How can I check out a doctor's reputation?

P_RN, ADN, RN · Nov 28, 2006

I chose my IM doctor by asking the nurses who worked with internists on the floor. Then I asked Internists what they thought of my choice

I chose my GYN by asking OB/GYN nurses who they would use for their GYN. , and asked OB/GYNs what they thought about my choice.

I then scheduled a "hello" meeting/appointment to see if *I* liked them. The internist was easy because he did his 4 year residency where I worked. The gyn was OK I guess.

I mainly see the internist. I have only had 4 medical doctors in my life so I guess I made good choices.

TazziRN, RN · Nov 28, 2006

First off, congrats on your impending bundle from Heaven!!

Try calling your county medical society. Also, do you work in a hospital? If yes, visit the OB depts and see what they say. Do y have a personal doc for anything? Ask him/her. It was easy for me, I work at a small hospital and I had two in mind. I went with a family practioner who was willing to take on a high risk, and he kept in close touch with an OB-Gynie who was willing to stand by in case of problems.

nurse_wannabe · Nov 28, 2006

I think asking OB nurses is a fantastic idea. If only I knew some to ask! I've only worked LTC & summer camp so far.

I'm thinking I may visit the L&D dept. of my preferred hospital and bug the nurses for a bit. They were all wonderful when I was there last year.

Would that be too weird??

TazziRN, RN · Nov 28, 2006

No, but don't expect too much of an answer. Nurses aren't really supposed to recommend anyone in particular, but we do very quietly. Make sure that you and the nurse(s) are alone when you ask. Rather than "Who would you recommend?", try "If your sister/daughter were high risk, who would you want for her?"

ShockerGirl07 · Nov 28, 2006

Did you try checking the Better Business Bureau? I dont know if you can check doctors there...but thats where I would start...hope this helps! Congrats!:balloons:

BSNtobe2009 · Nov 28, 2006

You can check them through the state agency that licenses them. Call the BON and they will probably be able to tell you which one, or you can find out through the Secretary of State's office.

Congrats on your little one!

Since your pregnancy is high-risk...please only have your baby at a hospital with an in-house NICU and full-time on-site Neonatologist...not those on-call ones, just in case anything should happen so your baby doesn't have to be transported anywhere, they can just take it over.

I thank God every day that I had the foresight to do this, and I ended up needing it.

platon20 · Nov 29, 2006

Just because you are "high risk" does NOT mean that you ahve to have an ob deliver your baby.

please consider a CNM (nurse midwife). They can do anything that an ob doctor can do, they can even assist in c-sections! They will provide care to you at home, or if something happens and you should need to go to the hospital, they have admitting privileges and can follow you in the hospital just like a regular ob doc would.

TazziRN, RN · Nov 29, 2006

Since your pregnancy is high-risk...please only have your baby at a hospital with an in-house NICU and full-time on-site Neonatologist...not those on-call ones, just in case anything should happen so your baby doesn't have to be transported anywhere, they can just take it over.
I thank God every day that I had the foresight to do this, and I ended up needing it.

Unfortunately, not everyone has this option. I was high risk. The nearest NICU was at least an hour from home....the one I would have preferred, two hours.

TazziRN, RN · Nov 29, 2006

Just because you are "high risk" does NOT mean that you ahve to have an ob deliver your baby.
please consider a CNM (nurse midwife). They can do anything that an ob doctor can do, they can even assist in c-sections! They will provide care to you at home, or if something happens and you should need to go to the hospital, they have admitting privileges and can follow you in the hospital just like a regular ob doc would.

NO CNM in his/her right mind would deliver a high-risk at home. They can do ALMOST anything a doc can do....they can assist with sections but can't do them. And if something happens at home the ER/NICU would be an ambulance ride away. Even a small-town hospital has the equipment to keep a baby alive until the transport team can get there.

mommy2boys · Nov 29, 2006

I found my OB by asking my regular doctor who they recommend. After my regular doctor gave me a few choices I called some of my OB nurse friends as asked them what they thought. After that I spoke to anyone who had a baby and asked them who their doctor was and what they thought.

ERin