If you chose a sole practitioner (or anyone who had to make the decision sole vs group)

I'm trying to find an OB.

I feel more comfortable with a sole practitioner for the same reason my RE didnt want to recommend a group- you may not like 1 out of the group. Im also not crazy with going to a doctor for 7-something months and seeing different people each time. not sure if that's a good enough reason

My question is if you go to a sole practitioner, did you take into account that you might not know the doctor who delivers you? Does it really matter? Or should that be an important factor in your decision?

Any other advice on sole practictioners vs group practice are appreciated!

Re: If you chose a sole practitioner (or anyone who had to make the decision sole vs group)

I go to a sole practitioner, but he wasn't even the one who delivered DS - so in the end, it didn't really matter

Re: If you chose a sole practitioner (or anyone who had to make the decision sole vs group)

I have had both this pregnancy.

In the past I was always at a group and never had an issue and would have stayed but due to movign and what not I switched to a group closer to home.....

The worst ever. Waits that most times exceeded 2 hours. And I had no issue with seeign other Drs or havign another Dr delivering little peanut for me int he end I needed a different Dr where it wasnt so crazy.

I switched to a Dr that happened to be a solo. So far I love it. Never wait in the office and yes I may have soemone else deliver but you have that risk in a larger practice too.

I think its more about finding a Dr you like and like the office. You spend a lot of time there during the pregnancy so just be comfortabel with all people...nurses, staff and the Dr.

Re: If you chose a sole practitioner (or anyone who had to make the decision sole vs group)

I’ve switched drs 3 times during this pregnancy the first 2 were sole but the office staff was horrible!!!!

Now I am in a group and although I have seen 3 out of the 4 drs so far they are all wonderful and I don’t have to repeat myself to them they keep very good notes im guessing cause they know everything. The staff is very friendly and imo you deal with the staff maybe even more then the drs, so that was important to me.

HTH ?

Re: If you chose a sole practitioner (or anyone who had to make the decision sole vs group)

I go to a sole practitioner who I love. I wanted a sole practitioner, but I also know there is longer wait times because of this.

Re: If you chose a sole practitioner (or anyone who had to make the decision sole vs group)

I used to belong to a group practice of like 9 MDs, that I didn't like. Though someone in the practice would deliver my baby, I wouldn't be able to develop a relationship with all of the doctors.

I don't like the idea of a solo practitioner because they can't be available 24/7. Higher chance of having a stranger deliver, and that's not ideal in my world. Haha

My practice is 2 physicians, and I think that's perfect for me. I've seen both MDs equally, getting to know both really well. And I will likely have one of them deliver me. There is a chance however that one may be away and the other not taking call and an outside/covering MD would deliver me. I wouldn't love that scenario, but what can I do? I don't expect them to be on call 24/7.

Re: If you chose a sole practitioner (or anyone who had to make the decision sole vs group)

I've been going to a sole practitioner for 15+ years. This will be my 3rd, so I know from experience that my OB delivered my first two with out any issues. He has 2 covering OBs, who I will also meet along the way for a visit, but I don't stress over whether or not he will be available when I deliver. I am 2 for 2 so far

Re: If you chose a sole practitioner (or anyone who had to make the decision sole vs group)

I go to a sole practicioner. I like seeing the same dr for every visit. I feel like she knows me and my husband and we are not just another number. While it's true I could end up not knowing the dr who delivers the baby I am okay with it. I prefer the personalized care while I am pregnant.

Re: If you chose a sole practitioner (or anyone who had to make the decision sole vs group)

Thanks everyone! This just helps confirm my beliefs!

Re: If you chose a sole practitioner (or anyone who had to make the decision sole vs group)

I don't know which way to lean because I had an experience with both. With my second my doctor at the time was out of town so a total stranger did my delivery and it was a horrific experience. With my son I was going to a group practice and the only doctor that I never met during my pregnancy did my c-section but she was cool. I am not pregnant now but are in the process of trying to and will probably go with a group practice. I know Dr Jessica Jacobs (sole practice) never missed a delivery.

Re: If you chose a sole practitioner (or anyone who had to make the decision sole vs group)

I am on pregnancy #3 (and last) right now. I can tell you from experiencing both...I prefer the solo practiconer.

With my 1st DS I had a very large practice due to the fact I was stuck without insurance and forced to apply for medicaid to avoid the expense of out of pocket prenatal care and delivery. I was only 23 at the time and his dad and I were not married so I could not be on his bene's.

Therefore my practice had about 10 docs and it was literally hit or miss on which one delivered your baby. I liked most of them but some I did not care for their bedside manner at all and that is VERY important. Honestly, I think I only met the doc that delivered me once before my delivery. Thankfully everything turned out ok.

On the other hand my ob now is AMAZING! He delivered baby #2 and will be delivering this baby any day now. He is a solo practicioner and head of OB at NSUH Manhassett. I LOVE HIM. He's very relaxed, laid back and calm. He's gentle and I trust no one else to do what is best for me and my baby. The wait to see him on your appt days may be a bit longer, but that's because like I said, it's just him and he takes his time with each one of his patients. His bedside manner is incredible and because of that he is in high demand. All the nurses at the hospital rave about him and fight over working with him.


I would not change for anything in the world. He also delivered 2 of my friends on 3 of their pregnancies. They love him too. Let me know if u want his info! Good Luck!

Re: If you chose a sole practitioner (or anyone who had to make the decision sole vs group)

Having just BTDT with a solo practitioner, I wish I had gone with a small (say 3 person) group instead. I always waited too long, didn't get any time with the doctor and was bullied into a c-section, b/c when i realized it, he had office hours the next day and I was too slow at progressing for his liking. Just my 2 cents. Will def. be with a small group if/when #2 comes along.