What Does an OB-GYN Do?
What an OB-GYN does, how they are trained and board certified, the subspecialties within obstetrics and gynecology, and how they compare with other clinicians.
How to Choose a Gynecologist: Credentials, Insurance and Fit
How to choose a gynecologist: OB-GYN vs gynecologist, checking board certification and licensing, insurance and costs, questions to ask and red flags.
Key takeaways
- Check board certification with ABOG and the doctor’s license with your state medical board.
- Confirm the gynecologist is in your insurance network before you book.
- The right fit matters: you should feel listened to, respected and able to ask anything.
On this page
A good gynecologist can be one of your most important long-term healthcare relationships, from screenings and contraception to pregnancy, menopause and beyond. Choosing one is worth a little research. Here is how to do it.
OB-GYN or gynecologist?
- An OB-GYN is trained in both obstetrics (pregnancy and childbirth) and gynecology (reproductive health). Most gynecologists in the US are OB-GYNs.
- Some OB-GYNs practise gynecology only and no longer deliver babies.
- Nurse practitioners, physician assistants and certified nurse-midwives also provide much routine gynecologic care, including screenings and contraception.
If you have a specific condition, you may be referred to a subspecialist:
| Subspecialist | Focus |
|---|---|
| Gynecologic oncologist | Cancers of the reproductive organs |
| Reproductive endocrinologist | Fertility and hormone disorders |
| Urogynecologist | Pelvic floor disorders, incontinence and prolapse |
| Maternal-fetal medicine | High-risk pregnancies |
Step 1: Check credentials
- Board certification. Board-certified OB-GYNs have passed the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology’s exams and must keep their certification current. Here’s how to verify a gynecologist’s credentials. You can verify certification on ABOG’s website.
- License and discipline history. Your state medical board confirms that a doctor is licensed and lists public disciplinary actions. The Federation of State Medical Boards’ DocInfo tool searches across states.
- NPI number. The federal NPI Registry confirms a provider’s specialty and practice address.
Step 2: Check insurance and costs
- Use your insurer’s online directory or call the number on your card to confirm the gynecologist is in network.
- Ask the office to confirm, too, because directories can be out of date.
- Many preventive services, such as well-woman visits and cervical cancer screening, are covered without cost-sharing under most health plans, but tests and follow-up care may not be. Our guide to what insurance covers explains the details. Ask what will be billed.
Step 3: Consider practical fit
- Location and hours, including early, evening or weekend appointments.
- Telehealth for follow-ups and prescription questions.
- Hospital affiliation, especially if you are planning a pregnancy or may need surgery.
- Wait times for new-patient and urgent appointments.
- Communication: online portals, how quickly messages get answered and who responds.
Step 4: Think about personal fit
You should feel comfortable discussing anything with your gynecologist. Consider whether you prefer a particular gender, language or cultural background, and whether the practice is welcoming to LGBTQ+ patients and people with disabilities. Reviews can help, but read them for patterns rather than single complaints.
Questions to ask at your first appointment
For a longer list, see questions to ask your gynecologist.
- How do you approach decisions about treatment options with patients?
- How can I reach you between visits, and how quickly will I hear back?
- Who will I see if you are unavailable?
- Do you offer chaperones for exams? (Many practices offer one routinely.)
- If I get pregnant, do you provide prenatal care and deliver at a nearby hospital?
If it’s your very first visit, our guide to what to expect at your first gynecologist visit explains how appointments work.
Red flags
- You feel rushed, dismissed or judged.
- Procedures are done without explanation or consent.
- Your questions about risks, costs or alternatives aren’t answered.
- The doctor’s license or certification can’t be verified.
You can always change doctors. A second opinion is a normal and respected part of care, especially before surgery.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a gynecologist near me?
Start with your insurer’s directory, ask your primary care doctor for a referral, or use ACOG’s physician finder. Then check credentials and read patient reviews.
Do I need a referral to see a gynecologist?
It depends on your insurance. Many plans allow you to see an in-network gynecologist without a referral, but some HMOs require one. Check with your insurer.
Is a female gynecologist better?
Not medically. Skill and communication matter most. Choose whoever you will feel most comfortable with, because that makes it easier to share important information.
Sources
Every article is edited by a human and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
Keep reading
Gynecologist Visits and Insurance: What’s Covered
What insurance covers at gynecologist visits: free preventive care under the ACA, services that may cost you, Medicare and Medicaid rules and billing tips.
How to Find and Verify a Gynecologist
How to find a gynecologist near you and check their credentials: NPI Registry lookups, ABOG board certification, state license checks and insurer directories.