care team — all in a relaxed, spa-like atmosphere. We’re happy to answer your questions about finding the best doctor for you.
