If you are facing any problems with your reproductive health, for instance if you have heavy bleeding, cramps or any such symptoms, it is wise to visit a gynecologist. Regardless of an individual's overall health, it is important for women to get regular checkups to ensure the wellbeing of their reproductive organs.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, young women should visit a gynecologist for the very first time when they turn 13 or 15. Regardless of your age, if you do not have a gynecologist as your doctor monitoring your reproductive health, it is wise to find one. Since you will discuss your most personal health issues with this doctor, it is advised to find someone you can actually trust.
Here are a few things that are essential in an empathetic gynecologist:
They Have A Great Reputation
The best way to gauge the skillset of a gynecologist is by seeing the amount of trust vested in him/her by other colleague family or friends. Therefore, when you ask someone to recommend a gynecologist, make sure to ask questions pertaining to the doctor's skillset, bedside manners and experience to make an informed choice.
They Have Amazing Reviews
Once you have made a list of reliable gynecologists, start off by checking their reviews on different medical websites according to your geographic location. Generally, such website take the experience of patients into accounts on various parameters including:
- Availability and ease of scheduling their appointment.
- Environment or location of the clinic/hospital.
- The average wait time encountered.
- The friendliness of the staff.
- Trustworthiness.
- The amount of time given to a patient.
- The ability to explain the condition apply.
You will also see a list of reviews given by the patients along with the star ratings. If the doctor has one or two negative reviews then need not worry, but if he/she has quite a few of them then you must consider it as a red flag and look for better alternates.
They Have Experience
When you are browsing online, check the credentials of the gynecologist. You should find the doctor's biography on the same website that offers reviews for them along with the website of the clinic they practice at. You should take the following aspects into consideration:
The medical school they acquired their degree from and from where they have completed their residency.
If they have a certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Years of practice.
Their affiliation with different hospitals.
Their specialty
if they have any malpractice suit, disciplinary action or complaints against them.
You also need to focus upon the doctor's specialty as some might be more skilled in obstetrics while others may have more experience in gynecology. For instance, if you are getting assessed for a particular health condition such as endometriosis, it is wise to find out the doctor you shortlist has experience in dealing with such cases.
Your Insurance Covers Them
The cost you will incur is an important aspect when choosing a doctor. If the gynecologist you choose is not covered by your insurance, then you will have to pay for them from your own pocket which can sum up heftily. It is important that you check with your insurance company before you initiate your search to assesses which gynecologist within your geographic territory are part of the network.
Give Precedence To Your Comfort
Your gynecologist will be doing your physical examination and also ask personal questions pertaining to your reproductive health. Therefore, it is very important for you to be comfortable with them as a person.
The gender of the gynecologist may also be an issue while making the selection as some woman may prefer to be around the same gender for assessments. Thus, morally and religiously, some woman may be comfortable around a female gynecologist. If the gender also affects you, it is important to filter your search accordingly. However, always try to opt for someone who will offer high level of care, and is also easy to talk to, available for you and is also empathetic.
All In All
Your gynecologist is an integral part of your team of medics. He/she will meet you at least once a year and manage a significant portion of your health. Therefore, it is important to choose someone who has experience, and you can rely upon.