Re: Choose OB near home or work?
From: AMD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 28 Oct 1998 11:06:47 -0600 (CST)
Thanks Barbara!
I did ask her office about a referral and I was told that she could not
refer me to anyone, but if there was someone I had in mind she might be
able to provide me some information. I thought this was very strange.
She's not taking any more OB patients, but she won't provide a referral
for current patients who become pregnant. I remember that I kind of got
some of the same thing when I called to ask about a family practitioner
-- she doesn't provide primary care, but she couldn't refer me to a
doctor who does.
She will see me for an initial visit to confirm the pregnancy, but I
don't know there is much value in that if she can't continue my care and
she won't provide a referral.
Is there any logical reason for a doctor to not provide a referral? From
the patient's standpoint, it almost makes me think that she doesn't have
very good relationships with other doctors in the community. Is there a
legal liability associated with making referrals?
Again, thanks for your thoughts and good wishes! I'm keeping my fingers
crossed!
Andrea
At Tue, 27 Oct 1998, Barbara wrote:
>
>Hi Andrea,
>
>I bellieve Congratulations in in order for you.
>
>How about asking you present OB/GYN if she/he can give you the name of
>someone near your home that they know. Medical Professionals are always
>very good for references to another good person. I'm sure if you
>explain your long drive to the hospital he/she will understand and help
>you out.
>
>Just a thought.
>
>Barbara
>
>At Tue, 27 Oct 1998, AMD wrote:
>>
>>Thanks Dr. McIntosh for your response!!
>>
>>I have only seen my current ob/gyn a couple time since I have just moved
>>to Phoenix last year, so I am not particularly attached to her (but I
>>have liked her when I have seen her). But I also don't know anything
>>about any other doctors in the area (other than the one my mother went
>>to!).
>>
>>The HPT looks positive, so I'm thinking I ought to at least go to the
>>doctor I know right now for confirmation and an initial evaluation, and
>>see what she recommends. This would buy me some time to make a more
>>long term decision about what care is appropriate. Does this sound
>>reasonable?
>>
>>Thanks again!!
>>Andrea
>>
>>At Mon, 26 Oct 1998, William D. McIntosh, MD wrote:
>>>
>>>At Mon, 26 Oct 1998, AMD wrote:
>>>>
>>>>I work a long way away from my home (about 45 min. driving). I think I
>>>>may be pregnant, but I am not sure what I should do about choosing an
>>>>doctor. I have been seeing a doctor whose office is near my office and
>>>>I like her, but the only hospital she practices at that is a reasonable
>>>>(< 30 min) drive from home is a large, tertiary medical center in
>>>>downtown. And by the time we could drop off my other child at
>>>>grandma's, I'd probably be looking at over an hour before I could get to
>>>>that hospital. And I would prefer a smaller hospital unless there is a
>>>>medical necessity for the larger center.
>>>>
>>>>Should I find a doctor who delivers at a hospital closer to home? How
>>>>often do doctors/midwives have women go into labor while they are at
>>>>work (just asking for a gut level experience -- I know there is no way
>>>>to predict this)?
>>>>
>>>>While office visits would be more convenient with a doctor near work,
>>>>going to the hospital would be more practical with a hospital near home
>>>>(assuming I go into labor at home!). Which is going to be more
>>>>practical overall? Is it more important for the pre-natal office visits
>>>>to be convenient, or to be able to get to the hospital quickly?
>>>>
>>>>I had a fairly short L & D (3.5 h labor, 1.5 h pushing) with my first
>>>>baby, so I am a little concerned that the second labor would be even
>>>>shorter. I don't want to be counting on having a lot of time for
>>>>driving and getting care for my son.
>>>>
>>>>Finally, would it be rude to go to my current doctor for the initial
>>>>visit to confirm my pregnancy knowing that I might change later on?
>>>>Would it be inconsiderate of me to discuss this issue with her and see
>>>>what she thinks?
>>>>
>>>>I appreciate any thoughts or suggestions you may have.
>>>>
>>>>Thanks,
>>>>Andrea
>>>
>>>In general, you are more likely to go into labor at home, unless you
>>>work unusually long hours. This is a hard one. You are not likely to
>>>deliver in the car on the way to the hospital, but it will weigh on your
>>>mind. I guess you are going to have to decide how important your
>>>current doctor is to you, as well as what options you have. Is there a
>>>closer hospital that you would want to deliver in, and is there a dcotor
>>>that you know enough good things about to make changing worth it. Talk
>>>to your doctor. I have had patients with similar problems, and I
>>>counseled them according to their own concerns and history. Some
>>>continued to travel, some chose to switch, with my blessings.
>>>
>>>--
>>>William D. McIntosh, MD
>>>Clarksville, TN
>>>
>>>This is for educational purposes only. It is not intended
>>> to replace consultation and examination by your physician
>>> or other health care provider.
>>>
>--
>Barbara Nesbitt
>Editor, OBGYN.net
>
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