Choosing the right gynecologist is a personal decision. This physician diagnoses and treats problems of the female reproductive tract. Some GYNs also follow women before, though, and after pregnancy and perform many kinds of surgeries.
Let’s talk about some tips to follow while choosing the right gynecologist and where you can go for comprehensive GYN care in Queens, NY.
1. Decide If You Wish a Male or a Female Physician
Sometimes, having a female physician helps patients feel at ease and able to discuss their symptoms or treatment goals. For other women, gender makes no difference whatsoever. So, think about your preference, and then begin your homework to find a practitioner.
2. Research the Doctor’s Credentials and Education
The American Board of Medical Specialties website will tell you if your prospective GYN is board-certified. Board certification means that, beyond medical school and residency training, the gynecologist has additional years of competency training in a hospital or medical center environment.
3. Ask Your PCP, Friends, or Relatives for a Referral
Your primary care physician can steer you toward a single physician or group practice in your area. Plus, your PCP knows your medical history and your personality and may provide the doctor who best matches your health needs and communication style.
Regarding friends and family, remember that no one will recommend you see a doctor who did not provide excellent care. So, ask those you trust for a few names, and check them out.
4. Look at the Doctor’s Website
Most gynecologists and OB/GYN practices have informational websites. Look at the doctor’s biography, list of services, and support personnel (physician’s assistants and nurse practitioners). Check out the location, hours, and list of available services.
5. Read Online Reviews
Check websites such as Healthgrades.com for actual patient reviews regarding your GYN choices. You can look up doctors by specialty, name, and state.
Read online reviews carefully. Some patients give less than positive reviews based on one interaction only. In short, online reviews may give the best information on the facility, office hours, and ease of communication via phone, text, email, or patient portal.
6. Select a Gynecologist in Your Health Insurance Network
Call the doctor’s office to verify if they accept your insurance. Also, call your insurance provider to double-check. Know your co-pays and costs for specialty tests, such as mammography.
7. Location Is Important
Is the doctor’s office near your home or workplace? Is there plenty of parking and handicapped access? When you are pregnant or need continuing care, the right location should be convenient, reducing the time you must spend away from home or work to get your care.
8. Talk to the Doctor in Person
Schedule a consultation to talk one on one with the doctor. Prepare a list of questions, and work through them with the gynecologist. The physician’s behavior and detail in explaining services, procedures, philosophy of practice, or credentials should be friendly and patient-centered.
9. A Team Approach is Best
While you may choose one doctor as your primary gynecologist, you need to know other physicians on the team, particularly if you are pregnant or need extensive follow-up after surgery. So, find out if you will rotate between physicians as part of your ongoing care.
10. Go for the Best Available Physician
You deserve the finest in health care. So, take your time in choosing the specialist right for you.
Personalized GYN Care in Queens, NY
If you are searching for a gynecologist, look no further than EMU Health. Our highly trained providers offer comprehensive care for our female patients. They explain the details of the treatments and render timely result reporting as well.
Together, our physicians and staff focus on preventive care and empowering women to understand their health so they can seek appropriate treatments when the needs arise.
To learn more about our women’s health services, call us today at (718) 850-4368. If you would like to schedule a consultation, request your visit online.
We look forward to serving you!