WWYD - switching doctors

[nessness]

I'm 7 weeks pregnant and have my first appointment tomorrow. I've been seeing my OBGYN for about a year and a half for gynecological stuff (I have an abnormal history so I've probably seen him about five times), and I really like him. 

My DH is starting a new job in late April and I am trying to decide if I should switch over to his insurance. It would save us about $120/month, plus $175 in copays (total). But, my doctor doesn't take his insurance, so I would have to switch doctors. Would this be worth it to you? On the one hand, it would save us about $900 over six months, which is a lot of money. But on the other hand, I like my doctor, I feel comfortable with him, he knows my history, and I don't want to switch halfway through my pregancy.

WWYD?

[MrsDarcy]

Is the hospital you'd be delivering at covered? Does the "extra" $900 include all visits/labor & delivery charges? If you really like the MD, and you really don't want to switch, and can afford it, I might stay assuming it's only $900. If I couldn't afford it, I would ask friends and family for recommendations, making sure to choose an MD who has privileges at a hospital you'd like to deliver at.

ETA: I think I answered incorrectly. I guess you can read he above with a grain of salt, meaning, stay with your insurance/MD if you can afford it. If not, ask for recs. With your history, I might stay. Also, think about deductibles and whose insurance the baby will be on, and whether or not you'll have to meet two deductibles.

[Amy]

if you can swing it financially, I would stay with your Dr

I am seeing a different Dr b/c of an insurance change this time and I would gladly pay that amount to go back to seeing my 1st OB just for my level of comfort (that sounds dire, my guy is fine, I just loved my old OB)

[curbsideprophet]

Can you check out the person you might switch to before you actually switch?

Would you still deliver at the same hospital? Have you compared delivery costs?

I would probably stick with the provider I was comfortable with.

[nessness]

I would have to deliver at a different hospital as well, but I don't know much about the hospital I'll be delivering at currently so I don't really have any opinions one way or the other.

And the cost difference does include delivery costs (assuming I have a normal pregnancy and only get admitted to the hospital once; my insurance charges per hospital admission so it could be more). We're lucky and both my insurance and DH's are pretty great.

Thanks guys. I think I'll probably stick with the doctor I have, assuming I'm still happy with him and his office come April.

[amaristella]

I don't always get along well with doctors and when I do I like to hang on to them for as long as I reasonably can. Check out the hospitals. See if you can get candid reviews of birth experiences at each. Hospital policies can make a big difference in your labor and delivery experience.

[curbsideprophet]

I would try to research the hospitals before making a final decision.