Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

I just called my OBGYN to make my first prenatal appt. There are 3 Dr's in the practice and none of them have flexible schedules (ie... weekend hours or night hours).

I work in the city and don't get home until after they are closed and I would hate to eat up my vacation time next year.

Would this make you change Drs???? I really don't want to because I love this practice but I don't know what to do.

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

I would definitely change doctors. Down the road, you'll be going there frequently and it will be a pain to have to take time off from work B4 the baby's born just for a dr's appt. I chose my dr bc of their hours----I know, not the best reason, but it makes a difference, especially when u commute into the city.

ETA:

I see Dr. Altman at this practice: Link.

The office is located in Manhassat (not far from the LIRR station. I think they are open until 8pm. Dr. Altman is there late on Thursdays. I really like the staff and Dr. Altman has been great!

Message edited 12/18/2009 1:18:55 PM.

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

No, all the OBs I have heard about are open 9-5 weekdays only. Since I work in the city, I decided to get an OB in the city. It makes it easier to get to appointments.

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

The office I go to has nurse practitioners that work later in the evening (I think until 8 on some nights) I dont know if the dr's really work past 5. I see whoever is available and I like them all anyway. And I actually like one of the NP's better than most of the dr's

ETA: The u/s tech does work later one some weeknights so I rarely have to take off work for an appt.

Message edited 12/18/2009 12:09:32 PM.

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

I would check out another doctor. I am trying not to use any leave at all ( hence why i am at work sick as a dog right now ) and it would drive me nuts to have to take time off once a month just to go!

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

Mine doesn't have great hours but they do have appointments around 6 pm which works ok for me.

I never understood the mentality of these Dr offices with 9-5 hours.

Do they think that nobody works now a days?

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

if you REALLY wanted to stay with your practice, would you just be allowed to leave 2 hours early from work and make up the time during the rest of the week? Would you be able to make their last appointment of the day that way or the first appointment and go in late. I know that it stinks to leave a practice that you like. Maybe if you talk to your dr they can accomodate you somehow.

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

not exactly. There is only 1 doctor in my practice, I have the most trouble when I have to get a sono...that dr is onl there on wednesday mornings and I usually have appts on wednesdays so I go to the sono in the am (inconvenient bc of work) and then have to drive back at night. But I really love my dr so I dont mind

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

Yes, my OB group does have flexible hours. Many times, I will take a 7:00 am OB appt before work or a late appt after work (one night they are open until 7:30 pm). I would honestly think of switching groups because of this, and only because it's impossible for me to take that many days off just for OB appts.

I should add that I'm a high-risk pregnancy and need to be monitored every 2 weeks from now on. However, I also have to see the perinatologist once a month for growth sonos and she only is available during business hours, so I have to take half-days then.

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

MY OBGYN has AMAZING hours!

3 days out of the week they are open until 9PM sonos are done up until 8PM they open around 7AM

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

My dr's office has hours from at least 8am (I don't think any earlier but not sure) until 8pm weekdays (not sure if it is all weekdays but I know at least some.) I haven't heard of any on Saturdays.

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

Yes, my dr. is open on the weekends.

For me, if I didn't love the dr, it might make me change drs. because towards the end you have soooo many appts.

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

This was a big factor in who I picked as a dr. Mine has evenings and early mornings- Preferred Women's Health in Woodbury. So far I haven't had to take any days off.

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

not at all!! my OB leaves by 2. I had so many issues during my first pregnancy I was late / had to leave early so much. this time thank goodness i'm not working, I don't know how I would get in to see these docs! the practice closes at 5, no weekend/late nights ever.

I refused to switch practices bc I loved the docs so work just had to deal. I wouldn't recommend getting a doc in the city bc then the hospital would be in the city right?

Message edited 12/18/2009 12:47:02 PM.

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

Yes - all of my appts have been after 4 some as late as 5:45.

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

Nope. 9-5 M-F. It sucks because DH has to take off of work to take me there and then has to kill himself making up the hours during the week. I hate that I don't drive.

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

No weekends but they do have late hours T-Th

I called a place that advertised weekend hours, ends up the nurses are there on the weekend but not doctors

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

I work in the city and my dr.'s hours aren't very flexible. I always try to take the latest appt. so I can come into work and then just leave early.

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

mine is 9-5 with 1 late night which is mondays at 6

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

My Dr has Saturday hours and late hours on Wed.

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

i would def change drs you have to have a dr that works for you you cant be rushing and leaving work every month or more to make it do whats best for you good luck

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

not only are mone flexible, but they also do not believe in the patient waiting more then 15 minutes.... it takes me longer to get there and home then i am actually there for (which i love since my last ob had 3 hour wait times EVERY time)

Re: Does your OBGYN have flexible hours?

Yep, mine is there until like 7 I think.