Your Checklist
Choosing a Doctor

1. If you don’t have a referral, check the phone book or online local listings for doctors in your area; be sure to take into consideration the approximate travel times to get to the offices from your home and most importantly, from your job.
2. Consider what kind of patient experience you want; some doctors will  work with you in the decision-making process and talk to you about your options—others prefer to tell you to take the path they consider best without much discussion.
3. Will you see the same doctor for your entire pregnancy or is it a group practice? What if your doctor is not available for your delivery? Does your doctor have any pre-planned vacations or other engagements one month before or after your delivery date?
4. Make an appointment with multiple doctors—this is the trial and error period. This will give you a chance to meet the doctors without having them treat you.
5. Evaluate your experience—did the doctor make you and your partner feel comfortable? Did the doctor’s personality sit right with you? Are the hours convenient for you?
6. Talk with your insurance company; be sure to check coverage and out of pocket expenses for many different services; are phone consultations billed differently than physical visits? What happens if the birth is past business hours? Or a C-section is required?