Would you consider getting a new doctor?

misses625

I've heard very mixed opinions about my OB since I started seeing him last September.  I had to get a new OB because my other one retired.  My friends who are L&D nurses LOVE him.  They think he's the nicest guy, great doctor, etc.  I've heard from two girls that he was unprofessional with them.  One girl told me about her friend who went in for her check-up after having a baby, her newborn had died shortly after birth, and my OB asked her about the baby.  She started crying and my OB apologized.  I don't think he delivered the baby.  It was a weird situation.  Another girl told me that she went in for her first prenatal appointment and he only spent like 5 minutes with her.  She thought he was really fast and uncaring. 

Personally, I think he's more professional than personable.  However, when I had a problem (bleeding at 19 weeks), it was like he snapped into gear.  He called me on my cell phone to check on me.  At my appointments, he is a little quick, but if I have questions he stops what he's doing and gives me the time I need.  

I don't know what to do.  I definitely don't have a "connection" with him like I did with my previous OB.  He doesn't measure me at all my appointments, either, which is something I thought was supposed to be done all the time.  

I just wonder if he really IS a good doctor and if maybe I should have switched before now.  What would you do? 

Molls&B-rye

Stay where you are for now, if you decide after 6wk check up to switch then go for it.  He sounds good to me. I don't see any major conflict to switch.  I know how you feel though its hard to find the type of Dr you are looking for. 

Bellisimo

No, I don't see a reason for switching.  My OB didn't measure me everytime...especially in the third tri.  What has he done/not done that makes you want to switch??

misses625

He hasn't done anything to ME personally to make me want to switch.  He's always been nice and I haven't had any issues - except the measuring thing.  I thought he was supposed to do that all the time and was concerned that I wasn't getting the care I needed.  It's just the stories I've heard that concern me.

Goose51504

At this point, no. I mean, he's already talking induction for you, so your pregnancy is almost over. You might night be able to find a new OB in the next week (that's accepting new patients), so why risk delivering with a random at the hospital.

If you want to make the switch, just do so after your 4-6 week appt. I would recommend sticking with him through then, since he knows your medical history.

Bedside manner cannot be taught. Some doctors have it; some don't. However, if he's professional and answers all of your questions, I wouldn't worry. There are three doctors at my practice and I definitely have my favorite. However, I don't think anything less of the others b/c they're not as personable.

And, the measurement thing, at this point, isn't a big deal. I wouldn't stress about it until you're measuring super ahead or behind. And, if it really bothers you, speak up. You have a right to question anything they do/don't do.

LittleMamaB

I'm with the others. I wouldn't switch this late in the game especially since you haven't had any problems with him yourself. I would just wait it out and see how I felt after the 6 week check-up.

Bellisimo

misses625:

He hasn't done anything to ME personally to make me want to switch.  He's always been nice and I haven't had any issues - except the measuring thing.  I thought he was supposed to do that all the time and was concerned that I wasn't getting the care I needed.  It's just the stories I've heard that concern me.

In that case then, no, I certainly wouldn't switch...especially this late in the game.  The truth is, you'll hear complaints about ANY and ALL doctors by someone who thinks their Dr. didn't do things the way they wanted them done or the way they think things should have been done.  Unless there's been some gross negligence or his bedside manner sucks balllls then I wouldn't switch.  The two instances that you described above don't sound like valid reasons for switching or thinking he's not a good Dr.  The thing about people's opinions of Dr.s is that they should be taken with a grain of salt.  That's why it's not advisable to choose a Dr. based on these online Dr. rating sites.  People who weren't prescribed a med that they wanted or thought they needed, or people who didn't get what they wanted the way they wanted it or when they wanted it will complain for no good reason!  Doesn't mean the Dr. is at fault or is not a good physician.  You said he called you on your cell to follow up earlier in your preg. when you were spotting right?  That says A LOT about him.  My own OB has never once done that during either of my pregs with complications and she's a friend of mine and my husband!  Sounds like your OB goes out of his way and is caring enough to put forth extra effort.  Stick with him!

littlemermaid

I wouldn't switch now since you personally have not had any issues with him.  And the 2 cases you did talk about really did not put up any red flags for me that he is incompetent.  You will never find 100% great feedback on any doctor since everyone has a different idea of what a "good" doctor is.  If you are concerned about him not measuring you at every appointment then why don't you just ask him why he isn't measuring you.