Tips on locating a doctor?

mumtopugs · July 2014

Hello!

First post. Age 36. 3 weeks pregnant...Know my exact conceive date, which I know is rare. 2 positive HPT.

I literally moved to a new state 6 days ago. I really don't know anyone and wouldn't feel comfortable asking around at work. How would you go about researching OBs?

Thanks for any help you can give.

2redtulips · July 2014

I'd do a Google maps search. Those often bring up reviews from current patients.

After that, try HealthGrades.com

2redtulips · July 2014

Congrats, btw!

NeonNoon · July 2014

Hello mumtopugs

Welcome to the board and congratulations! So many changes all at once.

When I was new in town, I used healthgrades.com to find doctors (as PP suggested). It's by no means perfect and not all doctors have reviews but it's better than just trying to go randomly. There are other similar review services like zocdoc.com. And you can also just google doctors near you and see if there are google reviews or yelp reviews etc.

Another way you could go, perhaps, is by just asking about good hospitals/clinics in your area without specifics. A good institution is a good place to start IMHO.

You could also look here for best ranked hospitals in your area and then narrow down by specialty:

https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area

mumtopugs · July 2014

Thanks ladies! So helpful!

umbcpt · July 2014

When I was new to the area, I found a primary care doctor first, went in to see him, as got a list of OBs from him. It helped me narrow my search!

path75 · July 2014

I found a hospital I wanted to deliver first then searched ob's from there. I seconf searching reviews if you can. Welcome and good luck.

Bigboneded · August 2014

I didnt tell anyone last time and was on my own for looking, I googled and searched reviews. I actually looked for Catholic doctors so I could avoid some stuff like suggesting termination or pushing birth control or crap for my age.
when I moved here, my hubby is OB nurse, so he had a good idea who would be good to work with, and his coworkers use this doc- so that was easy. Good luck!

MsMacual · August 2014

Congrats! I've also seen moms post in the local bump group for their area. We had someone do this recently for our area and were able to help her find some options that were closer to where she was living, etc. Also, I think it helps to hear from someone who delivered with a particualr group and hospital what their experience is like- especially if you are hoping for an unmedicated birth or something else that you specifically want related to your birth experience.

mattandlora · August 2014

Check the American Board of _______ (pediatrics, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, etc) website for board-certified specialists near you. Then check your insurance company!

springbeduk2 · August 2014

[lurking ... My LO is somehow almost 3 months old now but I like to peek and see how others here are doing] If there are multiple hospitals in your area that your insurance allows then researching them to see where you prefer to give birth can be a good start. It may be possible to compare things like c-section rates if that is important to you. E end comparing websites and how they present themselves, what classes are offered, etc. can give you a feel for the approach to childbirth that is prevalent there. Also don't forget that midwives are an option - if there are any in your area and if you might like that approach. I had a wonderful experience with midwives (hospital birth). Being "AMA" also gives you extra things to ask about when you talk with someone at a practice you're considering to see if their approach is what you are looking for - ask what extra testing if any they recommend, what their policy regarding induction is (will they let you go to 42 weeks before inducing if no complications? If not is that due to AMA or their general policy). Some practices make AMA seem very high risk and others like its NBD. Either way can be fine but should mm arch your own preference. Anyway congrats and good luck!

Bigboneded · August 2014

Now I have to find a pediatrician, so Im back to square one with that....

MsMacual · August 2014

@Bigboneded- I asked a few moms at my LLL group and they all recommended the same group. I specifically wanted a ped who was supportive of breastfeeding and figured that the moms at LLL would be a good starting point. I didn't confirm our ped group until 3-4 weeks before our son was born. I posted in the FB group for my community when I was thinking of switching to the midwives at our community hospital (I was with a midwife group that was wonderful, but much further away from our house). They were able to provide really great insight about their experiences. I also think that type of group can help in finding a ped.

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