My primary physician has always handled my gynecological exams, so I've never had an OB/GYN. We're not TTCing yet, but it's on the horizon, and I'm a little wary because I don't have a doctor yet. I know the practice I would like to use. Do I wait until a BFP and then call and try to get established, or should I go ahead and get on the roster? I don't have any desire to switch away from my primary physician for my regular paps, etc. Anyone ever been in this situation?
-
I had to be referred to my OB/GYN by my family doctor for pregnancy - so couldn't do that till I was pregnant. Some OB's are different though...
-
I didn't know a PCP can do pap smears?!
-
I would try ASAP in case they aren't taking new patients and then you'd have to come up with a plan B.
-
@regberadaisy: I had a PCP who did them. I really liked it, since I had an established relationship with the practice already.
-
I called ahead of time and had them do my annual pap so I was an established client to make sure when I was pregnant that my doctor wasn't full. It's a good thing I did this because soon after she was no longer taking patients! I would definitely call if you know it's a popular practice.
-
I called my new midwife practice as soon as I got pregnant. No problems getting in for an 8 wk appt.
-
My gyn was also my PCP, but doesn't do OB. I decided pretty early on what practice I wanted to see when I got pregnant, so I just scheduled my next annual exam with them instead of with the gyn/pcp. But, that also happened to be right when I'd started trying, pretty much, so I was also able to ask about that, and what the process was once I got a BFP. I ended up getting pregnant a few days later, so I knew exactly what to expect and when to schedule an appointment.
But, I like to plan ahead, like, a lot
-
I called after i got my BFP and after i had seen my normal doc for a blood test for confirmation.
-
I started going to an OB about a year prior to us actually starting to TTC just so that I can "feel" out the OB and make sure she was still taking patients. Plus, I felt better that she had a better understanding of my "history" since she has been reviewing my file. I don't get charged an extra co-pay when she does my annual exam and pap smear.
-
i would try and get established. ive heard that some OB/GYN won't even see you for pregnancy unless you plan on staying with them for routine care as well
-
I switched to my current OBGYN practice from my former OBGYN practice on the recommendation of my RE. They are a popular practice so I don't know if I would've been able to get in with them without my RE's name.
Maybe call a practice you're interested in and ask what you should do?
-
Thanks so much for the input! I plan to call the practice and see what they recommend.
-
I just went to my regular doctor until 28 weeks and they referred me on to an OB at that point. Maybe that's Canadian practice though?
-
I always went to Planned Parenthood for my annual check-ups and birth control, but they don't do OB services. I didn't get established with an OB-GYN until after I had the confirmed blood test at a walk-in clinic.
Reply
Subscribe to our newsletter
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
14 comments