OB vs Hospital

TRS48 · December 2013

I need some advice, I am being released from my specialist to an OB and I am undecided about where to go next. Before my specialist, I went to an OB that I loved, but the hospital she is affiliated with I absolutely DESPISE. Its a well known hospital "chain" but in a sketchy part of town about 20 minutes away with horrible construction all around it- detour signs all over the parking lot, everything- its a mess. I had surgery there and it was not a good experience getting in & out. I worry about this issue not only for myself/DH but also for our visitors (parents, etc). This same hospital "chain" just built a gorgeous & clean new hospital 5 minutes away from me that is brand new and has a great staff (from our two ER experiences thus far) and ample parking, etc. I am torn as to whether I should A) stick with my old OB that I loved and deal with a crappy hospital experience for a delivery/surgery (I will likely have to get a cerclage) or

find a new OB that is affiliated with the hospital I would love to deliver at. I have already looked up the physicians affiliated with the hospital I prefer and found one that looks promising with high reviews, but, I feel a little bad about leaving my old OB behind. She even mentioned to me in the past I was one of her two favorite patients and she is part of a large OBGYN group. I am just so torn. What would you do?

cakebatter27 · December 2013

I loved my Obgyn and switched practices in the spring because I felt the old practice was getting too large and the hospital is so out dated. My aunt was a nurse there and even said how bad it was compared to other hospitals in our area. I switched to a smaller private practice with privileges at a well known hospital with a brand new birthing wing. Private suites and you labor, deliver, and recover all in one room and never move. I have seen 3 obs at the new practice so far and I'm really happy I decided to leave. I have 3 friends who also use the practice and we're very satisfied with their maternity care.

Can your OB deliver at the hospital you want if it's all the same "chain"?

pantherRN · December 2013

Are you sure that your old OB doesn't have privileges at the new hospital? If it's by the same chain, she very well might.

I think I'd be more likely to go with the old OB. Are you sure that the construction will even still be going on when you give birth?

jcap23 · December 2013

If you stay with your old OB will you definitely be with her for delivery? If it is a large group I would imagine they might rotate and you get whoever is on call when you go into labor.... if that is the case if you can find a practice you can mesh well with at the more convenient hospital I think I would change.

iris427 · December 2013

I think the doctor is more important than the hospital, unless the hospital has really bad medical policies that would affect your care. But generally, having an OB you trust who will give you the best care matters more than the parking lot situation IMO. It is possible you can find another great doctor at the other hospital, but you won't have an established history with them like you do your current doc. It really comes down to what matters most to you.