Due to the increasing cost of liability insurance for obstetrics practices, finding an obstetrician is becoming an increasingly difficult thing. But there are still plenty of worthy candidates out there, and choosing the right person for you just takes a little bit of legwork.

In your search for a women’s specialty doctor, it’s important to first realize that not all gynecologists are obstetricians. While the Ob/Gyn title seems to follow many doctors’ names, some, because of the aforementioned rising costs in liability insurance, are strictly sticking to gynecology these days. So if you were looking for “one-stop-shopping” so to say, you may need to do a little more research into doctor choices.

1. Referrals: When selecting a doctor, a good place to begin is with referrals from friends and family, provided these people live close by. Talk to new mothers and find out what they have to say about their doctor or group practice. Remember, though, that everyone has different preferences in doctors, so this is merely a jumping-off point to finding the right obstetrician fit for you.

2. Proximity: Take your list of referrals and see where the doctors are located. Most women desire a doctor who is relatively close to home. Having a doctor in close proximity can be an advantage when the latter part of the pregnancy requires weekly trips to the doctor. With an obstetrician close by, it’s easier to schedule appointments that may fit into your day, with a quick return trip home or to work.

3. Insurance carrier: You may find a doctor that was highly referred and is close to home, but doesn’t take your insurance plan. That is why it is essential to visit the Web site of your insurance carrier during the research process and see what doctors are affiliated. Just because a doctor’s name appears on insurance lists is not proof enough that he or she accepts your plan. Some insurance company Web sites are infrequently updated. Other times a doctor who once practiced alone may have accepted your insurance, but now that he or she is part of a group practice, the insurance is no longer accepted. Call the office and verify that they accept your insurance before getting your heart set on a doctor.

“Three of my friends recommended a particular group practice by my home, and my insurance carrier Web site listed them as accepting my plan,” offers Donna in Wisconsin. “But when I called the office to make an appointment it was a big let down. They really didn’t accept my insurance after all, and I was back to the drawing board.”

4. Gender: Think about whether you feel more comfortable with a male or female doctor. This will also weigh into your choice.

5. Hospital affiliation: Most obstetricians are affiliated with one or more hospitals in the area. That means they have privileges to those hospitals, and that is where you’ll be sent to have your baby or for any routine medical tests not handled at the Ob’s office.

“I absolutely loved my Ob/Gyn,” says Natalie in Pennsylvania. “But I didn’t think to factor in his affiliated hospital. When I gave birth to my daughter, I wasn’t so thrilled with the care and amenities of the hospital. Now I’m considering looking for a new doctor – and hospital – for my next pregnancy.”

Make sure you are comfortable with the hospital affiliation. Don’t be afraid to visit the hospital and see what the maternity ward looks like, and watch the interaction of staff and doctors.

6. Personality and philosophy: Feel free to schedule a consultation with the doctor you’re considering. This way you can get an idea of his or her bedside manner and discuss policies concerning prenatal care, labor and delivery and how the practice is run. You want to find a doctor who will be open to your line of thinking and be supportive. For example, some doctors are sticklers for weight gain during pregnancy. Others are more laid back and aren’t as concerned about a little extra gain. Some doctors have firm beliefs on circumcision, breastfeeding, episiotomies, and the use of drugs during childbirth. You want to ensure your philosophies meld.

7. The staff and office: The obstetrician won’t be the only person with whom you interact when visiting the office. You also have to feel comfortable with the nurses and administrative staff. Again, a visit to the office can give you a good idea whether the staff is friendly, professional, and values your privacy. While there, you can also see if there is a long wait time for visits, something to consider especially if you’ll be there frequently during peak times, such as after work.

Another point of advice is to choose a doctor who is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. Visit www.abog.org for more information.

For those women who prefer alternate care, a qualified nurse-midwife or a general care doctor who also provides prenatal care might be the way to go. (MS).