oob/Gyn, Family Doc, Not Sure What to Do

I see my primary care provider (family doc) for everything.......

He does the pap, sends me out for mammograms, whatever. When necessary, he refers me to a specialist. (I did see an ob/gyn when I was considering what to do about the fibroids, though... but chose an alternative to a hysterectomy.) This last annual, when my mammogram came up suspicious, he referred me on to another radiology clinic that deals specifically with more in-depth mammograms. BTW... everything came up normal.

I will say, however, that my youngest is now 21, so it has been a while since I've seen an ob/gyn on a regular basis.

Also, I've been with the same primary care provider for 21 years, now..... I like him, and feel that I get good care since I've maintained a professional/care relationship with him.

Why on earth would you see

- someone you don't like (nurse practitioner)
- someone you're uncomfortable with (male doc)

I mean... Going to a new office at least there's a 50/50 chance on not hating your doc. Going to your old office there's a 100% chance of hating the doc/nurse that you already know you hate.

So my vote is to either follow your traveling doctor or go to a new office.just strike the icky off your list of possibilities.

My PCP is a woman. She does do Paps and breast exams, but I have complex conditions that my gyn and breast doctor prefer to handle. If you are otherwise healthy, you may find it easier to have your family doctor handle your gyn care. I had male OBs so I'm not insistent on having a female doctor.

In any doctor's office, I have them put MD only. If I am paying for a doc, I am seeing my doc.

I believe you should see an OB because while you may not have problems now...you never know what the future presents. That is their specialty. I would rather have a history with someone just in case. Nowadays they are even doing paps every 2 years if you have no issues. My family doc is good for the other stuff but when it comes to that stuff, I just feel better talking with an OB. I would go with the one you liked or ask a friend, that's how I found my current one and lover her!

You need a practitioner you like and feel comfortable with, no matter what.

If you don't like the nurse prac, don't go back. If you aren't sure you want a male ob/gyn, don't stay in that practice.

If you don't like your family doctor enough to let him do a pap, you need a new doctor. He would have a nurse or medical assistant come in, if that's what's got you uncomfortable. Any doctor can do a pap - it's not a difficult test. And yes any doctor can refer you for a mammogram. The fact that you have no issues now isn't the point - you need someone you can deal with if you do have an issue or a concern or an emergency, not someone you're embarrassed to get undressed in front of or be in stirrups in front of.

It sounds like you really like the female ob/gyn, so either insist on seeing her or ask for a referral to a practice with more than one woman ob/gyn so you have a choice (in case you don't like one or in case one is not available).

But you still need a good primary care physician for all your basic health needs, and depending on your insurance, for referrals to specialists.

And as far as PMS goes, there are different meds that can be prescribed depending on what the worst symptoms are (moods, bloating, pain, etc.) and also nutritional support you can use to really bring down those symptoms without medications. If you need more info, let me know. It's what I do.

It shouldn't be so hard, mom. Just get an appointment with the doc you like. Go in several weeks in advance and sign a release form to have all your records forwarded. If they ask if you can see a nurse practitioner instead, say NO. You never have to say yes. You do have to make your checkup appointments several months in advance.

They will get your mammograms for you - you don't have to do anything except sign a piece of paper.

I have one PCP one obgyn I like my obgyn but he will never stand up to my first that delivered my daughter. He was awesome. You have to find a Dr that works for you that is not changing offices so much
Something is going on if she is changing every year or two

ETA: yes, your family doctor can write scripts for mammograms, etc.
___________________

It would bother me that my doctor would change practices that fast....so I personally would look for one who is stable.

You don't have any problems - now - and you would like to keep it that way. I would find someone who is in it for the long haul - who knows me and my history - yes - if that means starting over - then I would bring my records and start over.

I LOVE my OB/GYN - I would NOT see my family doctor for GYN care - not because I don't trust him but because it's not his specialty.

Good luck!! Hope you find one that works for you!

I used to see my family practitioner until I had to have a hystectomy and then I started seeing the obgyn she sent me too. They will send you to get mammograms. I liked my dr but I like my ob too so it's just what makes you feel comfortable. Ask some of your girlfriends who they use and if they would recommend them. Good luck!!

I would stick with a gyn. You just never know when something will pop up and being a patient will always get you in sooner.
But one you like and trust. Ask friends etc or go find your traveling dr. I see a man and pretty much always have except two disasterous incidents with women.
Plus there is something to be said for staying with someone who knows your history, what a normal exam feels like for you etc

I like to use one doc for everything. That way there isn't anyone giving me something that will conflict with something the other doc does. I do like having it all under one roof so to speak.