Finding Your OB/GYN: Where to Start

Simply stated, if you have a menstrual cycle, you need an OB/GYN in addition to your primary care provider. When it comes to selecting an OB/GYN, there are many factors you may consider including qualifications, experience, office hours and location. 

What many patients forget to consider is personality and trust. “Personality is an important factor that people don’t always consider when choosing a health care provider, but it’s so important when trying to establish trust,” said Elizabeth Clayton, D.O., OB/GYN at Inspira Medical Group. “Your OB/GYN can be a valuable ally on your health journey. You should feel comfortable to be open and honest about any issues you’re experiencing.” 

Sometimes the hardest part of your health care journey can be starting it, so here is a quick guide to help you find your OB/GYN. 

Step One: Find an OB/GYN within your insurance’s network

Inspira Health is home to over 80 providers, including physicians, midwives, and nurse practitioners, who specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. While these providers practice all across South Jersey, a great way to begin narrowing down your search is by finding the providers in your network. You can do this by:

1. Going to Inspira’s homepage and clicking “Find a Doctor”
2. Searching for “Obstetrics and Gynecology” in specialties
3. Filtering the providers by selecting the “Insurance Accepted” drop-down menu in the left-hand column

Step Two: Read more about each provider

Once you have your full list of providers, the next step is to learn more about what each has to offer. You can do this by:

1. Reading each provider’s bio. Many provider profiles even include short videos where you can get a feel for their personalities and philosophies of care. 
2. Identifying which age groups the provider services, and which languages they speak
3. Selecting the gender you’re more comfortable seeing

After selecting your provider, you can conveniently schedule your appointment online based on what day or time works best for you. 

Step Three: Know how to communicate with your OB/GYN

We’re going to let you in on a little secret: When it comes to your health, there is no such thing as a silly question. From understanding reproductive care to obtaining resources about safe and healthy sex, Inspira is here for all of your concerns. No matter where you are on your reproductive health journey, you can start these patient-provider conversations by: 

1. Bringing up concerns you have with your reproductive and sexual health
2. Sharing information about your family history, your current sexual partners and your personal experiences with your reproductive health
3. Asking questions about breast health and how to detect breast abnormalities
4. Requesting information specific to your age and health circumstances. For example, if you’re still menstruating, you may inquire about new medications, techniques or tools to help mitigate menstrual disorders or manopause symptoms. If you’re experiencing menopause symptoms, you may want to ask about treatment options or recommendations for managing symptoms.

“Whether you’re seeking sexual health information, planning to become pregnant, or experiencing menopause symptoms, we’re here to guide you through your health care journey,” said Dr. Clayton. 

To begin your journey to find a women’s health care provider at Inspira, click here.