How to Choose a Women’s Primary Care Provider
A woman’s body encounters amazing and unique changes throughout her lifetime. From puberty to pregnancy and through menopause, these transformations deserve the attention of personalized health care from the most appropriate provider.
“Who you see depends on what you’re encountering in your health as well as your health goals,” said Comfort Agaba, MD, internal medicine physician at Avera Medical Group Internal Medicine in Sioux Falls, SD.
Over the years, those goals and needs change, and the type of provider you want may change, too. All Avera providers undergo specific training to provide you personalized care, but there are a few things to consider when you’re deciding who you want for a provider. Ask yourself:
- Do I want a more holistic approach?
- Do I have chronic conditions I need help managing?
- Do I plan to have children?
- Am I nearing menopause age?
- What type of personality do I prefer? Will I feel comfortable talking with this provider?
Regardless of the type of provider you see, you always remain in the driver’s seat of your care, guided by their expertise and your personal health profile. With yearly checkups, your provider gets to know you and can recommend screenings as you age. Here’s a rundown of types of women’s providers to choose from at Avera:
Obstetrics and Gynecology
OB-GYNs are board-certified physicians who specialize in the full scope of pregnancy and gynecology. They offer well-woman exams, perform all sorts of deliveries including cesarean sections, manage labors that are normal or high risk, and perform surgical procedures such as hysterectomies. In addition, they assist with family planning options, manage cancer screenings, and help women navigate the symptoms of menopause.
Midwifery
Certified nurse midwives are registered nurses (RNs) who have also completed graduate education and specialized training in midwifery. While they’re most associated with pregnancy, they care for women throughout their lives, including birth, postpartum and well-woman care.
Midwifery might be an appropriate option for pregnant women aiming for a natural birth with no foreseen complications. However, natural doesn’t mean you don’t have any options. Avera’s midwifery team supports women as they choose what’s best for them when it comes to birth and pain management. This could mean pain medicine or an epidural, or a medication-free childbirth, based on the birth experience the mother wants. Should complications arise, OB-GYNs are close by to help.
Family Medicine with Obstetrics
Residency-trained and board-certified, a family medicine/OB physician specializes in the full spectrum of care for all ages, allowing your family, including a newborn, one go-to doctor you know and trust.
Not only do they provide yearly checkups and help you keep track of preventive screenings, they also have additional training in obstetrics. This means they possess the expertise to manage your pregnancy, including any medications you might need or complications that might arise. Their services include managing labor and delivery for vaginal births, and depending on your location they can manage or assist with cesarean sections.
Family Medicine
A family medicine provider cares for general health care needs for people of all ages. They are an ideal option for families. One designated provider for your family allows them to consider and integrate your family’s health risks to your personal health profile. For example, if a parent or sibling went through cancer, your provider might suggest earlier screenings.
Family medicine offers yearly checkups and sports physicals. Your provider keeps track of the cancer screenings, immunizations and prescriptions you need. They’ll help you manage chronic conditions, stick with follow-up care after specialized care, and encourage you to live a healthy lifestyle that takes into consideration your life and health goals.
Internal Medicine
Internal medicine experts provide services that are very similar to family medicine providers, but focus only on the health needs and concerns of those age 18 and older. As we age, we find ourselves facing various health concerns — from high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma, to heart disease, shingles and cancer. An internal medicine provider is your frontline expert who helps you schedule screenings for disease detection, manage conditions through prescription or lifestyle, or direct you to the next step of specialized care.
“Above all else, we aim to prevent disease through lifestyle and screenings,” said Agaba. “After that, we strive toward management or, even better, cure.”
Internists can have a variety of roles in health care. In many cases, they’re the primary care provider for adults; others look after patients staying in the hospital.
Advanced Practice Providers
You may see an advanced practice provider within the above specialty areas. APPs are trained, licensed and credentialed to perform medical activities similar to a physician, including medical exams and prescribing medications. Common APPs are nurse practitioners and physician assistants, depending on their training program.
APPs may work as part of a care team with physicians, or they may be the main provider in a clinic – especially in smaller communities. APPs always have ready access to a physician for further consultation when needed.
“Wherever you are in your life and health, across our various specialties, we function as a team dedicated to serving you,” said Agaba. “We help you take ahold of your health and make informed decisions as well as connect you to specialized care. We’re connected, which means you’re connected, to health care that fits your needs.”
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