Talk to me about switching OBs

quidditchcapn1120

A bunch of small and large things have culminated on DH and I deciding we need to switch OBs. Probably hospitals altogether. If you've done this before, please talk to me about logistics. I have a hx of complications, one which requires me to deliver at 37 to 38 weeks (I'm 33 weeks now). What do I need to do about insurance (I have a PPO)? Do I need to call them? What should I say when I call around? How do I find a specialist that is well versed in my condition? The one listed on the ICP website is not on my insurance. Anything else I need to know? DH is having surgery in the morning and I am planning on working on this while he is under to keep my mind off things.

speachey

Ask the nurses at the hospital for recommendations- that is how I found a new OB at 7 months, after moving states.

grml14

I'll be spending the entire day calling around for a new OB. Not sure how your insurance works, I plan to ask if they currently accept my insurance and I'm thinking their office will handle it from there. Good luck though! No fun having an OB you can't trust.

amt0312

With a PPO, you don't need to call insurance first, but it would be a good idea to make sure that the docs you are calling are on your insurance. Find out if they will accept you this late in the game. I bet if you call they will give you all the info on what you need to do. Good luck! My husband's cousin ended up switching to a midwife around 34 weeks, so it is possible, but she was also a totally uncomplicated pregnancy. 

EmeraldCity84

I just got referrals from friends when I switched.  The only thing that stunk about insurance was the practice that I left, instead of giving my final bill after delivery as is standard procedure, they billed me immediately the day I left.  So, I'll be hitting my deductible for 2013 AND 2014, unfortunately.  

Pinknights

I switched at 32 weeks. It was the best decision ever. I asked around for recommendations and I did research. Check that your insurance takes the new doctor and that they accept late switching patients. After that, its just some paperwork and your done! The best thing is that at the end, you see the practice more than you probably did the first.

quidditchcapn1120

Thanks for the encouragement ladies. I'm glad to know that others successfully switched late and were happy with their decision.

I have a history of a rare complication and am having symptoms of it again. At my last appointment the doctor seemed to have no clue about my history or symptoms despite seeing him the week before for an NST and bloodwork for the same problem. I also was talking to him about lack if movement and in the middle of it, he looked up from his computer and said "oh, is the baby moving ok?". It was too frustrating for words and just compounds on the small things that were bothering us.

My husband miraculously no longer needs surgery! But I will still work on this after we get out of the hospital.

WinsyWade

I switched in my last pregnancy with a PPO.  I didn't have to call insurance or anything.  I just had my medical records and that was it.  I switched because I wanted a VBA2C and my current provider was not interested in VBAC at all.  The new provider was open to it. 

As for finding a provider, ask your friends, ask on FB, ask any mom's pages/groups you might be a part of.  If you have a certain preference for care or want certain things done make sure to ask the practice if they are open to your requests before switching.

CarolinaGirl2014

I switched during second tri, and called the nurses (in l&d) at the hospital I wanted to deliver. They suggested their favorite practices, providers and even the ones they felt best suited my situation. Then I checked that list on my ins website to see who was covered. These ladies and gentleman see the best and worst of the docs, so I felt their opinion would be the best info I could get.

I should add, they are super busy so I left a brief message saying I was hoping for OB suggestions as well as a very brief explanation of my situation and prefaced with my appreciation for their time considering how much they have to do. They called back a day later and were so nice.

quidditchcapn1120

T1131 said:

I switched at 17 weeks and was a bit surprised when I started receiving co-pay bills for each visit to the previous OB.  I should have seen it coming but it never even occurred to me.  As they were not going to be paid through insurance for the delivery they billed for each separate visit, meaning I had co-pays due for any appointments with them.

I've had seven visits that I haven't paid a copay for but my copy's are $15, so it should be around $105 if they do that, which I'm sure they will. I guess that will help use up my flex spending!