Top OBGYN Doctor Q&A

The term OBGYN is often used as a short form for an obstetrician-gynecologist.

An OBGYN is a medical doctor who has chosen to specialize and focus their practice on women’s health.

Female patients can choose to see a general practicing doctor such as a family doctor or primary care physician for their regular medical care, including issues related to female reproduction, or they can choose to see an OBGYN.

Typically, a woman will be referred to an OBGYN for issues related to the female reproductive system that their primary care physician feels would be better handled by a specialist.

This can include issues relating to menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth, menopause, and any other issues specific to women.

In some cases, an OBGYN may also cover general health services, similar to a primary care physician, while others will choose to only focus on the female reproductive system.

OBGYNs can also choose to focus only on the obstetrics side, which refers to the medical practice focused on pregnancy and childbirth, or the gynecology side, which refers to the reproductive system itself.

Women who see an OBGYN will often be very particular about the doctor they see, and understandably so.

This is the doctor that they will be seeing for the care, diagnosis, and treatment of any issues related to their most private body parts and who they will be working with through the most awkward and uncomfortable conversations and moments of their life.

There are several avenues a woman can go through to find an OBGYN doctor to ensure that they find one they like, are comfortable with, and will provide the medical care and attention that she is looking for.

The best place to start would be for a referral from your family doctor or primary care physician.

They know your medical history the best and can provide recommendations for an OBGYN who has experience and familiarity with any of your existing gynecological concerns.

While your medical records are confidential, your doctor can share them with a specialist such as an OBGYN with your permission and vice versa.

Having an open line of communication between your primary doctor and any specialists you see will ensure that any future treatments you need will factor in existing medical conditions and medications to avoid conflicts.

Another avenue for finding an OBGYN is to ask close friends for recommendations or to book a consultation with a women’s clinic.

Do not hesitate to book a meet and greet with potential OBGYNs to get a feel for their personality, bedside manner, experience, and vision of women’s health.

You need to find the best doctor for you and Abundant Life Healthcare is one place you should consider.

Depending on the scope of practice of your OBGYN, you may be able to see them as your primary care physician for any medical concerns.

However, some OBGYNs may choose to see patients strictly for issues related to the female reproductive system or for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.

Finding out your OBGYN’s scope of practice will help you determine when you should see them versus when you should seek out medical care through your primary care physician.

Your primary care physician will also let you know when you should see an OBGYN based on their scope of practice, and when they are happy to treat you.

Typically, you will be referred to an OBGYN for treatment related to the female reproductive system, including irregular menstrual cycles, birth control, and issues with conception, to name a few, or if you have become pregnant.

There are many questions you can and should ask your OBGYN, depending on why you are seeking medical care through them. First and foremost, understanding their scope of practice is going to be the most important, so you are clear when to visit them, or when you need to see your primary care physician. You will also want to get to know how their practice works, particularly if there are multiple doctors in the clinic. Will you always see your chosen OBGYN, or will you be seeing different doctors?

If there is something important to you, you must ask your OBGYN about your concerns so that you can address them early on in the relationship. At Abundant Life Healthcare, your health is our top priority, and we believe in open, honest conversations between our doctors and their patients. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Georgia. We serve patients from Lawrenceville GA, Norcross GA, Suwanee GA, Snellville GA, Duluth GA, Auburn GA, Loganville GA, Clarkston GA, and the surrounding areas.