Choosing an ob-gyn: an interview checklist

Finding a healthcare professional you like and trust can feel daunting. You likely want someone well-educated and well-versed in your particular needs, someone who takes time to listen to you and who shares similar views. You may feel like you’re searching for a unicorn, but finding the right ob-gyn is indeed possible with the right approach. By asking some key questions, you can quickly determine if an ob-gyn is a good fit for you.

How to find a good ob-gyn

To find an ob-gyn many people like, start by asking around. Ask other healthcare professionals you might see, friends, family members and co-workers. Take some time to search online and read other people’s reviews. Be proactive. Sometimes, popular healthcare professionals have a long wait list. Make an appointment to meet, and don’t be shy about asking questions. Having a list ready can help, and we’ve made several. Highlight questions specific to your circumstances and feel free to add your own!

Questions for an ob-gyn everyone should consider asking

• Will you work with my insurance?
• How much do you charge?
• How much time do you allocate for visits?
• Is this a private or group practice? If it’s a group practice, will I always see the same healthcare professional?
• Do you have someone available to take after-hours calls?

Questions for an ob-gyn for teens (and supportive parents of teens)

• Is it possible to request a healthcare professional of the same gender?
• Will a nurse be present the entire time?
• Will the parent be present? Do they have to be present?
• Is everything confidential?
• What exams and tests will be performed?
• Do you prescribe birth control to teens?

Questions for an ob-gyn for routine gynecological care

• How often do you do pelvic exams?
• How often do you do Pap smears and other types of testing?
• When do you recommend I start getting mammograms?
• Can you prescribe me medicine that is not directly related to gynecological care?

Questions for an ob-gyn for obstetric care as it relates to pregnancy

• Can you tell me about your experience with natural birth, cesarean sections (C-sections) and any other birthing choices I’m considering?
• As a group practice, will I see every healthcare professional during my visits?
• I have a chronic condition. Have you dealt with this condition as it relates to pregnancy?
• I’m AMA (advanced maternal age). How will my care differ from someone who is not AMA?
• Do you have an ultrasound technician on site?
• How many ultrasounds do patients typically receive?
• Do you recommend prenatal tests? Which ones?

Questions for an ob-gyn for obstetric care as it relates to labor and delivery

• As a group practice, who will deliver the baby?
• As a private practice, who will deliver the baby if you’re not available?
• Where will I deliver the baby?
• Does the hospital you’re affiliated with accept my insurance? • What are your thoughts on birth plans?
• How do you decide to induce?
• How do you decide if a C-section is needed?
• What types of pain medication will be offered when I’m in labor?
• I don’t want any pain medication while I’m in labor. Is that OK?
• In addition to my partner, do you allow other people in the room during labor (doula, midwife, friend, parent, etc.)?
• Is photography or recording allowed during labor?
• What types of assisted delivery techniques do you use?
• When do you consider an episiotomy (an incision in the perineum during the birthing process)1?
• If my baby is breech, will you try an ECV (external cephalic version, a procedure performed by a healthcare professional that involves applying pressure to the abdomen to try to turn a baby out of the breech position)2?
• Are you comfortable with a VBAC (vaginal birth after C-section)?
• Does your affiliated hospital have a NICU (neonatal intensive care unit)? If not, where will the baby be transferred if necessary?
• What types of postpartum care do you offer?

Questions for an ob-gyn specific to LGBTQ+ needs

• Do you have many LGBTQ+ patients?
• Do you offer gender-affirming care?
• Do you have a nondiscrimination policy?
• Have you or the staff had any training that relates to LGBTQ+ care?
• Do you offer gender-neutral bathrooms?
• Are you a member of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association?
• Can you help me navigate insurance and financial costs associated with gender-affirming care?
• How familiar are you with medications that may affect my reproductive system?
• If I want to get pregnant, will you help me explore different fertility options?

Questions for an ob-gyn for perimenopause and menopause care

• How many of your patients are peri- or post-menopausal?
•  Have you had any additional training or certifications related to menopause care?
• Will you test my hormone levels?
• What are your thoughts on hormone replacement?
• What kind of approach do you take to alleviate menopause symptoms?
• Are you certified by The Menopause Society (formerly known as North American Menopause Society)?

Ob-gyn qualifications to look for

• Where did they attend medical school and complete their residency?
• Are they certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology? Do they have another board certification, e.g., REI?
• How much experience do they have?
• Do they have any additional certifications, specializations or training?

Things to consider after you meet a healthcare professional

• Did you feel like you made a connection? Did you mesh in terms of communication?
• Did you feel rushed during the visit?
• Did you feel like you were taken seriously? Did you feel judged?
• Were all your questions answered? Was there ever a dismissive tone?
• Is the practice convenient in terms of location and hours?
• Did you feel welcomed by the front-office staff and nurses?
• Do you feel that you and the healthcare professional have similar views?

Don’t be daunted by this list. Choose the most important questions that best align with your situation. By finding someone you like and trust, you are laying the groundwork for more positive visits in the future. And your healthcare professional will appreciate it, too.

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