Your Checklist

Choosing a Doctor

Your Checklist
Choosing a Doctor

Your
doctor is going to be your best friend for the next forty weeks, so
choose wisely.

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?