Think of your general OB/GYN, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, or Certified Nurse-Midwife as your home base for reproductive health. Whether it’s your annual exam, a question about your cycle, or a need for contraception, you deserve a provider who feels like a true partner in your care.
Phase 1: The Logistics (Getting the Basics Right)
- Check Your Plan: A quick call to your insurance or a look at their online portal can confirm which providers are in-network. This is the best way to keep your out of pocket costs low.
- Referrals: If you have an HMO, your Primary Care Physician (PCP) can help bridge the gap with a referral.
- The Specialty Factor: Many women’s health providers have a specialty area! If you have a specific concern like PCOS, endometriosis, or painful periods, look for a provider who mentions those on their website (this may be an office, insurance or hospital website).
Phase 2: What Makes You Feel Comfortable?
We all have different needs when it comes to the vibe of a doctor’s office. Before you book, consider:
- Communication: Do you love a digital patient portal for quick questions, or do you prefer phone calls? Is there an after hours way of getting a hold of your provider or an on-call provider?
- Availability: How long does it take to get an appointment for preventative care like annual visits? What about if something suddenly comes up, such as a UTI?
- Cultural Fit: It may be a priority for you to look for a provider who shares your background or gender – feeling understood is a huge part of good care.
Phase 3: Know Your Red Flags
Trust your gut! You might want to keep looking if:
- The Brush-Off: They dismiss your pain as “normal” without investigating it or your labs are “normal” so they don’t investigate your symptoms any further.
- The Rush: You feel like you’re on a conveyor belt and don’t have time to ask questions.
- The Communication Gap: The office is consistently hard to reach or slow to discuss test results.
Pro Tip: Get Prepared
- The Big Dates: The first day of your last period or the day when your symptoms started.
- Your “List”: Any medications or supplements you’re currently taking.
- Family History: Any known history of reproductive issues, genetic conditions, other health concerns, or cancers that run in your family. If you’re planning to try to conceive soon, you may also want to bring this type of information for your partner’s family as well.
- Medications and Supplements: Bring a list of any meds or supplements you’re taking to check for safety and interactions. Also be prepared to discuss any you’re interested in starting! Keep in mind that providers typically don’t know what medications are covered under your unique insurance plan.
