A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in women’s reproductive health. You might see a gynecologist, otherwise known as an OBGYN, for medical issues like periods, pregnancy, menopause, and more.
Choosing a gynecologist isn’t something you do overnight. When it comes to a woman’s health, you only want the best gynecologist in your area. With lots of options for a gynecologist, what are the criteria for choosing the best one?
If you’re looking for a gynecologist, here are 10 factors you need to consider before making your choice.
1. Credentials
One of the most important aspects of seeking a gynecologist is their credentials. Where did they receive their education, practice their residency, or work in the past? Have they had their licenses revoked or suspended, and are there any medical malpractice suits against them?
Gynecologists will have their degrees and licenses displayed in their offices. They should also be a board-certified gynecologist as well. To see their credentials, simply do some online research or call the office.
2. Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage will make a difference in the gynecologist you choose. Many insurance companies will have providers for you to choose from, often called tiers. This will narrow down your choices, but it will be less expensive to select a gynecologist from one of their tiers.
If you’re unsure whether or not a specific gynecologist accepts your insurance coverage, you can usually find out by visiting the gynecologist’s website or calling your insurance company.
3. Reviews
Reading online reviews of gynecologists will give you a good picture of their services, personality, and general experience. One of the best ways to find a great gynecologist is to ask your friends and family for references and reviews. If they have a specific provider they love, ask them about their experience.
When reading reviews online, make sure they’re unbiased or on doctor review websites. Gynecologists who have their practice may have positive reviews on their websites. Look for all different types of reviews to get a broader picture.
4. Experience With Gynecology
Along with their credentials, you’ll want to know the gynecologist’s experience in the field, especially if you’re searching for a doctor who understands your condition. These can be issues like high-risk pregnancy, cancers, disorders, and more.
Knowing how long the gynecologist has practiced can help you make that decision as well. A gynecologist who’s been in practice for several years with lots of experience may understand the treatment you need, especially if they specialize in one area.
5. Hospital Affiliations
All doctors are affiliated with hospitals. This means they perform surgeries, see patients, or deliver babies at a handful of hospitals in the area.
Hospital affiliations are going to be a deciding factor in choosing a gynecologist. It matters because of the reputation of the hospital, whether they’re in your insurance network and proximity to the location.
6. Billing
Even if you have insurance, you’ll likely be responsible for some type of payment upon care. How does the gynecologist’s office handle OBGYN medical billing, and how do you pay for your services? Is it one the day of the appointment, or do they have payment options?
Billing questions are important with insurance, but even more so for self-pay patients. If you’re self-pay, make sure you understand all the financial information you need to before paying for any services.
7. Location
If you find an amazing gynecologist, but they’re a long distance from you, is it worth it to you to travel there? If not, you might want to look for a gynecologist that’s in closer proximity to you, especially if you’ll be frequenting their office regularly.
You’ll also want to know logistics like parking. Some gynecologists’ offices are located in hospital buildings and may be extremely difficult to find or park nearby. If you’re concerned about walking distance or parking, ask the staff the best and easiest way to find and access the office.
8. Service Provided
While some gynecologists are called OB/Gyns, this doesn’t mean all gynecologists carry that title. OBs or obstetricians, deal with pregnancy matters, while gynecologists focus on the reproductive system. If you’re searching for a provider who specializes in both, you’ll want to search for an OB/Gyn, and not simply a gynecologist.
Many gynecologists are obstetricians as well, and if you’re planning on getting pregnant, you’ll want to look for an OB/GYN. To know if the provider you’re seeing is an OB/Gyn, just look for the title after their name.
9. Male or Female?
Most gynecologists are overwhelmingly female, but a small percentage is male. If having a male or female gynecologist is important to you keep that in mind as you continue your search. A gynecologist is a very personal physician, and so it’s vital that you feel comfortable discussing personal information about sexuality and reproductive health with them.Â
10. Schedule a Consultation
Once you find a gynecologist that you think will work for you, schedule a consultation. Reading information about them is only half the battle of choosing. When you schedule a consultation, you’ll meet them personally, be able to ask questions, and get a feel for their personality and behavior.
Time spent during a consultation can offset the awkwardness of a first appointment and help you narrow down your choices.
Choosing a Gynecologist for You
Choosing a gynecologist is no easy task! But putting in the extra work to find someone that you feel comfortable and connect with, while having impressive credentials will help you be on your way to the best health you can achieve.
Do you want to learn more about how to stay healthy? Visit our Health page today for more tips and tricks!