Intro and a question about finding an OB GYN

[urbancowgirl]

Hello! I followed everyone here from the Nest and I thought it was time I started posting. I'm 32 and just moved to Texas from the east coast. I'm not working currently. I went off the pill less than a month ago and I'm not charting yet, but we're going to get serious about TTC in the next couple of months.

My question: how did you find your OB/GYN? I want to schedule a preconception appointment soon. Like I mentioned, I just moved to a new city and I don't have a PCP or an OB/GYN yet. We don't have any friends or family in this city, either, so getting referrals from friends isn't an option.

Another question- should I schedule a pap for the preconception appointment, too? My last one was about a year ago.

This TTC stuff is new to me, so I look forward to hearing your advice. TIA!

[HoneySpider]

Hi & welcome!

I was in the same situation when we moved here - no doctors and no one to really go to for referrals. I basically looked up our insurance and saw who I could go to...I wanted a woman so that narrowed it down. Then I picked someone who was part of the group at the hospital nearby just because it was convenient. I got lucky and I like her. My PCP (who I picked by the same method) is also in the same building. I really just went by trial and error based on convenience I guess you could say.

Good luck in finding someone who works for you!

[littlemisschatty]

Welcome, I just started posting here too.

I got a referral from an old high school friend who lived in my new neighborhood. However, what sold me was the fact that they deliver at the best hospital in the area. You could do some research on that and work backwards. I am seeing the PA in the practice until I get pregnant and then I'll rotate among all the doctors, so that you get to meet everyone. The PA is about my age (early 30s), and is thorough and informative. I definitely feel comfortable with her.

Also, yes, you should get a pap annually. I have had a history of abnormal pap's and I wanted an all-clear before TTC.

Good luck!

[winecheery]

Do you have insurance? I'd see who they refer first under their coverage first, do my own research, and kind of go from there. You're not wanting to pay out of pocket for your healthcare I assume??

If you wanted a midwife, nama can probably help you with how to find one.

And welcome!

[urbancowgirl]

Oct 9, 2012 16:15:03 GMT -5 winecheery said:

Do you have insurance? I'd see who they refer first under their coverage first, do my own research, and kind of go from there. You're not wanting to pay out of pocket for your healthcare I assume??

If you wanted a midwife, nama can probably help you with how to find one.

And welcome!

Yes, we have insurance. I actually started searching through my insurance company's website and got overwhelmed with all of the options!

Littlemisschatty- I didn't even think to search backward based on hospitals- great idea!

I wish there was a Texas board here

[tarheels]

If you have insurance, there are probably only a few choices, so I'd start there. And yes, when you call to make your appt, just tell them you need a pap and a preconception talk, no biggie.

[tarheels]

Just saw what you said about too many choices. My insurance lists every doctor individually, but if you actually look, they're all connected to like 3 practices, so it's not that hard to narrow down in actuality.

[thoseareradishes]

Hello and welcome! Not much new to add. When I moved I checked my insurance to see who I could go to. I narrowed it down by location- I didn't want to drive too far. Unfortunately the gyns at the practice I picked do not see pregnant women. As for who I will go to when I am pregnant, I know what hospital I want to deliver at, so I made sure the practice I picked delivers there. I have not actually seen any doctors there yet, I just have them in mind for when the time comes.

I agree with Tarheels- usually many doctors practice together at one place, so even though it seems like a lot, there are actually limited choices.

[SallySparrow]

Hello!

I checked with my insurance and then I was planning on doing a pre-conception visit to see if I liked the doctor once I narrowed it down. Lucky for me, I ended up meeting mine during my labor and delivery rotation in nursing school, so that saved me a lot of trouble.

Good luck finding someone you like!

[winecheery]

Oct 9, 2012 16:28:40 GMT -5 urbancowgirl said:

Oct 9, 2012 16:15:03 GMT -5 winecheery said:

Do you have insurance? I'd see who they refer first under their coverage first, do my own research, and kind of go from there. You're not wanting to pay out of pocket for your healthcare I assume??

If you wanted a midwife, nama can probably help you with how to find one.

And welcome!

Yes, we have insurance. I actually started searching through my insurance company's website and got overwhelmed with all of the options!

Littlemisschatty- I didn't even think to search backward based on hospitals- great idea!

I wish there was a Texas board here

Totally understandable. GL hun!