Finding the right gynecologist is an important decision, so it is important to gather as much information as possible before making a final selection. This guide will provide you with information and tips on how to find a gynecologist to meet your needs.

A gynecologist may be a woman's primary care physician, coordinating all aspects of her health care, or he or she may just serve as a specialist dealing with a woman's gynecological issues. In either case, finding a well qualified gynecologist to manage your health care is important. In order to make sure you find the right gynecologist for you, you need to decide what you need, get referrals, and check out the gynecologists' credentials and history.

Choosing a gynecologist is a very personal decision, and each woman will have her own list of hat's important. Some things you may want to think about include:

1. Education and experience.
2. Communication skills
3. Gender. This is one case where the gender of a doctor may make a difference in your comfort level.
4. Do you want the gynecologist to be a specialist in a certain area such as menopause or endometriosis?
5. Do you need a gynecologist who also practices obstetrics?
6. Are you comfortable with a solo practitioner, or do you want a large practice?
7. What hospitals would you like the gynecologist to be affiliated with?
8. Does your health plan limit you to certain gynecologists?

After you know what you're need in a gynecologist, you can begin asking for referrals.

1. Ask friends and family for names of gynecologists that they have been happy with
2. Call local hospitals for names of gynecologists that are accepting new patients.
3. Ask other health professionals you're seeing for names of gynecologists they would recommend.
4. The American Medical Association provides referrals to member gynecologists.

1. Check to make sure the doctor is board certified in gynecology. If the doctor is just started out, he or she may not have completed their application process, but you should be sure that they are at least board eligible.
2. How many hospitals does the gynecologist have privileges at? Multiple hospitals mean that their credentials have been professionally reviewed multiple times.
3. Check with your state's medical board to make sure the gynecologist is currently licensed, and is in good standing with the board. Some states list malpractice lawsuits on their websites.
4. There are several internet sites, such as HealthGrade that list information on some gynecologists. If a doctor isn't listed, it just means that they aren't listed- it doesn't mean that there is a problem with their credentials.