Megs&Nick, gimbal or anyone else who switched

little-peanut

OBs mid-pregnancy.  I am now debating what I should do.  I am starting to think my OBs are taking the health of my baby too lightly.

My last pregnancy with Griffin was so uneventful and uncomplicated that I never expected to have issues with this one.  I know I haven't had to deal with most of the issues that some ladies on this board have had to go through, but its still frustrating when your drs aren't taking things seriously.

I have been seeing my fam prac (with a specialty in fertility) since day one to monitor my progesterone since I had a hormone study done the month I ended up getting pg and it showed alarmingly low levels of estrogen and progesterone.  My OBs have been fine with him doing so and I guess have trusted that he would do the right thing.

Well, now after the mess this past week dealing with my OBs not being concerned about the low levels of progesterone, I am really debating to leave the practice.  Over the past few weeks I have begun to realize that my fam prac has been more concerned about me and the health of this baby.  I can't even count the number of time he has called here (he's even given me his cell number!).  I have not even spoken to a dr at my OBs office during this whole fiasco!  I am prepared to go into my appt on Monday with a strongly worded speech and get this all out on the table.  If I don't get the answers I want to hear I am prepared to put my care into the hands of Tri-State Maternal and Fetal Medicine.

So, I guess the reason for this way-too-long post was, how do I go about switching practices if that is what I decide to do?  I am worried this process will be complicated and painful.

Also, if you have experience with Tri-state maternal and fetal medicine, please feel free to share with me.  I'd love to hear more about it!

Thanks ladies!

Superchicy

I switched mid-pregnancy, it was pretty simple.  I made an appointment with the OB I wanted to switch to and they requested all of my records (which took a while to get from my previous OB).  You might want to get something from your family practice doctor that shows the things you are concerned about to take with you, then you can gauge how the new OB might handle things with some documentation in hand.  Overall though, the process was really simple for me.  Oh, make sure if you've already paid money toward your birth with the original OB you talk to them about getting your money back. GL!  Switching was the best thing I did and I love my new practice.

ETA:  My records were not there when I had my first appt even though I had requested them like 3 weeks prior, so that's why I would suggest your own documentation of your concerns.  My previous OB really dragged their feet transferring my records.

cops_wife

I did not switch my first pregnancy despite considering it several times, and I really regret it. I really think that if you're unhappy with the care you're getting, you should make a switch now.

stillwaiting12

I'm no help with switching, but I called Tri State MFMs before I got pregnant this time because I Was wanting to see them alongside my OB. They wouldn't see me unless I had a referral. So, your family dr may give that to you, but be prepared to get that. I also suggest asking for your records so you can take them with you.

gimbal

Wow, I guess I have some catching up to do.  Sorry things have gotten stressful for you and your current practice isn't handling things so well.  You know how I feel about that practice...

Switching (with both DD at 35 weeks and DS at 16 weeks) was pretty easy as far as medical care was concerned.  I just made my next appointment with the new practices instead of sticking with the same one.

Unfortunately for you, I found it was actually easier to switch when I was pregnant with DD because the practice you'd be switching from liked to make life difficult once I left them.  With DD I got a copy of my records at my last appointment with the practice and there were absolutely no billing issues.  When I switched practices while pregnant with DS, on the other hand, it took about six weeks and multiple calls from my new practice and myself to get them to finally send my records.  Also, they changed all the billing for all the appointments I'd had with them.  Suddenly I owed them $115 instead of them owing me $25.  That took months to straighten out.  They really, really didn't want to admit they were wrong.  Luckily, my insurance company fought for me.

I'm so glad I switched.  My current doctor's partner left the practice, so it's just the one doctor again.  There's no answering service for the evenings and weekends; you call his cell phone.  I've only been to his office out by me, but he has an office at Christ Hospital.  Let me know if you want his info.  Some people probably wouldn't like him since he has the personality of a doorknob and is very willing to induce (although I doubt he'd force the issue).  Personally, I've been very happy with him. 

gimbal

I forgot to mention that I had a consult with MFM while I was pregnant with DD, but they decided I should stick with a "regular" practice.  I was impressed with them, but since my case wasn't that out of the ordinary I really do agree I didn't need to stick with them.  I have heard wonderful things about them, though.

identicaltwins2be

:::butting in:::

I didn't switch practices but I went through a phase where I felt I should have been seeing an MFM during my twin pregnancy.  I felt that my doctor was a little too lax but when I called the MFM practice they said I needed a referral.  I'm sure my doc would have given me one but instead I talked to him about my concerns and I stuck with him until the end and I'm glad I did.  No point other than be prepared to get a referral and I wish you luck!!

:::butting out:::