San Francisco is a city of youth and romantic love. This combination can sometimes result in the need for an OBGYN doctor. For all its lovely hills and cable cars, finding a quality OBGYN doctor in San Francisco takes research and investigation.

You may also need a San Francisco OBGYN doctor for other health reasons. How do you go about finding the right OBGYN doctor in such a cosmopolitan city? Most people begin by asking their friends for references. Your primary care physician is also a good source of information and typically has a trusted list of specialists for referral.

Once you have a short list of OBGYN doctors there are important questions for consideration. Is the doctor accepting new patients? How long does it take new patients to get an appointment? Normally, if you have a current relationship with an OBGYN doctor you will be able to get an appointment more quickly than if you are a new patient.

One of the first questions to ask is which health plans does your OBGYN doctor accept? If your potential doctor doesn't accept your health insurance, you know immediately to move on to your next selection.

What are the OBGYN doctor's hours? Does your OBGYN doctor offer evening or Saturday appointments? These are important questions for working people.

Other important questions include admitting privileges. Which hospitals allow your doctor to admit patients? Investigate this question carefully - especially if you have a 'love-hate' relationship with certain hospitals in your area.

A critical aspect of patient care will be answered in your first call to your OBGYN doctor. You will know immediately how quickly they answer the telephone and how long you're placed on hold. This first call will also provide the litmus 'friendliness' test. If the receptionist is short tempered and reluctant to assist on your first call, chances are good this will be your experience in future.

If you're an elderly person, visiting your OBGYN doctor for gynecological reasons, ask if they accept Medicare. If you're an immigrant from another country, ask if your OBGYN doctor offers translation services.

One last and extremely important question is how does your OBGYN doctor handle after hours and emergency calls? Do they have an answering service taking calls - can you speak with a live human being? Are you getting an answering machine? Is your only option an emergency room visit? Does the doctor hold practice at other office locations? Who is your OBGYN's backup doctor?

All these questions will assist you in selecting the perfect local San Francisco OBGYN to suit your needs.