Selecting an OB-GYN Bakersfield

Selecting a good OB-GYN is important part of your healthcare managementand it will have long-term effects on your health. This is why we decided toprovide some answers to common issues and questions patients have whenselecting a provider in the Bakersfield area in Kern County.

What credentials should you look for in selecting an OB-GYN?

This may sound obvious but many patients do overlook this point. You have to check that your OB-GYN has current board certification within the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Board certification is important in showing that a doctor has mastery in their field and is knowledgeable in their area of specialty along with the physician being active in other societies related to the medical field. This shows that the physician has current and is keenly aware of the latest innovations in obstetrics and gynecology. This will great benefit as your physician will provide you with several options including some of the latest procedures and medical solutions.

Look at what experience an OB-GYN has?

A OB-GYN with experience is always a good choice since these are the specialists who will have encountered different issues over the years and thus will be better at diagnosing problems from personal experience and knowing the best intervention and treatment methods to use. They will also have experience in preventative care and screening for various problems. Soyou should look at :

• Year of experience at least 5 years would be ideal
• Types of procedures they have performed
• The results of these procedures according to patients – reviews would help here.
• A great personality – healthcare is not just about ability but the personal touch.

As the saying goes "experience is the best teacher".

Does the OB-GYN cover the procedures you need to be done?

One of the first things you should do is visit their site which any reputable physician should have, then look up what procedures they provide. You should at least see that your OB-GYN has experience in performing commonly needed procedures such as being able to perform pelvic exams and breast exams. The OB-GYN should also have experience in taking tissue for Pap smears (taking tissue from the cervix for microscopic examination in the lab). These are all important parts of well-women exams and preventive care.

Which hospitals is the OB-GYN affiliated with?

The Bakersfield area has a number of reputable hospitals and the OB-GYN you choose should be affiliated with a reputable hospital that is covered by your health insurance plan and is not too far from where you live. Take the time to find out during your visit the hospitals your physician is affiliated withespecially if you are pregnant or need complex procedures done.

What do other patients reviews and personal experience say about the OB-GYN?

Reviews, are key to getting a broad view of what other patients think about an OB-GYN and more importantly what they have experienced beyond what a few friends may say. The more positive reviews and recommendations the physician has, the better your chances of landing a good OB-GYN. A good rule of thumb would be to select a physician who has at least 20 google reviews along with 4.0+ rating on a 5.0 scale or rather 80% approval.

Find out what insurance they cover?

Insurance carriers usually have a list of providers that you need to choose from. If uncertain you can check with the OB-GYN office and your particular health insurance carrier to verify coverage in California. Most doctors’ offices do have staff dedicated to dealing with insurance. You need to ensure that your insurance covers the visit and what exact procedures they will cover each year. Keep in mind you may have a co-pay even with insurance coverage, which is something you can find out or the doctor’s office can probably find out for you. Many insurance plans cover an annual well-woman exam which is also something you should verify before scheduling an appointment.

Does the OB-GYN physician go the extra mile?

This is the single most important point that sets an OB-GYN apart, Since these doctors deal with the most intimate details of your life it is important that you feel comfortable with your chosen OB-GYN. As a patient you can never fully anticipate all your future medical needs. It could be anything fromchronic pelvic pain to a complex hysterectomy procedure. Nothing beats the assurance as a patient that your OB-GYN is partnering with you to provide you with the best possible care. Another key point to note is the in-depth questions a physician will ask to better understand your health issues. This shows that you are not just another patient that the OB-GYN has a few minutes to listen to but that you matter. So look for the questions and take note!

If you are pregnant is the hospital the physician is affiliated with within a reasonable commute for you?

This may sound obvious but this little point is overlooked by a number of patients until they are in their third trimester. Location of the hospital that your OB-GYN is affiliated with is important, and even more so if you are pregnant. You need to be able to reach the hospital in a reasonable amount of time and you need to be aware of traffic patterns in the Bakersfield area. With a population of about 800,000 you can expect a decent amount of traffic on the main street during rush hour. So do check and plan your route so you always have contingency plans.