Did you know that there have been around 375 gynaecologists practising in Singapore since last year? With that many doctors in service, it’s important to choose a gynae who you can trust with your more intimate health concerns. It can make a big difference in how your conditions get treated and how much you spend on medical care.
Here are several questions to keep in mind so you can make an informed choice when searching for a good gynaecologist in Singapore.
Like many fields in medicine, gynaecology has different subspecialties. You should consider what specific issues need addressing so you can consult a more suitable specialist. For example:
- If you suspect you’re at a high risk of having gynaecological cancer, you should see a gynaecologic oncologist for a personalised screening schedule.
- You will need a fertility doctor to help you treat infertility disorders so you can get pregnant and start a family.
- An OB-GYN can guide you through your pregnancy and monitor your unborn baby’s development.
- If you already have children and want to give them a head start on their reproductive health, you can visit a paediatric gynae.
A gynae’s reputation tells much about what to expect in terms of their care and expertise. Do take the time to ask your friends, family, and acquaintances for recommendations — a doctor who gets recommended multiple times should be worth noting.
But you should also check the reviews online and watch out for patterns of negative feedback. These could indicate problems during your own appointments if you decide to work with them.
It’s quite easy to travel around in Singapore thanks to our extensive public transport system. However, you should also consider where you’re located when choosing a gynae. Are you close to any bus stops or MRT stations that will take you closer to the women’s clinic? Or do you need to drive or hail a taxi or Grab? You might fare better with a clinic that’s close to home if you’ll be visiting regularly. It will also make emergency trips easier for you.
You know you’ve found a good gynaecologist in Singapore if you find yourself at ease talking about personal health matters even during your initial consultation. A healthcare provider in a sensitive field needs to be great at building rapport with their patients. Do they listen without interrupting? Do they respect your decisions? Are they good at explaining medical topics in layman’s terms?
Moreover, you should also consider the gynae’s gender. While some women don’t care much about whether the gynae is male or female, you might still feel more comfortable conversing with a specific gender.
Healthcare costs can quickly add up before you can realise it, especially when you have long-term treatment and care plans. But if your gynaecologist and hospital are affiliated with your health insurance network, you could drastically reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Be sure to verify with your insurance provider if they’ll provide coverage for your chosen gynae.
Picking a gynae can be quite challenging if you’re unsure of what to look for. But we hope that with these tips, you can make a decision that caters to your needs.
So don’t rush the search for a dependable gynae. Weigh each option you have with great care, even if it means booking an appointment to gauge them.
What matters is finding a healthcare professional who you can trust with deeply personal topics about your reproductive health.