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Some women opt to see a gynecologist for their sexual, reproductive and postmenopausal health needs. Others rely on their family physician or internist to perform recommended gynecological exams and screenings. For routine gynecological care, either of these approaches is fine. Some women also visit a nurse-practitioner for well-woman care.

Should you decide to seek a medical specialist in gynecology, finding the right one takes time and planning. You might want to begin by asking a friend about her gynecologist and how well she likes that person. But don't stop there. You may not like this doctor. If you do your homework, you may find that particular doctor is not as good as your friend thinks.

Before you begin your search, consider whether you prefer a male or female gynecologist. That helps you narrow your search and save time. Once you make that decision, use the following checklist to help find a gynecologist who is just right for you.

Checklist: What to look for in a gynecologist

• Professional certification. First, you want to make sure your doctor is board-certified in gynecology. That means the doctor has passed the accreditation tests to practice in that medical specialty. Don't make the mistake of thinking a doctor who is board-eligible is also board-certified. Board-eligible means the doctor is qualified to take the test but has not yet passed the test. Board-certified means the doctor is fully credentialed.

  You can check on your doctor's status by calling the American Board of Medical Specialties at 1-866-275-2267 (1-866-ASK-ABMS). This group allows the public to verify for free the board certification status, location by city and state, and specialty of any physician. They even provide you with a list of board-certified physicians close to where you live if you give them your zip code.

• Red flags: complaints or disciplinary actions. If the doctor has had any problems with the medical practice, you'll want to know. To find out, contact your state medical licensing board. For the number in your area, look in your phone book under "state government offices - medical board."

• Call the doctor's office. Pay attention. How the person on the other end of the line speaks to you can tell you a lot about the overall practice style of that physician. What's more, if you get a busy signal repeatedly, that will tell you that you may have trouble reaching the doctor when you need to. Your first question should be whether the practice accepts your particular form of insurance. Next, ask to schedule an appointment. If they offer you an appointment four or more weeks away, that's a signal that your doctor is probably too busy.

• Getting to know you. If you've gotten this far, you may want to schedule an introductory visit. Some things to talk about during your visit:
  1. Practice style. Does the physician readily prescribe medications for problems or adopt more of a wait-and-see approach? What's the doctor think of alternative medicine? If you are planning to have a baby, you'll want to find out how your doctor approaches labor and delivery. If you are in midlife, your doctor's opinions about hormone replacement therapy will be good to know.
  2. Attitude. Does the physician seem to encourage you to freely communicate, or does the doctor seem too busy to listen? Does the physician make any effort to learn about your needs and concerns? Does the doctor seem more like an authority figure or a partner? Finally, do you like the doctor? Remember, you'll be discussing the most intimate details of your life with this person. Your gut feeling about the doctor is often what's most important.
  3. Meet the doctor's partners. You may end up spending more time with them than you think. Find out if partners are available when you doctor isn't, or whether you will be referred to another medical practice. While you're at it, find out what to do if you have an after-hours medical emergency and who will be available to care for you then.
  4. Phone calls. Find out whether your doctor will take a phone call if you have a simple question, or whether you must come in for a visit. You may also wish to find out if your doctor will respond to e-mail questions.

Making up your mind

Now that you've done your homework, go ahead and make your decision. You can feel good that you've done everything you could to find a medical partner best suited to you. Remember, if you don't like your doctor, find someone else. You're in charge.

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External Sources American Board of Medical Specialties Certified Doctor AMA Physician Select: Online Doctor Finder American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.