Too late to switch OBs at 34 weeks?

[Anonymous]

This is probably a stupid question but is it too late to switch at 34 weeks? Would another OB take on a new patient?

[Anonymous]

depends on the Ob you are switching to. I switched at 36 weeks no trouble but I was a patient of the doc I was going to move with--just moved practices.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely not! As long as you are still pregnant, you can switch care providers. Midwifery groups are particularly amenable to switching, since oftentimes the very women who are looking to switch are realizing that their doctors are too "heavy handed" for them, and are eager for more women-centered care.

[Anonymous]

I've heard of people switching at 40 weeks, so if it's what you want to do, go for it!

[Anonymous]

I switched at 39 weeks. OP, if you are considering it, I suggest that you move quickly, particularly if you have a care provider in mind. I learned that sone providers (even midwives) may not take you on as a patient after a certain point.

[tduong]

I'm at 31 weeks and I'm switching from solo ob gyn in annandale to dr. rossi's office at virginia hospital center because of 1) hospital location; and 2) I disagreed with with my ob gyn's patient philosophies. I was hesitant and reluctant because I'm afraid of hurt feelings; but I'm a consumer, and when I made that appointment and got off the phone today, I felt so much better!!

[tduong]

to mom's above: what is the most non confrontational way of switching and getting your patient records? I'm a little chicken about this part.

[Anonymous]

Since you already have a new doc, you can ask the new doc to send in the request. (you will need to sign). I did this, but the old practice ignored the request

Then, I personally faxed in a request which went unanswered. Next, I called and asked. I was re-routed and put on hold for 25 minutes. So, I showed up and requested my file. Be prepared for a small fee. I requested 2 copies: that they fax one to new doc and one for my files.

Please dont worry about hurt feelings. It's your file, your pregnancy, your body.

[Anonymous]

thanks anonymous!

[Anonymous]

They are legally obligated to release your records with your signed consent. The fee is also legal. There seems to be no law, however, against hemming and hawwing and making your life difficult...I know from experience!

[Anonymous]

I switched OBs around 21 weeks, and my old OB's office really dragged their feet. I sent two faxes and called for my records. Finally I received a call from an admin personl asking me why I was switching. I spent 20 minutes explaining then was told the records would be sent. A WEEK later I received a call from the office manager to call her regarding my records. She too grilled me on why I was switching. Only after this second call were my records released to my current OB. It took about 4 weeks from my original request for my new OB to receive them. If you are that close to your due date, take the time to go to the office and get the records. You don't want any mishaps/delays.

Oh, I also had the records from the specialist (ultrasounds, and bloodscreenings) sent directly from her office, rather than the OBs office. Those arrived with no problems.

[Anonymous]

Wow! From the stories you've all shared about doctor's offices grilling you on why you were leaving and stalling on releasing records it sounds like you made the right choice to switch to a different doctor! So sorry you all had to deal with that kind of stress during your pregnancy.

[Anonymous]

I switched at 33 weeks. It was one of the best decisions I ever made!

[Anonymous]

It is never too late! And never, never, never too late to look into it! Birth is too important