Finding a gynecologist can be an intimidating experience if you don't know what to look for. The search for the right gynecologist can seem impossible. You need to find someone you can afford, whose approach matches your values and needs, and who has experience treating patients like you. In this guide, we'll help you find the best gynecologist for you by talking about what type of practice you want and how to go about making your decision.
You'll want to start by deciding what kind of doctor you need — a gynecologist, an obstetrician, or an OB-GYN.
A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in the female reproductive system and focuses on care needs outside of pregnancy, which can include treating cysts, fibroids, or irregular periods.
An obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in the female reproductive system and focuses on pregnancy and childbirth.
An OB-GYN, or an obstetrician-gynecologist, is a medical doctor who is trained in both obstetrics and gynecology.
While all OB-GYNs are trained in both, some may choose to focus on one. Be sure to ask if you're hoping to see a doctor who handles prenatal care as well as annual exams.
Many patients who are not interested in becoming pregnant prefer to see a Gynecologist instead of an OB-GYN. In a combined practice (both OB and GYN), pregnant patients often receive priority given the time-sensitive nature of pregnancy. You may also have your appointment rescheduled or changed to another provider at the last minute as OB-GYNs can’t always predict when their patients will go into labor.
If you don't know any gynecologists and are nervous about finding one on your own, the best place to start is by asking around. Your friends, family members and acquaintances in your life might be able to provide you with some great recommendations. Many patients have luck finding an OB/GYN through a friend or family member. If you have a Primary Care doctor or other medical professional you trust, they can be a great resource and refer you to their colleagues.
1. Ask a trusted friend or family member if they have a doctor they'd recommend.
2. Ask your primary care physician for advice or recommendations.
3. Search your insurance directory. If you have health insurance, your plan likely offers a search directory of providers who are in-network.
4. Leverage websites like Zocdoc, which allow you to search for doctors by specialty, location, and insurance.
5. Take advantage of online searches, read reviews, and visit your potential doctor’s website to learn more about their practice.
The POV offers a free healthcare matching tool to make your search for a new gynecologist simple. Just select the requirements you’re looking for including, location, care needs, payment options, and preferred method for care. We’ll match your requirements with providers in order of overall rating and include a brief description so you can make the best informed decision.
Before you schedule an appointment with a gynecologist, it's important to understand how their practice or office is run. A good experience with your gynecologist starts with the initial phone call.
1. What are the wait times?
2. How long does the doctor spend with each patient?
3. How many patients does the gynecologist see per day?
4. Is there a limit on how many patients the gynecologist can see in a day (in other words, do they have enough time to give you thorough care)?
5. You should also ask about their availability during your initial consultation, as well as whether or not they offer same-day appointments for urgent matters.
Already scheduled an appointment with a gynecologist who checks all the boxes? Here are 20 questions you should not be afraid to ask during your visit to a new gynecologist.
Finding a doctor who shares your gender, ethnicity, or other traits may be important to you. While this is a matter of personal preference and comfort, it can also have health implications. Ask if they have experience treating people with your age, race, gender, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. If a doctor is not familiar with what it's like to live in your particular situation — whether it's because of age or other factors — it might be difficult for them to give advice or care appropriately for you.
Another way to approach this is to check a doctor or clinic’s website for a mission statement or practice philosophy. If they don’t take the time to call out their values, chances are it’s not a priority.
Do you prefer email, phone, or in-person communication? Some gynecologists are very responsive via email while others prefer to communicate over the phone. If it's important for your gynecologist to have a fast response time, make sure they're familiar with their preferred method of communication and understand how quickly they will respond.
A big part of choosing a doctor is finding someone who works with your preferences. Do you like talking on the phone? Or would you prefer to email? Is it important that they have an office in town, so that if something comes up during the day, you can head over and get in right away? It's also worth noting whether or not they are open on weekends and whether it's easy to get through when calling them.
You deserve a doctor who listens and takes your concerns seriously, who is available for questions after the appointment, and who has your best interests in mind — basically someone whom you feel comfortable, safe with, and like they have your back. We know it can be intimidating to find the right gynecologist for you, but we also know that having a friendly and respectful relationship with yours is so important. We hope these tips help you find the right doctor, or at least show you what to look out for when searching.
The POV offers a free healthcare matching tool to make your search for a new gynecologist simple. Just select the requirements you’re looking for including, location, care needs, payment options, and preferred method for care. We’ll match your requirements with providers in order of overall rating and include a brief description so you can make the best informed decision.
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