Group practice or independent OB?

canesbaby · August 2009

Which do you have? I go to a group practice, because it was highly recommended by girls on my local nest board. I didn't realize how the group practices work until Thursday... I will see each of the doctors at least once throughout my pregnancy (there are a bunch), and then whichever doctor is on-call when I go into labor is the one that will deliver my baby. I'm not sure how I feel about this yet. I know two of the doctors so far and would be happy with either of them being there, but what if there are ones I don't like?

Are there other Pros/Cons to group or independent OBs?

AMYfromKY · August 2009

I go to a group and have met most of the Drs. I like that I can meet them all and get their opinions on things. I have one Dr in the practice that is my actual gyn and she said if I ever get confused by something I can always request that she call me.

I know one OB can't always be at the hospital delivering babies so if you go to an independent one and he isn't there you will probably get a Dr that is on call at the hospital anyway. That's what happened to my mom and she had never met the lady.

AMYfromKY · August 2009

Mrs-Mac:
I go to group pracice and I am very happy with it. I have met several of the OB's already and they are all great. I like that since there are so many, it is very easy for me to get an appointment if a complication does come up.

That's a very good point. If I have a concern or problem I am always in to see a Dr within 6 hours.

kelcat · August 2009

I go to a group practice, but only have one dr. They all work together, but I will only be seeing my dr and the Nurse Practicioner. When it comes time to deliver my dr will deliver unless it is a holiday or she is out of town.

canesbaby · August 2009

I hadn't thought about that- definitely a pro!

TMDMJAOCT07 · August 2009

I go to a group practice - there are several doctors on staff, and 5 of which deliver. The first few appointments, was recommened that I see the same doctor, then starting at week 16 or 20, to start meeting the rest of the doctors. I've heard great things about all of them - this office came highly recommended to me. I was also told that when it comes to the weekly visits and internal exams again that I can stick with who ever I am most comfortable with, and same for the 6 week follow up.

As for an independent doctor, I'm not sure about how I feel about that, from what I've read, there is no guarantee that they are the one that delivers. That they share duties with other offices and you could end up with somebody you've never met. I could be wrong, on that one though. I don't have personal experience with an independent office.

homebird · August 2009

I go to a group practice. I will only be seeing one doctor, but it's nice that there are multiple doctors/times available if complications arrive.

bubbles1233 · August 2009

I am with a group practice. I think that it is good to at least have meet the doctors who will deliver my baby if my doctor is not available. The con of an independent OB is that you have no idea who will deliver your baby if your OB is not available or delivering another baby. At least with a group practice you can meet the other doctors. My friend is with an independent OB and he is going out of town the week before her due date, so if she goes into labor early she will just get an on call doctor at the hospital. (She is due in a month and just found out that her OB will be on vacation at her last appointment.)

jenfurleigh · August 2009

I liked the idea of an independent OB but then was reminded that if that dr is delivering another baby at the time or is out of town, I my delivery would likely be handled by a dr I have never met before. So I chose a group practice and am seeing all 3 dr's so that I will know them all when the time comes.

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