Choosing a Doctor
Posted by admin on Monday, November 10, 2008 · Leave a Comment
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Your Checklist
Choosing a Doctor
Your doctor is going to be your best friend for the next forty weeks, so choose wisely. Follow these steps when choosing a doctor:
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Your Checklist
Choosing a Doctor
Your doctor is going to be your best friend for the next forty weeks, so choose wisely. Follow these steps when choosing a doctor:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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?
- 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?
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