Girls - OB/GYN

[Slightly Bonkers 0]

I'm a european, used to going to my GP for everything.

I've been having spotting issues after taking a month off my pill. Should I just look for an OB/GYN or is there an equivalent GP I should try attend first.

Edited May 4, 2009 by Slightly Bonkers

[kaffy 2]

a US equivalent would be a PCP (primary care physician) but since you don't have one, go see an OB/GYN directly if your insurance allows self referrals

Edited May 4, 2009 by kaffy

[BermyCat 1]

I'm guessing that that would depend on what kind of health insurance you have. Mine lets me see a OB/GYN without a referral from my GP. I don't know if that's standard though. It shoudl say in your benefits booklet.

~ Catherine

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

I would go to a family doctor (also called Primary care doctor). They are very similar to GPs, and can do anything. Most women here seem to go to a OBGYN for pregnancy and delivery, but many family doctors can also look after you for that, unless you end up bieng high risk.

[Aubrey 10]

I'm a european, used to going to my GP for everything.

I've been having spotting issues after taking a month off my pill. Should I just look for an OB/GYN or is there an equivalent GP I should try attend first.

Check your health care plan to see what is covered. Any GP can and usually does these basic feminine exams and birth control, but many women prefer to see an OBGYN for those. It's personal preference, but also a difference between coverage (most HMOs will require you see your GP first for anything and then get a referral, most PPOs let you see anyone you want).

[kaffy 2]

^ yeah that's correct. My work offers 4 different insurance plans - one HMO plan and three PPO plans. I signed up with the mid-tier PPO plan and was able to self refer to a OBGYN who I now see for my annual exam & prescription refills.. and will later see for OB care.

I think if you able to self refer, it is easier now, and in the long run if you see an OBGYN directly

Edited May 4, 2009 by kaffy

[M.O 6]

I'm a european, used to going to my GP for everything.

I've been having spotting issues after taking a month off my pill. Should I just look for an OB/GYN or is there an equivalent GP I should try attend first.

Hey if you mean birth control (the pill) i ve been spotting for 3 motnhs, and the doc told me thats normal cos the hormones from the pill adjust to the body almost 2-3 motnhs so yeah now im on the 5th month and i havent had spotting for 2 months and thats good...

[Nikita2Charles 32]

You can have both

But normally a general practictioner is fine, mostly people go to OB/GYN when they are looking at getting pregnant.

IF your insurance covers both and you don't need a referal you can do both. General practictioner will do a physical exam, pap smear, blood test and urine on your 1st visit to make sure they have a baseline on your health check, the 1st appt is normally longer than the follow up are much shorter.

Edited May 5, 2009 by Nikita2Charles