For many women, selecting an obstetrician is one of the most important healthcare decisions they will make. It sets the foundation for their entire prenatal care, delivery experience, postpartum support, and overall healthcare. However, with options like solo practitioners versus large group practices, how do you determine which model is the best fit?
The Benefits of Our Group Practice Model
Unmatched Access and Continuity of Care
Group practices allow for continuity of care since patients have access to any provider within the practice. This ensures patients can still be seen for appointments or deliveries even if their main doctor is unavailable due to vacation, sick leave, or delivery schedule. Patients benefit from establishing relationships with multiple OBGYNs who are all kept up-to-date on their medical history through a shared record system.
Shared Call Responsibilities
The workload and after-hours responsibilities are distributed among the entire practice rather than one solo practitioner. This allows each doctor more manageable schedules and increased work-life balance long-term. Group practices can implement fair call-sharing rotations so the burden does not fall solely on one doctor.
The Power of a Full Care Team
Larger group practices are able to support a bigger support staff of medical assistants, nurses, midwives, ultrasound and lab technicians. This clinical support team allows each OBGYN to focus on patient care while other tasks are delegated. The expanded staff also provides patients with more appointment availability and options for care like midwifery services.
Comparisons With a Solo Practice
Group practices are run very differently from a solo practice. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of seeing a solo practitioner:
Pros
By seeing the same OBGYN at every appointment, patients develop trust and familiarity over time. The doctor also gains deep knowledge of each patient’s medical, family and social history to provide highly personalized care.
There’s also a higher consistency in seeing and communicating directly with one provider. Patients always know what to expect when interacting with their solo OBGYN. They don’t have to repeat their history or preferences to multiple clinicians. This streamlines care and allows patients to develop a strong rapport with their one point of contact over the course of prenatal and delivery care.
Thankfully, at Woman’s Health Centers, you can also enjoy building a deeper relationship with your OBGYN as you can choose an OBGYN that you prefer.
Cons
Continuity of care could be disrupted if the solo practitioner takes vacation time or becomes unavailable. Without other providers to fill in, patients may have to reschedule appointments or find an alternate doctor for the duration. This could cause gaps in care, especially during high-risk pregnancies.
With solo practitioners, there are also fewer support staff like nurses and technicians during appointments. This is because solo practices often can’t support extra staffing. Patients may spend less time with the doctor and more time waiting between services since support roles like vitals/ultrasounds are not delegated.
Keep in mind that out-of-pocket costs could be higher without insurance negotiated rates from a larger practice. Solo practices have lower patient volumes to leverage in rate negotiations. Patients may face higher copays/deductibles than at larger practices.
Schedule Your OBGYN Visit with Woman’s Health Centers Today
Both solo practitioner and group practice models offer OBGYN care delivery structures with distinct pros and cons for patients to consider. For those seeking added levels of support, resources, and expertise inherent in large group practices, Woman’s Health Centers is the answer. Call us today to schedule your OBGYN visit with us and experience all the benefits we have to offer.