Looking for a good obstetrician/pediatrician/hospital (Pittsburgh, Lebanon: gynecologist, insurance)

[MakesThree]

We just found out the happy news we are expecting. I won't deliver until after I move to Pittsburgh, sometime in late December/early January. We'll be living in Mt. Lebanon. I'd prefer to have a female ob, I don't have any pre-conceived notions about approach to labor/delivery since this is my first. I am most comfortable with doctors that are level headed, flexible and approachable. Since this is my first time I want guidance but would appreciate being listened to if I do have an opinion. I know I really don't want a "team" of providers.

Any suggestions based on your first hand experience is welcome!

[Kippy]

Congratulations!! I haven't moved to PA yet, so I am not much help in terms of a recommendation.

I do want to warn you that many OB practices will not take on a new patient past a certain point in her pregnancy. I would suggest that once you find a doctor or practice that you like, call in advance and explain your situation so that they can be expecting you, and so you can ensure that they'll take you on as a patient.

Also, if you plan on switching insurance companies during the move, you'll want to find out if the new plan will cover your pregnancy related bills, or if they'll consider it a "pre-existing" condition. If you keep your older insurance, you'll need to see if any doctors in your new area are in-network, etc.

You probably already know all of this, but I just wanted to throw it out there in case not.

[MakesThree]

Those are good tips.

My insurance plan isn't changing so that's good, I called ahead to make sure.

I hadn't even thought about the other point tho! I'll only be 12ish weeks or so if the move goes according to plan. I'll definitely be calling ahead as soon as I get referrals.

I did find this article from 2005 Which Gynecologist Does Your Doctor Recommend? - Health News Story - WPXI Pittsburgh (http://www.wpxi.com/health/5267760/detail.html - broken link)

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by Kippy

Congratulations!! I haven't moved to PA yet, so I am not much help in terms of a recommendation.

I do want to warn you that many OB practices will not take on a new patient past a certain point in her pregnancy. I would suggest that once you find a doctor or practice that you like, call in advance and explain your situation so that they can be expecting you, and so you can ensure that they'll take you on as a patient.

Also, if you plan on switching insurance companies during the move, you'll want to find out if the new plan will cover your pregnancy related bills, or if they'll consider it a "pre-existing" condition. If you keep your older insurance, you'll need to see if any doctors in your new area are in-network, etc.

You probably already know all of this, but I just wanted to throw it out there in case not.

Per HIPPA (sp?), if you change insurances (usually not your choice, but b/c of a job change or a change in your company's carrier), you get a certificate that shows you had insurance. Then "pre-existing" conditions are usually covered. If you have no insurance and become insured, that's when it becomes an issue. That is a thumbnail sketch, there are many vairables.

[Bong477]

That's basically right... pre existing conditions (exactly how that is defined varies) are generally not covered if you go from being uninsured to insured, if you are just switching insurance and don't have a gap in coverage they will still be covered.

[stasia]

Congratulations!

I use Dr. Diane Ichikawa of the Western PA Women's Healthcare Associates. She has offices in Pleasant Hills, Oakland (Magee Women's Hospital), and Wexford. I think she's both professional and kind, and certainly very knowledgeable. I really, really love having her as my doc!