Questions to help you make the right decision
Having a baby is one of the most important things that will happen in your life and choosing the right care and Obstetrician plays an integral part in this process.
What is an obstetrician?
An obstetrician is a medical doctor who is specially trained to look after mothers and babies during pregnancy, labour and straight after birth. Their training has provided them with the skills and experience to detect and manage obstetric and gynaecological problems.
It’s natural to want the best possible care for your growing family, but where to start?
We have compiled some handy questions to make this easier for you and help you to choose the right obstetrician for you:
1. Are they highly experienced and qualified?
When choosing the right obstetrician for you it is important to consider their qualifications and credentials. This can help you to determine whether they have the necessary skills, experience and training to provide the care you require. Dr Raouf Farag is the longest practicing Obstetrician on the Central Coast. He regularly teaches and mentors other obstetricians and is highly regarded by his peers.
2. Do you feel comfortable with them?
The journey through pregnancy and birth can be filled with great joys, but also often worry and concern. It’s important that you feel confident that whoever is on your team understands the needs and concerns of you and your family and takes every aspect of that into consideration.
3. Are they convenient and accessible?
Regular visits are key to ensuring that you and your bub are thriving and well looked after during pregnancy, so start with the basics and what best suits your lifestyle and care needs.
- Is the clinic easy to get to from your home or job?
- Do they have convenient opening hours?
- Is their parking available?
Dr Farag’s clinic is conveniently located on 60 William Street Gosford with ample free street parking available for patients
4. Can I get everything done in one place?
Time is such a critical commodity for us all, and a mum to be is no exception. Pregnancy means scans and blood tests and it is very handy to be able to take care of all of these in the one place in a coordinated and timely manner. Dr Farags clinic offers comprehensive services including ultrasound, Pathology and more.
5. Are they taking new patients?
This will help refine your search from the get-go, enquire as to whether the obstetrician is taking new patients, when they have availabilities open and if this then suits your pregnancy cycle.
Dr Farag is delighted to be able to take on new patients and warmly welcomes referrals.
6. Do they use the latest techniques and equipment?
Over the decades, Obstetrics has seen a variety of new equipment and techniques introduced to enhance quality of care. Dr Farag frequently attends conferences and seminars to ensure he is at the forefront for the latest innovations, techniques and equipment in the field.
7. Are they professional, friendly and caring?
For most patients this is an essential factor in their decision- making process. Dr Farag and his dedicated team aims to provide first class service to all patients and offers a flexible approach to family centred care.
8. Is the environment clean and comfortable?
If the surroundings are clean, fresh and comfortable, and the environment is inviting, chances are the same can be said for the equipment and care provided.
9. Are they genuinely interested in my health and my baby’s health?
For many mums knowing that their obstetrician genuinely cares about them and their health, as well as their babies and goes above and beyond to get to know them personally is paramount in the selection process. Dr Farag is known for his thorough consultations and dedicating the time and specific care each and every patient requires.
10. Are they transparent and open about cost?
Being suitably informed and updated on what costs to expect is important for most people when selecting a health care provider of choice. At Dr Farag’s clinic you will be informed of any costs associated and the friendly team will walk you further any queries you have and provide further detail as you need.
Ask others for recommendations!
There is nothing more trusted than word of mouth referrals. Ask family, friends, neighbours or colleagues what they like about their Obstetrician and where they go for antenatal care or ask your physician for a referral.
These questions can help you to choose the right obstetrician for you and build the foundations for a long- term trusted relationship.
If you have any queries or concerns, the team at Dr Farag’s Clinic are here to help and are happy to answer all questions no matter how big or small. Call us today on (02) 4324 1992.
Resources
Better Health Channel
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/obstetricians