The question of how to pick the right gynecologist for your situation is a very personal one. No one person’s medical history and situation is exactly like another’s. So, while a particular gynecologist might work for one person, he or she might not work for you.
When researching gynecologists, it can feel overwhelming at times with all of the various options in your area. It doesn’t have to be that way though. So, how do you pick the right gynecologist that makes you comfortable, gives you great medical care, and eases your mind about such intimate matters?
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a gynecologist:
1. Consider the Gynecologist’s Experience
This might seem obvious, but how much experience a gynecologist has over the years is extremely significant to choosing the right doctor for your situation. The doctor’s educational history is important. However, even more so is what they’ve done post-school.
The more experience a doctor has with a particular procedure or condition, the better your care is likely to be. If you are concerned about a particular issue, ask how many patients the gynecologist has treated for this particular condition and how long have they been practicing gynecology. Along with their experience, are they board-certified? Are they specialized in any particular areas of gynecology? Have they received any awards within the medical community?
For example, here at All Care Medical Centers, Dr. Doris Nessetti has received many awards and been published in scientific sources for her research on uterine transplant in sheep and other animal models.
2. Research Hospital Privileges
If you need to have a procedure done in the hospital or be admitted for a gynecological issue, are you comfortable with the hospital where your doctor has privileges? Is that hospital in-network with your insurance? Is the hospital in a convenient location for you and your family? How are the reviews of that hospital?
All of these questions are important to take into consideration when assessing your doctor’s hospital. Ultimately, your doctor’s hospital will become your hospital when it comes to gynecological issues.
3. Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Insurance can be a huge headache when trying to find a doctor and hospital in-network. It is important to understand what your particular health insurance plan does or does not cover with preventative care.
Once you think you have picked the right gynecologist for your situation, check with your insurance provider to make sure they are in-network. Then read through your plan’s benefits so that you can receive the most insurance benefits with the lowest out-of-pocket cost to you.
4. Read Reviews
Patient reviews give helpful, insider insight into a doctor. Generally, reviews contain great information about a patient’s experience with the office itself, scheduling appointments, wait times, the doctor’s demeanor, openness to questions, and average time spent with a patient.
Online reviews can give you this information. However, another great source of reviews is actually referrals from friends, family, and your local community. Word-of-mouth can be a powerful tool in finding an excellent gynecologist.
By talking to other patients of the doctor, you can get their personal experience and ask them questions about the doctor’s personality, bedside manner, experience, and more. If your friend loved her gynecologist, chances are it is for a good reason, and she’ll tell you why.
5. Ask Questions
Once you have narrowed down your choice of gynecologists to a particular doctor, start making a list of questions that you want to ask the office staff prior to scheduling your first appointment. These questions can help you understand how this gynecologist runs his or her practice and pick the right gynecologist for you.
Some examples might be:
- How long has the doctor been practicing gynecology?
- At follow-up appointments, who will I see?
- Does the doctor specialize in any particular areas of gynecology?
- Do you have experience with high-risk patients?
6. Evaluate Communication Style
At your first appointment, you will get a great feel for how your doctor operates and their communication style. Do they greet you in a genuine manner? Are they friendly? Do they look you in the eye or keep their eyes on a computer screen for the entire appointment?
In addition, consider how the doctor responds to your questions. Does he or she seem to welcome them and give you answers, or are you left with a feeling that you are annoying them by asking questions?
It really is important to find a doctor who allows you to ask all of your questions, regardless of how simple they might seem. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to the doctor or asking questions, you won’t be able to fully disclose your personal health concerns when they arise.
Ready to Book an Appointment?
The question of “how to pick the right gynecologist” becomes easier to answer if you consider the above seven factors in your search. If you are looking for a gynecologist and believe that Dr. Doris Nessetti would be a great fit for you, let’s find you an appointment! She is currently accepting new patients.
