Is it OK to change my OB?

Hi,


My husband and I are new to Australia. I am 9wk pregnant now and by a friends recommendation, visited an OB in Randwick. All this happened in a hurry! Only at the visit, we came to know about how frequently we need to be visiting the doctor (every 4 weeks, later every 2 weeks etc!!). And talking to some more friends, we uncovered that North Shore private hospital is very close to where we live and I dont want to be going to Randwick now :)

So, I need to change my OB to some one around St. Lenords, I see there are quite a few of them. But would it be OK with my present OB? I am worried if I tell her my intent, that might hurt my relation with the doctor :(

Could some one please guide me if you have ever changed an OB? I dont know how the Doctors are networked in Australia. I really appreciate your inputs :pray:. Thank you!!

Sunflowergal

You can pick and choose, and change, your care provider at any time, as often as you like, for whatever reason you like.

You might also like to look into other care models - midwives clinics for example, are run through most maternity hospitals, meaning you see and actual Ob very rarely, as they are not necessary in a normal, low risk pregnancy. They are also free. ;)

HTH :)

I changed OB's at around the 9 week mark from memory, because I didn't like the bedside manner of the one I was originally referred to and his fees were ridiculous... But, I did find it hard getting in with another one. A lot of them are fully booked by that stage. We got a list from the hospital we wanted to go to and then rang around until we found someone who could take us on. But before I could see him I had to get my GP to give me a new referral too. So I guess, if it is something you want to do, in my experience you need to act fast.

The first thing I would do is call the OB you have in mind, or others who deliver at the hospital you want (you might be able to get a list from their website, or call them and they should be able to give you one) and find out if they can take you on. Once you have someone who can take you on, call your GP and get them to fax a new referral through to that OB.

Don't worry about what your current OB thinks, but I also wouldn't tell them you're thinking of changing until you're actually booked in with someone else. Then just say it was all about the practicality of getting to appointments and the vicinity of the hospital.

FWIW I am so glad that we did change. We ended up going with a guy who delivered a friends baby and he was fantastic! We also went to a hospital that was much closer to home and far nicer in my opinion. So it was well worth it. HTH

Im sure it will be fine, you are in early stage of pregnancy, im giving birth at North Shore Private for my 3rd time, if you have any questions, im happy to help! My OB is Dr Michele Batey, she is actually on Maternity leave at the moment back in July I saw her for 1/2 of my pregnancy (this time) and her partner Dr Rachael Hickinbotham since about 16 weeks, they are both lovely Obs and totally recommend them. Their office is at North Shore Private. Ive had Michele Batey as my OB twice before for the pregnancy and birth of both of my girls.

I forgot to add if you go to the North Shore Private website (Maternity) they have a list of Obs call them and ask them if they are available!

You can swap and change. Just note that most want a pregnancy management fee paid by 20wks gestation and I don't think you can get a refund if you change your mind after this.

Are you covered by private health insurance? PHI doesn't cover the OB fees, but does cover the birth/hospital (along with Medicare, if you're eligible for it).

OBs are usually associated with specific hospitals. Get a list off the hospital's website and go from there. Many will be booked out by now.

GL

Thank you LimeSlice, Miss E, Belle and tashybabe for your inputs. It really helped me, today I Rang few OB's listed in the North Shore private hospital most of them are booked but couldn't reach few of them though will give them a call again. Hopefully will get an appointment with some one.

We are covered under Medibank Top85. Have to find out if they cover any midwife clinics. I will get to know the risk factor after 12 week NT scan.

Sunflowergal