How Much Does an OB/GYN Visit Cost Without Insurance?

An obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) is a medical specialist who plays a key role in maintaining women’s reproductive health and caring for women throughout their pregnancy. Without health insurance, an OB/GYN visit costs a new patient $386 without insurance.

The Cost of an OB/GYN Visit at Different Clinics & Locations

The initial visit to an OB/GYN will be a separate cost that does not include any additional procedures or treatments rendered. The national average cost of an OB/GYN visit for a new patient costs $386 without insurance.

OB/GYN Visit Cost Based on Location

The price of an initial consultation for an annual well-check with your OB/GYN varies based on which state you are in. Take a look below at the table below for a peek into the cost differences based on location. As you can see, an OB/GYN consultation can cost between $90 and $600.

Cost of Additional Services at the OB/GYN

In addition to the OB/GYN visit cost, extra procedures, lab testings, or treatments you undergo will have their own cost. Typically, it varies by procedure whether or not your insurance plan will cover it. Below is a list that holds common additional services at OB/GYN visits and their respective prices.

Source: https://espritobgyncenter.com/patient-center/price-transparency.dot ; https://www.valuepenguin.com/cost-prenatal-care-health-insurance 

Cost of Out-of-Pocket Prescriptions

Prescriptions from a visit are another factor that can impact the cost of seeing an OB/GYN. Below is a list of commonly prescribed medications from OB/GYNs and the relative price of each. 

Factors that Influence the Cost of an OB/GYN Visit

There can be various factors that play a role in the overall cost of your visit to an OB/GYN. Some of these factors include but are not limited to lab testings, location, and whether or not if you are pregnant.

Lab Testing

OB/GYNs have the capability to perform several testings to ensure your reproductive, vaginal, and overall health. For example, they could recommend you have a mammogram done to test for breast cancer, which is an additional charge. Other additional tests that may increase the price of your OB/GYN visit include but are not limited to STD testing, bone density testing, and pap tests.

Location

As seen within the table above, the cost of an initial visit, without additional services added, can vary drastically based on where you live. If you live in a large city like New York, the cost can be around $300 for an initial consultation. However, if you live in a smaller town in Iowa,  it may be $75 for the same consultation. 

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you will need prenatal visits, which will require you to visit the OB/GYN much more regularly. Additionally, you will need screenings such as ultrasounds to ensure the overall of your baby is maintained. These services can drive the cost of your visit to be higher. Lastly, if you want to screen your baby for any potential prenatal diagnoses, these services will increase the price of your visit.

The Importance of Visiting an OB/GYN

Consulting with an OB/GYN can be a key part of maintaining your reproductive health and the health of your fetus if you are pregnant. Our reproductive health can be difficult to navigate or understand “normal,” especially without guidance. 

Birth Control

If you’re sexually active, an OB/GYN can help test you for STDs that you may be unaware of. Similarly, if you’re sexually active, an OB/GYN can help confirm whether you are or are not pregnant. If you want to prevent pregnancy yet remain sexually active, an OB/GYN can also help provide you with birth control. 

Through consulting with an OB/GYN, you will also be able to discuss and receive advice on combat any menstrual abnormalities you fear you may have, such as irregular bleeding or painful cramps. 

Breast Exams & Pap Smears

Lastly, an important part of visiting an OB/GYN is performing breast exams, pelvic exams, and pap smears. Breast exams, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer, are critical in ensuring no abnormal lumps that could be cancerous. Likewise, the pelvic exam and pap smear screen for cervical cancers that you may be unaware of. Keeping on top of these screenings will ensure that both your reproductive and overall health are maintained.

When to Visit an OB/GYN

There are two main reasons women usually visit an OB/GYN.

Recommended annuals:

It is recommended that women around the age of 16 make an initial consultation with an OB/GYN. From here, they can continue visiting their OB/GYN every other year until they turn 21.

If you’re a female between the ages of 21 and 29, it is advised that you see an OB/GYN once a year for a physical. However, if an individual is sexually active before 21, they can consider visiting an OB/GYN earlier than 21 to check for potential STDs, pregnancies, and other abnormalities.

If you are pregnant:

If you are pregnant, though, it is advised that you check in with your OB/GYN every four weeks until you are 26 weeks pregnant. You should make an appointment every three weeks from the 26th week into your pregnancy until you are 32 weeks pregnant. Then, from being 32 weeks pregnant until 36 weeks pregnant, it is advised to go every two weeks. Finally, following your 36th week in pregnancy, it is recommended to go every week.

At these prenatal visits, your OB/GYN will ensure your baby's health via performing ultrasound screenings and listening to the heartbeat. Through these routine checkups, your OB/GYN will be able to monitor your baby’s development, spot any potential abnormalities, and maintain your health throughout the duration of the pregnancy. 

OB/GYN Visit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Going to see an OB/GYN for the first time can oftentimes be a new and daunting experience for women, specifically women in their early 20s. Check out some of these questions below to better understand what to expect at your next OB/GYN visit.

What can I expect for my visit to an OB/GYN?

At an initial consultation with an OB/GYN, you will go over your medical history and typically have a pap smear and a pelvic exam done. A pap smear is a test that screens for cervical cancer. A pelvic exam is a routine part of these visits to potentially locate ovarian cysts, sexually transmitted infections, or other early-stage cancers.

What does a pap smear entail?

In short, a pap smear will collect cells from your cervix. To do this, though, you will lie down and rest your feet in stirrups. Then, your doctor will use an instrument called a speculum and insert it into your vagina. The main purpose of the speculum is to hold the vaginal area apart so that the doctor can see your cervix. Thus, this insert may cause a pressure sensation in your pelvic area. Finally, your doctor will take a sample of the cervical cells via a spatula, a flat scraping device. Most women report that during this part, they do not experience any discomfort.

Can I see an OB/GYN virtually?

Especially given the current COVID-19 circumstances, many practices make virtual/telemedicine appointments with OB/GYNs. If you need to consult with your OB/GYN about certain issues such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), STD treatment, or birth control, telemedicine may be a good option for you. However, if you need a pelvic exam, pap smear, or have other abnormalities that may need to be examined, an in-person appointment would be recommended. 

How do I choose an OB/GYN?

OB/GYNs are medical providers who have completed four years of medical school followed by four years of residency. Having an OB/GYN that you trust is important in ensuring that you feel comfortable when approaching a visit, as sensitive and personal topics are oftentimes discussed with them. Solid OB/GYN recommendations, therefore, come from those around you that you trust. Reach out to your close female friends and family to see if they visit a particular practice. From here, you can research the physician before making an appointment. Lastly, consider looking at the prices of additional services and if they accept your health insurance plan if you have access to insurance.

Bottom Line 

For women over 21 and pregnant, seeing an OB/GYN is very important in maintaining your health. Through annual physicals with your OB/GYN, you will be able to upkeep your reproductive health and receive guidance on other changes in your body that may occur. 

The cost of having a consultation with an OB/GYN can become hefty as medications are prescribed and treatments are rendered, especially if you don’t have access to insurance. However, consider signing up for Mira today to receive up to 80% off on over 1,000 unique prescriptions and access to lab testings. Through this, the cost of visiting your local OB/GYN can be lowered, and you will be able to ensure that your reproductive health is in check.