Things to Think about When Choosing an Obstetrician

Recently I was doing a Non-Stress Test (NST) on a patient in our antepartum testing center. Her amniotic fluid level was below 5cm, so I was waiting for the physician to call back with orders to send her to labor and delivery. Turns out her physician was not available, and the "on call" MD was a physician that the patient didn't know.
Cindy(not her real name) looked at me and remarked, "I thought MY doctor would always be the one to deliver me."
This was not the first time a patient had this reaction. Which prompted me to write this blog.

Things to think about:

1. If your OB is a single practioner:  Does he/she do all their own deliveries?
    ( Meaning being available 24 hours, 7 days a week.)
    My experience tells that this is RARELY the case.
    Some OB's have very small practices ( less than 10 pts/month)
    so this may be possible.

2. If your OB is a single practioner and does share call with other MD's,
    who are they?
    How does the call schedule work?
    Do they share your doctor's standard of care?
    How does your OB communicate with them ?
    Since the "on call"  MD is not physically affiliated with the
    private practioner, most rely on the "Prenatal Records"
    to provide the information. 
    If you have a birth plan, special requests,etc.,
    ask physician to attach a copy to your prenatal forms.
    This information is then delivered to the hospital L & D Unit
    where you plan to give birth.
   
    A good idea is to ask for your own copy of the "prenatals" @ 36 weeks.
    If you are ever in a situation where you can't get to your
    planned hospital having this information in your purse
    will be valuable.

3. If your physician practices within a "group," you still need to ask
    how the call schedule works.
    Usually your MD will deliver your baby if you give birth
    during the business day.( 8am-6pm )
    Then the "on call" doctor takes over.
    Some OB/GYN groups share call with other OB/GYN groups.
    That means you may know the doctors in your group,
     but may have to spin the roulette wheel on the others.


    The hospital I work at has several group practices
    and single practitioners. Poor MD/Patient communication continues
    to be an issue.

    My recommendation: Never Assume Anything! Always Ask!
    It is your right to know.