Choosing the Right Gynecologist

Women rely on their gynecologist to care for their health, in many cases even more than their general practitioner. Choosing a gynecologist is a highly personal decision that requires significant consideration and investigation. At The Woman’s Health Pavilion, our team would like to make this process easier by providing some helpful guidelines for you to use in your search for the right gynecologist in Queens and on Long Island.

To meet with one of the caring, qualified OB-GYNs at The Woman’s Health Pavilion, request an appointment using our online form. We are currently accepting new gynecology patients at our offices on Long Island and Queens, serving Nassau, Queens, and Brooklyn.

Education & Experience

An excellent indication of a gynecologist’s knowledge, skills, and experience is Board certification in obstetrics and gynecology. To earn this distinction, the doctor must:

• Earn a medical degree from a recognized institution
• Complete an accredited 4-year residency training program
• Maintain a current medical license
• Perform a number of surgical procedures on his/her own after residency
• Pass rigorous written and oral exams given by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABO+G)

If an OB-GYN is Board-eligible instead of Board-certified, it means that she/he is qualified to take the Board exam but has not yet taken or passed the exam.

Questions to Consider:

• What are the qualifications of the gynecologist?
• Is the doctor well trained?
• Is he or she experienced?
• If the doctor is Board eligible, why is he/she not Board certified?

Insurance

In most cases, it makes good sense to choose a gynecologist who participates in your medical insurance plan. You will likely save money by paying a lower co-pay and deductible than for an out-of-network provider. You will probably save time as well by not having to file insurance claims yourself.

Questions to Consider:

• Does this gynecologist accept my insurance?
• Will the practice help with the authorization of procedures I may need?

Convenience

You are most likely to see a doctor if it’s convenient to do so. Considerations include office location, appointment hours, and availability. You can learn a lot by calling the doctor’s office. Pay attention to how long you have to wait to speak with a staff member, how you are spoken to, and how far out your appointment is scheduled. Many gynecologists spread themselves too thin, so they can’t be readily available for patients in need.

Questions to Consider:

• Where is the office located?
• Will this gynecologist be available when you need her/him?
• Can you easily get a timely appointment in their office?
• Does the gynecologist have a dedicated support staff of physician extenders to accommodate patients who need to be seen urgently?
• How does the practice handle emergencies?
• Does the practice see patients in the evenings or on weekends?

Bedside Manner & Philosophy

A positive and productive doctor-patient relationship begins with trust and open communication. Gynecologists address many personal concerns and examine your most private areas, so it is especially important to feel comfortable with the doctor you choose.

Questions to Consider:

• Does the gynecologist put you at ease?
• Can you develop a good rapport, so that you are comfortable asking questions that might otherwise be embarrassing?
• Are your questions answered thoroughly, in a manner you can understand?
• Does the doctor seem up-to-date in his/her knowledge?
• Is the doctor considerate of your comfort during the exam?

Our practice welcomes patients to make an appointment for a “meet and greet” visit to get to know the doctor before making an appointment for an exam. Insurance is accepted for such visits.

Hospital Affiliation

When visiting the gynecologist for a routine well-woman exam, you probably won’t pay too much attention to their hospital affiliation. However, if a procedure becomes necessary at some point, it can be reassuring to know that your gynecologist maintains privileges in a reputable hospital. Hospital affiliation is an indication of the doctor’s credentials and reputation in the community, as well.

Questions to Consider:

• If you need hospitalization, are you comfortable with this gynecologist’s hospital affiliations?
• If you plan to get pregnant at some point, where would you like to deliver?

Our group performs most gynecologic procedures at the Plainview Ambulatory Surgery Pavilion, a Northwell Health facility. Dr. Saad participated in the conception and design of this unit and continues to participate in its management as Director of the unit.

Word of Mouth

Ask for referrals from people you know and respect including friends, family members, doctors, and nurses. In addition, websites such as Healthgrades.com and Vitals.com can be a source of input to consider. Do keep in mind that every patient is unique and what’s positive/negative to someone else may not be to you.