Tips on Changing Doctors Mid Pregnancy

Being the wife of a military man for most of my adult life, I feel like I qualify as a pro at changing doctors in the middle of a pregnancy. In fact, with each of my three pregnancies, I could almost count on my husband getting our new orders right smack in the middle of the pregnancy. Probably the most common circumstance is because of a move; whether it be yours or the doctor's. The next most common reason for changing doctors is, your insurance company does not renew its' contract with your doctor. Sometimes circumstances deem it necessary that we change our OB/GYN doctor, even though we are in the middle of the pregnancy. But, whatever the reason for changing your doctor in the middle of your pregnancy, these tips should help you in making it a smooth transition.

1. Before leaving your doctor, get your medical records.

The doctor that you change to during the middle of your pregnancy will need to have your early pregnancy records. He will need to know what tests have been done and how the pregnancy has progressed, from the beginning.

2. Make copies

Have an extra set of copies of your medical records. Keep your original records in a safe place at home. When you make appointments with prospective doctors, take the 'copy' with you. This way, the originals will be kept safe until you decide on your new doctor.

3. Make a list of questions

You and your husband sit down and discuss the issues with this pregnancy that you want to discuss with a prospective new doctor. Make a list of these issues. If you make a list before going to the doctor, you won't be so apt to forget something important.

4. Call your insurance company

The insurance company will give you a list of doctors in your area that is on their list of qualified providers. This is important if you need insurance coverage.

5. Open the phone book, or ask around

If you are new to the area, just open up the phone book to find qualified OB/GYN doctors that are in your relative area.

6. Make phone calls

Make a phone call to a prospective doctor's office and ask some questions of the receptionist or nurse. This will give you your first impression of the atmosphere in the doctor's office. It will also give you an impression of what the doctor is like.

7. Our of the few you like, make an initial appt.

If there are two or three doctors that you think might make a good choice for your doctor, make a 'get acquainted' appointment. When you make this appointment, make sure you let the nurse or receptionist know that the reason for the appointment is, to get acquainted with the doctor, and to see if he/she fits what you need in a doctor.

8. Drop your list of questions off at the doctor's office.

Before your 'get acquainted' appointment, drop a list of your questions and concerns off at the doctor's office. Doctors are very busy, and this will give him a chance to go over the issues before your appointment, thus allowing a few more minutes for a well organized appointment.

9. Have your husband go with you if he can.

If it is possible for your husband to get off work to go to this appointment, it would be nice. It is important that your husband be comfortable with the doctor that is going to be delivering his baby.

10. Observe the prospective doctor's behaviors

During your 'get acquainted' appointment, watch the doctor's reactions to things. Is he impatient? Does he seem to get frustrated over things? Is he kind and understanding? These are things that are important to me.

11. You can be selective in what you tell the new doctor about your reasons for needing a new doctor.

You do not have to give a new doctor your life history, unless it has to do with your health and that of the baby's. Especially if you have the need to change doctor's because of disagreements with you old doctor; it really isn't any of the new doctor's business. Besides, he might be a friend of your old doctor, and you don't want him to be ill at ease.

12. Call the medical board to see about the doctor's record.

It is okay to call the medical board, and check on a prospective doctor's record. If there has been no complaints filed against him/her, that is a good thing. He/she probably has hundreds of patients, and if there are no complaints it says a lot about his/her character.

The middle of your pregnancy is kind of a hard time to find a new doctor, but remain calm and level - headed. You'll find the ideal doctor in no time, and you can get back to that happy anticipation of your new bundle of joy.