Need to change Dr's and need help!

My job is offering FREE family health insurance beginning Feb 1, and I cant pass it up, otherwise I would have to wait until next year. And we really cant afford to miss out on that!

But, my dr's dont accept the new plan (It's HIP, but its actually really good! They are one of the few that dont take it!) So, I'll have to change before the baby is born (due in March!)

I decided since I was switching to find a dr. out in Rocky Point since I never switched when we moved here. I only found a few in the area and was wondering if anyone uses them. They also have an office in East Setauket.

It's the office of Dr. Julie Welischar, Dr. Jeffrey Porte, and Dr. Robert O'Keefe. And I dont know if I have a choice, but the 2 hospitals they have lsited for them are Stonybrook and MAther. I delivered my daughter at St Catherines and LOVED it, so I'm wondering how you ladies feel about these hospitals if you have ever been there. Thanks in advance for your help!

ETA: I am also trying for VBAC, and I'm planning on calling the dr's office on Monday, but if you use these dr's, are they for it or against it?

Message edited 12/17/2006 1:13:15 AM.

Re: Need to change Dr's and need help!

Free family insurance, how awesome!! I've heard a lot of good things about Dr. O'Keefe. A girl I work with uses them and the daughter of another one uses the NP there.

I just switched from a dr. in W. Islip to a SB afiliated one since I decided to deliver at SB. I haven't heard of any bad experiences from the people I personally know and I took the tour a couple of weeks ago and liked the private rooms (not sure if other hospitals in this area have them).

It's rough making decisions like this! With my son, I had him in NC and they had one hospital that they delivered babies at so it was easy! And they all had private rooms and you labored, delivered and recovered in the same room. It sure was nice.

Good luck!

Re: Need to change Dr's and need help!

My mother actually used Dr O'keefe and he actually delievered me and my brother. He is great!!

Re: Need to change Dr's and need help!

I don't know about the doctors, but Stony Brook is a good hospital. Also, I am surprised it is Mather, I thought that St. Charles was where most babies were born (I was!) in that neck of the woods.

Re: Need to change Dr's and need help!

MySIL used Dr. Porte for all 3 of her kids. She LOVED the practice!

Re: Need to change Dr's and need help!

You would have to deliver at Stonybrook, Mather doesn't have maternity.

Re: Need to change Dr's and need help!

I use that group! If you want a VBAC they will be a great practice to go with. They pretty much only deliver at SB, which is a great hospital for Ob, especially since they have a NICU on the same floor. But I work there (not in Ob) so I am very biased. I know there has been a lot of bad press about the peds side of SB, but there are 3 sides to every story.

Their east office does not have an ultrasound so those appts need to be in Setauket. The only thing you should know is that if there is an emergency and you need to go to the hospital, you will likely be seen first by the Ob residents in the maternity ER. But they call the group so all decisions are still made by the group.

I have nothing but good things to say about them. They put up with a lot of my paranoia

FM me if you have any more questions!

Re: Need to change Dr's and need help!

Posted by waytogo

I use that group! If you want a VBAC they will be a great practice to go with. They pretty much only deliver at SB, which is a great hospital for Ob, especially since they have a NICU on the same floor. But I work there (not in Ob) so I am very biased. I know there has been a lot of bad press about the peds side of SB, but there are 3 sides to every story.

Their east office does not have an ultrasound so those appts need to be in Setauket. The only thing you should know is that if there is an emergency and you need to go to the hospital, you will likely be seen first by the Ob residents in the maternity ER. But they call the group so all decisions are still made by the group.

I have nothing but good things to say about them. They put up with a lot of my paranoia

FM me if you have any more questions!

Re: Need to change Dr's and need help!

Hi- Just wanted to say that I actually started to go to these drs that you listed and they are great - very happy with them. I know a few people who delivered at Stonybrook and they all had wonderful things to say about that hospital. HTH

Re: Need to change Dr's and need help!

Dr. Okeefe delivered Ryan- and I saw Dr. Welischar often during my OB apt.'s

I was very happy with them!

Re: Need to change Dr's and need help!

LOVE LOVE this practice.
Dr. Porte delivered my twins...and he was AWESOME!!!!
I gave birth at StonyBrook and had a WONDEFUL experience

Re: Need to change Dr's and need help!

Thanks everyone!