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Should I find a new Obgyn?

Asked by preggers (293points) April 16th, 2009

During my first appointment, the nurse practitioner reassures me that the doctor is very good. She has been practicing for 20+ years and has delivered hundreds of babies. Sounds great and I’m happy with my decision.

Three appointments later (and 14 weeks into my pregnancy), I still haven’t met the doctor. Not even a cursory hello. It seems rather impersonal, but I’m not sure what to expect. Is this normal?

During my first ultrasound (scheduled off-site), they seem surprised that I didn’t already have a vaginal ultrasound earlier. They tell me my doctor usually performs this in the office.

I ask the nurse practitioner at my next appointment. She says that is how they always do it. And that they do not have the facilities to perform ultrasounds on site. Does that mean that my doctor will never be present at any of my ultrasounds?

While using their restroom, I notice a sign over the sink. It’s a note saying that the sink was broken. This was left by Maintenance—in 2006. This seems trivial. But gets me wondering. Can the poor maintenance of a facility affect or reflect the quality of care? (My actual delivery would be at another hospital.)

Then earlier this week I get a call that I have to redo my Pap Smear and Pelvic Exam because they fucked up and used an expired culture.

Now I’m thinking about finding a new Obgyn. I know either way, I have to redo my tests. I’m not trying to avoid the discomfort. I’m concerned because they seem incompetent.

Am I over-reacting? Does a minor incompetence imply general incompetence? Is a supposedly good (but seemingly impersonal) doctor more important than her staff (or facility)?

What should my expectations be?
Should I expect to meet my doctor before my second trimester?
Should I expect my doctor to have preformed a vaginal ultrasound?
Should I expect my doctor to have the facilities to perform vaginal ultrasounds on site?
Should I expect my doctor to be present during any of my ultrasounds?
Should I expect a certain level of upkeep of their facilities?
Should I expect the occasional mistake?

Should I find a new Obgyn?

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