12 Apr Can You Switch Your OB-GYN Mid-Pregnancy?
By Jonathan F. Rehberg, MD, FACOG
While transferring your prenatal care during pregnancy is potentially an anxiety-producing event, Sylacauga OB-GYN is here to help. We’ve done this many times before, and we’re happy to do it again. We have a lot to offer as your big city doctor in a small town!
We get quite a few requests for transfers each month for various reasons. Oftentimes, it’s due to a change in geographic location or a change of insurance. Other times, a transfer may be desired simply due to couples not establishing good rapport with the doctor they had been seeing. Good rapport with an OB-GYN is a big deal because we’re such a huge part of this time in your life. We’re helping bring your child into the world, so feeling comfortable with and having confidence in your doctor is very, very important.
Why Choose Sylacauga OB-GYN?
We are a small-town, big city doctor. What that means is that you get excellent, high quality care in a much more relaxed, personable atmosphere. There are only two physicians in our practice, and that draws a stark contrast between us and many other providers.
When you are at a larger practice with a larger group of OB-GYNs, you don’t always know who will deliver your baby. The doctor that does deliver you may be someone you’ve never met or even heard of before. In our practice, we have a smaller, tight-knit group of people, and the chances that you will see someone you’ve never met before are few and far between.
We provide comprehensive obstetrical and delivery services and are equipped to bring you the best care and support for both you and your baby. This includes appropriate obstetrical care for both low-risk and high-risk pregnancies; as well as on-site ultrasounds and in-office fetal testing.
Steps For Switching OB-GYNs Mid-Pregnancy
The process to switch OB-GYNs during pregnancy is not at all difficult or complicated. Once you’ve made the decision to find a new provider, there are a few simple steps to go through.
Step 1: Transfer Medical Records
When you make a request to transfer, you must first provide our practice with a FULL prenatal record for review. To accomplish this, you may personally ask your previous provider for your patient health information (PHI), which belongs to you as the patient, and they are compelled to comply with your request. Once obtained, you bring your records to us.
If you prefer not to approach this task yourself, you may come to our office and ask us to obtain the records for you. We will ask you to sign a release form that will allow us to have your records transferred.
Step 2: Records Review
Once received, I alone review the records of any patient who desires to transfer into our practice as a pre-existing, known pregnancy from another practice. This review process takes a couple of days from start to finish. I do have certain criteria when making this decision, and occasionally I decide not to accept the patient for various reasons. Rest assured, I review these records in great detail personally.
Step 3: Decision Communicated with Patients
Once records are reviewed and decisions are made, we will get back with you via phone call to communicate the decision on the transfer. A staff member will likely say something like, “Dr. Rehberg has reviewed your records, and we would be glad to accept you as a patient if you are still ready to proceed.” On the same call, we will find a time for you to come in for your first appointment with us.
Step 4: Come in for First Appointment
When you come in for this first appointment, we will pick up with you right where you are. Since I have thoroughly reviewed your records at this point, I know your history. I know if you have any tests outstanding or upcoming. We do ask that you bring in a list of all medications you are taking, and we may also want to ask you about your medical history prior to your pregnancy. Aside from being prepared with that information, there’s nothing you need to do, bring, or provide.
Get the Best Prenatal Care and Much More at Sylacauga OB-GYN
We know that switching OB-GYNs mid-pregnancy is a big deal to you, and we agree. It’s a big deal to us, too. But changing doctors could be the best thing you could possibly do for your pregnancy, and we are happy to pick up with you at the exact place where you are. We won’t miss a beat as your big city, small town doctor!
LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT MAKES SYLACAUGA OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY A TOP PROVIDER
Sylacauga OB-GYN is the premier provider of obstetric and gynecological services in Sylacauga, Alexander City, Talladega, and the surrounding areas. From your first exam to your new little one’s delivery, our staff and providers are here to make your journey as smooth as possible. At Sylacauga Obstetrics & Gynecology, we are ready to answer your questions, provide support, and guide your process during your baby’s growth!
No need to drive to Birmingham to receive a superior quality of care for you and your impending bundle of joy. We are big town doctors with small-town care! For more information about healthy pregnancies, delivery options, and more, give us a call or email us at [email protected].