Women’s health care: Who is the right provider for me?

Finding the right women’s health clinic close to home is important and possible. We can help.

Women's health provider and couple discussion - Choosing a women's health provider

When choosing a women’s health care provider, it’s important to find the right person for you.

Everyday wellness: Consider your conditions

For regular wellness checkups or “well-woman care,” consider your everyday health and wellness needs.

If you experience gynecologic issues, like irregular periods, many primary care providers would refer you to a women’s health specialist. In the U.S., most generalist women’s health physicians are obstetrician-gynecologists with training in both obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN). Advanced practice providers such as nurse practitioners often work alongside the physicians.

At Marshfield Clinic Health System, certified nurse midwives are also available to provide women’s health care. Certified nurse midwives have a master’s degree in nursing-midwifery and provide many of the same services as an OB/GYN, such as managing contraception, menstrual problems, prenatal care and deliveries, but they don’t do surgery.

“In Wisconsin, midwives often care for low-risk patients on their own,” said Dr. David Hirsch, OB/GYN physician at Marshfield Clinic Health System. “But if there are any complications, OB/GYNs are always there to help.”

As you age or develop other health problems, internal medicine or family medicine may be a better fit for managing your care.

Pregnancy: Let’s talk at your first visit

At your first visit to Women’s Health at Marshfield Clinic Health System, you might see a nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife. They will help you pick the right women’s health provider based on your preferences, medical history and birth plans.

“Here, OB/GYNs and midwives work collaboratively with other specialties and subspecialties for conditions not within their training or capability of handling,” Hirsch said. “For example, if an OB/GYN patient has gall bladder disease, she is referred to general surgery.”

Most importantly? Pick what clicks

Hirsch added that the most important thing is finding a provider whose personality is a good fit for you. Some patients prefer quick and direct conversations, others like to talk about the science behind their bodies, and some just want a friendly chat.

“In my experience, each provider tends to be better at one type of interaction,” Hirsch said. “When you find the right match, it feels comfortable and easy. That’s the best kind of relationship between a provider and a patient.”