Set Gynecology

Set Gynecology

The Importance of Well-Woman Exams

Why Choose an OB/GYN?

OB/GYNs help women stay healthy – from the teen years through menopause. These doctors can answer women's questions about topics ranging from pregnancy to hormone therapy. Services provided by OB/GYNs include:

• Well-woman exams
• Vaccinations and screenings, including routine Pap smears and mammography
• Prenatal and obstetrical care
• Treatment of menstrual disorders and gynecological problems
• Outpatient procedures such as endometrial and the Essure® method for permanent birth control without the use of hormones

Many women's health clinics make it easy for women to follow a schedule to ensure good health. Most of these clinics even offer diagnostic services such as mammography and ultrasound, making it even more convenient for busy women.

A good women's health care provider recommends having a periodic Pap smear and pelvic and breast exam to screen for potential reproductive health problems, including breast cancer. It is important to have these exams regularly so that any problems you may have can be treated early when they are easier to cure and have caused less damage.

The Well-Woman Exam

An annual well-women exam includes:

• A comprehensive history and physical. The physician will ask the patient a few questions about her medical and family history and then perform a physical exam to check her overall health.
• A breast exam. The physician will check the patient's breasts and underarms while the arms are in various positions.
• A pelvic exam and Pap smear: The physician will examine the patient's reproductive organs for problems and check for cervical cancer.
• Wellness counseling. The physician will engage the patient in issues such as diet and exercise, smoking, self breast exam, menopausal symptoms and hormones.

How to Choose an OB/GYN

Finding the right OB/GYN can be a challenge. The first step is to ask friends, family, neighbors, or other doctors (like a primary care physician) for recommendations. Keep in mind that many health insurance plans have restrictions, so it may be necessary to choose a physician from their network. Most insurance companies provide a directory that lists their enrolled physicians. Once a list of potential doctors is compiled, it's best to determine which ones are close by or convenient for you to visit. Some women like to set up a meeting with a potential doctor before they make their choice. It is important to remember, however, that many insurance companies will not cover these interviews. Women should call their insurance company to verify this before making an appointment.

Some questions to consider asking include:

• How long does it take to schedule an appointment for a non-routine visit?
• Where did he/she attend school? Complete training?
• What hospitals is he/she affiliated with? This is especially important to know in case of emergency or if you are planning to become pregnant
• Will nurses, nurse practitioners, or any other healthcare professionals be performing tests or examinations?
• What special training does the doctor have? Certain specialty training includes maternal/fetal medicine (care of high-risk pregnancies), reproductive endocrinology (hormonal disturbances, infertility and menopause), oncology (gynecological cancers), and urogynecology (urinary disturbances).
• Is the doctor board certified?
• How long has the doctor been in practice?
• Does the doctor have specific times when he/she can be reached by phone? When are these?
• Can you communicate with your doctor via a patient portal or secure e-mail?

The state of the facility is important as well. Many OB/GYN clinics provide facilities that include state-of-the-science equipment and diagnostic services. Patients can receive world-class care in a world-class facility. Many large hospital systems offer private delivery, ante-partum and post-partum rooms, and family-friendly rooms – even newborn intensive care unit rooms where mother and baby can live.

A Personal Choice

A woman's choice in selecting an OB/GYN is a personal one. Whether planning a family, requiring surgery or preparing for a gynecological procedure, choosing the right doctor could be the most important decision a woman can make in her health care. A physician who is open, honest and compassionate in his or her health care delivery is essential to a woman's overall health and quality of medical care.

About the Author

Jackie Preston specializes in medical topics pertaining to obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics and other health and wellness related issues and is based in Houston, Texas.

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