Having access to a gynecologist you trust and are comfortable with is a necessity for any woman. Gynecologists specialize in women’s health and understand how to keep women in good health. Each woman’s health needs differ from one another, however.
This is why it’s so important to find a gynecologist who’s right for your specific needs. Selecting a gynecologist can take a bit of time and research if you want to make the best decision. Because there are several gynecologists in Manhattan, it’s best to know how to separate the top from the rest.
How will you know which options for gynecologists are the better ones for you?
In the guide below, there are several mistakes you should avoid when choosing the right gynecologist for you. Continue reading to find out more!
1. Selecting Solely on Gender
When selecting a gynecologist, it’s important you find someone with who you’re comfortable. For some women, this might mean female gynecologists only. There’s nothing wrong with requesting a female gynecologist in NYC, as many female gynecologists are amazing doctors.
However, what you don’t want to do is stop yourself from receiving the best care possible by turning down all of the male gynecologists. Instead, consider doing research on both the male and female gynecologists at the office you’re considering. Then, make your decision based on who you believe your health would benefit from the most.
If you are set on having a female gynecologist, then be sure to look at all credentials and experience of the female gynecologists at the office before selecting someone based solely on their gender.
2. Selecting Solely on Age
Sometimes, a gynecologist is selected solely on age as well. This might be due to a patient not wanting a younger doctor performing examinations or having conversations with them about personal care. Again, there are many great younger and older gynecologists to choose from.
What might be a mistake, however, is only selecting one based on their age whether you’re looking for someone younger or older. Instead, consider finding a few gynecologists in the age range you’re comfortable with. Then, begin to do your research on each individual doctor (as you did when selecting a female doctor).
Make sure the gynecologist doesn’t only meet your age requirements but also your credential, experience, and other requirements as well.
3. Choosing Convenience Over Best Care
Another mistake some might make when choosing a gynecologist is selecting the closest office to their home or job. Although convenience does play an important role, you don’t want to choose convenience over the best care. For example, if there’s a wonderful gynecologist who can provide you with all the best care, but is located a few miles further, then it might be best to spend the extra driving time to get to them.
Having to drive a bit further to receive the best care possible is never a bad decision. You might even end up saving yourself time, money, and stress by choosing a gynecologist who’s going to provide you with excellent care and service over one who might not.
4. Not Asking for Referrals
Before you select any type of doctor, do be sure to ask for referrals. Referrals are the best way to hear directly from current or past patients. Ask the gynecologist for a list of referrals for you to contact.
You can then call or email each one and ask them any questions you may have about the gynecologist and the office. A good idea is to write down your questions before making the phone calls so you don’t forget anything. Hearing what these patients have to say will give you a good insight into what to expect when you visit the office yourself.
5. Not Considering Credentials and Experience
What type of experience and credentials does the gynecologist have? Don’t forget to look into both of these. Your gynecologist should be board certified and free of any malpractice or other disciplinary actions.
You can discover this type of information by reviewing state websites. Experience matters for a few reasons as well. Not only will an experienced gynecologist make you feel more at ease, but they’ll also know how to handle a variety of situations including high-risk scenarios.
If you have a specific health condition or need a specific procedure done, then do be sure to find a gynecologist who has experience with that specific condition or procedure.
6. Failing to Read Patient Reviews
References and reviews are essential if you want to find the best gynecologist near you. You can speak with friends and family about the gynecologist they see and how they like it at that office. You should then look into patient reviews online.
You can find reviews on the gynecologist’s website and social media pages. You can also find reviews on review sites not associated with the doctor or the office.
7. Forgetting to Ask About Insurance
One of the last things to remember when finding the best gynecologist in NYC is to ask about insurance coverage. Does that gynecologist accept your health insurance? How much will the insurance cover?
What won’t be covered? How much will you need to pay upfront for each visit?
Finding a gynecologist in your insurance network will help you save money by having the majority of your visits covered. Once you find a few offices that accept your insurance, you may then want to begin comparing gynecologist fees to determine the right fit for you.
Selecting a Gynecologist Has Never Been Easier
Selecting a gynecologist in NYC has never been easier with the help of this guide. Be sure to use the information listed above to help you choose a gynecologist in NYC that’s right for your specific health needs.
At 67th Street OB/GYN Total Women’s Health Care, we’re committed to providing the most advanced and highest-quality diagnostic services and health care. We look forward to caring for you throughout all of the stages.
Schedule an appointment today to see how we can help you.