You want to look where?

In this section we will walk through the importance of doctor and patient relations as it is most important to ask questions and to become comfortable seeking advice from your doctor.

If you've gotten to this point, hopefully you've learned a lot.  Now it's time to put that knowledge to use when talking to your healthcare professional.  What, you say you don't have one?  Or, you're not comfortable talking with the one you have now?  We've got to fix that.  When it comes to your health, after all, this is your most important relationship. 

Which brings us to a very important point:  Be an advocate for yourself.  When you visit your healthcare professional, it's not only about him or her asking you questions – you need to be able to step it up and ask questions too. 

I choose YOU!

Don't have a doctor or a nurse practitioner or looking for a new one?  Before you start your search, you should give some thought to whether you would prefer someone who is male or female.  Some women may just feel more comfortable with a female healthcare professional.  Some don't mind either way.  It's really all up to you.  Just be honest with yourself. 

Physicians who specialize in women's sexual and reproductive health are called gynecologists (Ob/Gyns for short – the Ob stands for obstetricians, who specialize in childbirth).   If you think you may want to have children someday soon, then you may want to find a practice that includes both specialties.  Keep in mind, too, that many women's health offices also include nurse practitioners who can do many things that a physician can do, including write prescriptions.

Where to start?  Talk to your friends and female family members.  They know you better than anyone else and might have some great suggestions.  Professional medical organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (www.acog.org) offer an online directory where you can find a physician in your local area.  That way, you can be assured of the physician's professional qualifications.

If you're in college, you should call your college health center or local family planning clinic.  If you're working, you also can ask colleagues for their recommendations.  If you have health insurance through an employer plan, your health plan also may have a searchable online directory.  If you're not covered by a health plan and concerned about costs, the yellow pages can come in handy – you'll want to look under family planning clinics, many of which offer low-cost healthcare and access to medications like the Pill.

Picking up the phone

You've chosen your physician or nurse practitioner and you're ready to take that first step… making an appointment.  Here's a tip for success: You're establishing a new relationship and you want it to be 2-way.  So, it's important that you feel comfortable and confident, too.  When you call to make that appointment, what is your first impression?  Do they seem pleasant and efficient? That's a good sign. 

If they don't ask about your insurance, bring it up yourself.  Make sure they accept your health plan.  If they don't, you'll save yourself a lot of grief from the potential financial repercussions.  Don't be afraid to ask about costs, regardless of your coverage status. Is there a co-pay? How much? Are there any other costs that I will be responsible for?  If there are, how can I pay? 

And, be clear why you want an appointment – are you having any specific health issues that you want to talk about? Are you interested in talking about birth control options?  Do you want a pelvic exam? If so, you'll want to schedule the appointment when you are not expecting your period. Thinking through these questions before you pick up the phone will help you organize your thoughts and get you on your way to a successful relationship.

Maximizing your visit

The real key to making the most of your appointment is – guess what? – Preparation! Think back to the last time you may have negotiated with someone to get something that you wanted.  How do you get the most out of the conversation?  You first think through what you want to accomplish and then you pull together all the information that you'll need in order to get there.  

Here's a short but vital list to start:

• Your insurance information – don't leave it at home.
• Your medical/family/social history, including smoking, alcohol consumption, conditions, allergies or surgeries. Big tip: Type it up and you'll have it forever!
• Your medications, including over-the-counter medications that you may take on a regular basis, as well as prescriptions.
• Once you've covered your personal history, write down any conditions that your close family members have had or have (include all your close relations, your parents and siblings, but also grandparents, aunts and uncles).
• Your “period” history – first one, most recent one, regularity and average length.
• If you are currently using a diaphragm or cervical cap, bring it with you.

Then, you'll want to make a list of all the questions that you want to be sure to ask.  These tools can help you think through what these questions might be, and create a customized list that you can print and take with you. 

Talking to Your OB/GYN

My Doctor Questions

Keep the relationship going

Before you leave, be sure you understand the next steps, and schedule a follow-up appointment if necessary.  Just say, “When would you like to see me back again?”  

Next:

Five things to consider when choosing a birth control pill >

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