The Top Questions To Ask Before Choosing A New Obstetrics Practice
Do you need to find a new obstetrics practice? Whether this is your first pregnancy, you're new to the area, or you just want to switch obstetricians, take a look at the questions to ask before you choose a new doctor.
What Insurance Do You Take?
This practical question is an absolute necessity. Even though you may have found the perfect OB, if the practice doesn't accept your insurance, you need to continue the search. Review your coverage and ask your insurer which practices are in-network and out-of-network. An out-of-network doctor will cost you more in uncovered costs than in-network practices.
While the out-of-network costs may not seem major, consider the number of times you'll need to see the doctor and other associated costs. Between nine months of visits, diagnostic testing, and the labor and delivery, you could end up with thousands of dollars in bills from an uncovered or out-of-network provider.
Who Will Deliver Your Baby?
Will the OB you choose to deliver your baby or will the practice send whoever is available? If consistent care is important to you, ask if you can see one doctor—and only that doctor. In some cases, it's not possible to guarantee a specific doctor at delivery. An unexpected complication or multiple mothers in labor at the same time may make it difficult for your doctor to attend the delivery.
What Hospital Do You Use for Deliveries?
Do you have a preferred hospital or need to choose one that your insurance company approves? Even though the doctor is on the in-network provider list, the hospital may not accept your insurance. Make sure you are covered for the labor, delivery, and any other hospital care you may need.
If the insurance does cover the hospital bills (in-network), the next step is to make sure you feel comfortable with the hospital environment. Many hospitals offer maternity care tours. Take a tour, talk to your doctor about the delivery, and make an informed decision.
What Is Your Childbirth Philosophy?
Are you on the same page as your potential OB? Childbirth is an intensely personal experience. If you have a specific birth plan in mind, make sure the doctor agrees with your ideas. Unless you have medically inaccurate information or your plan endangers your delivery, the doctor's ideas should mesh with yours.
This may mean the doctor will help you to have a natural birth or that they will offer pain reduction alternatives. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or anticipate complications, the doctor should feel comfortable with (and have experience) with these types of deliveries.
From the insurance information to your delivery day plan, discuss every aspect of pregnancy and childbirth with your would-be doctor. The answers to these questions will help you to find the just-right obstetrician for your needs. Have a peek at this site for more information about obstetrics.
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