Do Women Still Need a Primary Care Provider If They See an OB/GYN?

Some women consider their obstetrician/gynecologist (OB-GYN) their primary care doctor and do not visit another doctor regularly.

The National Institutes of Health, the primary U.S. government agency for medical research, says that instead, a women should see both a primary care physician (PCP) and an OB/GYN annually. These visits are vital to every woman's overall health.

Can an OB/GYN serve as my primary care provider?

No, an OB/GYN is different than a primary care provider. The NIH reports that a substantial number of women surveyed – around 20% – consider their OB/GYN their primary care doctor and do not visit another doctor regularly.

It’s important to understand the differences between the two types of physicians.

An OB/GYN is a highly trained physician who can provide top-notch care for reproductive, breast and pelvic health. They focus on all aspects of pregnancy care along with other women’s health issues.

Despite their extensive training, OB/GYN doctors are not as well suited to manage overall medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disorders or general illnesses. Simply put, they cannot completely fill the shoes of a primary care doctor for total whole-body health.

Primary care doctors can indeed provide many women’s health services like prescribing birth control and treating vaginal infections. They can also refer women for mammograms and other screenings.

However, PCPs are not as well versed on women’s health as are OB/GYNs, who must complete four years of medical residency devoted entirely to the female reproductive system. That training includes reproductive surgery, prenatal care, labor and delivery, menopause management, and complex female pelvic health.

While there is some overlap in the services provided by primary care and OB/GYN physicians, it’s a good idea for women to have both.

Is it OK to only see my OB/GYN once a year?

Yes, you should see your OB/GYN at least once a year for a well woman exam. The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists reports that not so long-ago women were advised to visit their OB/GYN every year for a Pap test to detect cervical cancer, as well as a pelvic exam and breast exam.

With new scientific studies, that advice has now changed slightly. Researchers now believe that cervical cancer takes many years to develop.

As a result, doctors have expanded the time between screenings. For most women, that PAP test is recommended every three to five years.

But that expansion comes with a caveat.

The ACOG still recommends that women see an OB/GYN at least once a year to discuss issues like sex, birth control, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding or other common problems.

What health problems might I miss without a primary care provider?

What medical experts refer to as “silent” conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, prediabetes and sleep apnea could remain under the radar if women do not make regular visits to a primary care doctor.

These conditions, which can show no obvious warning signs, are typically diagnosed early when primary care physicians track a patient’s baseline health over the years. Delayed diagnoses can lead to worse outcomes.

How do my OB/GYN and primary care provider share my health information?

Health care providers are allowed to share protected health information with each other without the patient’s explicit written consent if it is used for direct treatment, case management, or care coordination, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Physicians can often view overlapping lab results, medications and visit notes through secure electronic health record systems.

Why does coordinated care lead to better health for women?

Connecting multiple providers allows doctors to share a patient’s information and can help streamline treatments.

This structured communication improves risk assessments, helping to reduce rates of preterm birth and prevent preventable maternal health complications, according to the NIH.

Who leads my care when I see more than one doctor?

For patients who see multiple doctors at the same time, it’s usually the PCP who leads and coordinates visits and treatment. The primary care doctor helps to ensure that the patient’s overall treatment plan stays aligned.

Do I need both a primary care provider and an OB/GYN?

Yes. Ideally, women should have both.

Why? Simply put, an OB/GYN can provide care for specific aspects of a woman’s health. The primary care physician treats the whole person.

Your health deserves complete care, and you shouldn't have to travel across town to get it. Ochsner Health brings women's services and primary care together under one roof at four convenient New Orleans-area locations: Ochsner Medical Center - Clearview, Ochsner Health Center - Lake Terrace, Ochsner Baptist and Ochsner Health Center - Old Metairie. Schedule with both a primary care physician and an OB-GYN in one place, so your whole-body health and your women's health are covered by a team that works together for you.