Mamas & Papas-
Any tips on what to do, look out for when switching OB's while pregnant? I like the doctor I had while pregnant with my DS (although he did not end up doing the delivery). His practice has changed and he has new affiliates, and new staff which and there is a lack of communication between doctors, staff, and the numerous office locations. I am motivated to change, and have selected the practice recommended by the Ped we use.
Apart from alerting the old practice and forwarding the records, is there anything else that I should do?
Thanks,
F. B.
Make sure you confirm with the new practice that they will accept you as a patient before anything else. Many doctors have a cutoff when it comes to how far a pregnancy has progressed. If you're past 20 weeks they may not see you and you'll have to stick with your current.
If they have already accepted you, and you know your insurance covers the new place if applicable, then the records transfer/alert is all you'll need to do.
I got pregnant in LA, moved back to NY, then to PA all while pregnant, so I had three different docs and offices-actually 4 because my PA visits were split between 2 hospitals. All I did was forward my records and answer questions! They were all well qualified to handle pregnant ladies :)
Do your ob/gun a favor and be honest about it. Have one last checkup appointment and tell him the truth.
I had the most wonderful ob/gyn known to womankind. I am so glad I had him for my pregnancies. Fast forward to a family member who went to him for her first pregnancy. Different staff and not good communication. The nurse waited two days to call her back about what was obviously a UTI. She did deliver with this wonderful doctor, but didn't go back to him for her second child. I was sorry that she didn't go to him and explain.
You'd be doing him a kindness by telling him.
As far as the other stuff, I guess I'd talk to your insurance company and see what needs to be done on their end.
Just change as early as possible. I changed because my initial practice was purchased by a Catholic hospital network so they would not do a tubal ligation if I were to need a C-section. So I switched. I was very up front and informed my ob immediately.
