If you don't
have any major medical problems, is it really necessary to have both a primary
care doctor and an ob-gyn? Health's medical editor weighs in on how to decide
the number of doctors and health specialists you see
I generally
recommend having both, but it comes down to personal preference and your own
needs. If you don’t have any major medical problems, you may be OK visiting
your ob-gyn as your regular doctor. Any good gyno will be happy to talk to you
about overall health. Although ob-gyns give guidance first and foremost on
women’s health and issues related to the reproductive organs, plenty offer
services outside of that purview (cholesterol screenings,
say)
Even so, an
annual physical exam by a primary care provider (PCP) will probably cover a lot
more ground, including metabolic, respiratory and digestive health, for
starters. Also, some gynos may feel more comfortable referring you to another
specialist for ailments that a PCP would handle herself. For example, if you
have a rash, your ob-gyn may encourage you to get a dermatologist’s opinion,
while a PCP may be able to treat it in one stop
Ultimately,
it all depends on the doctor. If you have a great relationship with your gyno
and feel she gives you the 360 medical assistance you need, fine. Just alert her
that she’s the only doctor you visit routinely. This way, she knows to give you
comprehensive checkups or send you to another MD when necessary
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