When making a big purchase like a new car or house, you put a lot of research into finding just the right one.  Well, when it comes to your health it’s important to put that same effort into finding the right OB/GYN.  To guide your search, consider both your rapport with the doctor and their experience and knowledge.

What does an OB/GYN know?
A four-year residency prepares an OB/GYN to see women through pregnancy, birth, and menopause. An OB/GYN also can perform surgery on the reproductive organs.  An OB/GYN is schooled in yearly preventative health care, such as cancer screenings, exercise counseling, and immunizations.

After residency, an OB/GYN may become certified.  Board certification requires passing a rigorous written and oral test.  Certification must also be maintained with more testing every few years.  You can assume that a board certified OB/GYN has the up to date skills, knowledge, and experience to treat many different conditions of women’s health.   By the same token, a lack of board certification should be questioned.

Narrowing your choices.
A good place to start when choosing an OB/GYN is to find out what your family, friends and coworkers like about the doctors they see.  You should call the offices of two or three doctors that interest you.  The staff can tell you about the doctor’s education, training, and board certification, as well as provide information about insurance plans, lab procedures and hospital affiliation.

Questions for your potential doctor.
Before visiting a doctor, gather all your prescriptions and write down any questions you may have.  Here are a few to get you started.

• What kind of preventative health care do you recommend?
• How would you care for someone with my health issues?
• Who cares for your patients when you’re on vacation?