OB/GYN Discussion Thread

I’ve been seeing Dr. Frančević over on Zvonimirova Street for a few years now, and I have to say, I’m really happy with his care. He’s incredibly gentle—honestly, nothing ever hurts—and he actually takes the time to listen and answer every single question you have. He’s a really solid diagnostician, too. I originally went to him dealing with a pretty nasty infection involving chlamydia and a few other things, and he managed to get everything cleared up successfully. His nurse is also super sweet, and the facility itself is great; there's a private corner in the changing area so you can get ready comfortably. Overall, the atmosphere is very welcoming. As for the cost, I think it’s pretty much standard for a private practice: the exam, Pap smear, and ultrasound come out to about $167. On another note, I’ve seen some glowing reviews for Dr. Tadić, but I’m not so sure myself. I only saw her for an initial consultation back when I wasn't quite as young as I am now, and they didn't bother doing an ultrasound because they decided it wasn't necessary. Plus, she prescribed me this massive dose of antibiotics for Gardnerella that had everyone looking at me like I was crazy. So, yeah, I decided to move on from her.
I actually have a question of my own. I’ve heard that some doctors covered by insurance are a bit hesitant to write referrals if they know you usually see a private specialist. Lately, I’ve needed several cervical swabs done, which can get pretty pricey if you're paying out of pocket. My primary care physician used to handle the referrals for me (even though she technically shouldn't have), but since that isn't allowed anymore, I'm wondering: does anyone know of a general gynecologist covered by insurance who wouldn't make a big deal out of providing those kinds of referrals?

Chris Wright4 said:I’ve been seeing Dr. Frančević over on Zvonimirova Street for several years now, and I honestly couldn't be happier. He is incredibly gentle—I haven't felt a single moment of pain. He actually takes the time to answer every single question, listens intently, and is a fantastic diagnostician. I originally went to him dealing with a nasty infection involving Chlamydia and a few other issues, and he cleared everything right up. His nurse is wonderful too, and there's even a private corner in the changing area where you can get ready comfortably. It feels very welcoming overall. As for the cost, I believe it’s pretty standard for a private practice: the exam, Pap smear, and ultrasound come out to about $167. On another note, I’ve heard some glowing reviews about Dr. Tadić as well. However, I had my first consultation with her back when I wasn't quite as young as I am now, and they didn't bother with an ultrasound because they deemed it unnecessary. Plus, she prescribed such a massive dose of antibiotics for Gardnerella that everyone around me was absolutely stunned. So, I decided to move on from her.
I also have a quick question for the group. I’ve heard that doctors covered by insurance/social security are sometimes hesitant to write referrals if they know you usually see a private specialist. For the last few years, I’ve needed cervical swabs quite often, which gets pricey when you're paying out of pocket. My GP used to just hand them over (which technically isn't how it's supposed to work), but since those rules have tightened up, I'm wondering: does anyone know of a socialized gynecologist who won't make a fuss about it?

I see Dr. Mirić Tešanić down at the Martyrs Square clinic. She handles my referrals for tests (I just give her a call to request one and pick it up the next day) and prescriptions whenever I need them. When I first walked in, I was upfront and mentioned that Dr. Magdić over on Petrova has been my regular OB for ten years. But since Dr. Magdić hasn't been taking insurance patients for a while, I had to find someone else who would at least help me with the paperwork, and I managed to find her. Just a heads-up, though—waiting times at the Martyrs Square clinic can stretch to three months! Honestly, Dr. Magdić is phenomenal, and you can always book her privately if you can swing it.

So, you actually know if she’s going to be our first new patient yet, right?

I was actually there about a month ago, and there were a few girls who were just finishing up their registration... one of them works at the University Student Health Center, on the top floor, last quad to the left. They take appointments on even afternoons and odd mornings... just make sure you arm yourself with plenty of patience if it's your first time going (you might end up waiting a couple of hours just to get signed up), but once you get into the system like I did😁 ; and over at the clinic on Main Street, Dr. Magdic is always available to see you

Is that a woman?🙂

Mei said:I’m actually really curious about Dr. Zora Profovic’s clinic and the gynecologist there—Dr. Dario Majnaric. Has anyone been there? What was your experience like, and what is he like?

I actually went just last month, and I walked away feeling really good about it. The doctor is super professional and clearly knows his stuff—at least that's how it felt to me—since he took the time to explain everything on the ultrasound, including how common certain things are and whether I should actually be worried or not. The nurse was also really sweet and easy to talk to. When you first show up, they have you sign a patient dignity statement, which was a nice touch; I’ve been to private clinics before, but I haven't seen that specific thing, so it was a lovely surprise. My Pap smear came back totally normal, so I didn't need much follow-up, but I think I'll definitely head back there next year when it's time for my checkup.
Exam + Pap test = $183

Bradley Lopez56 said:basically
I'm 21 and I've actually never been to a gynecologist
I know I should have gone ages ago, but life just keeps getting in the way. I won't ramble.
Does anyone know a good OB/GYN on the west side of town (near Gajnice)?
I'd prefer to go through my insurance first since money is a bit tight right now for private exams and stuff.

Also, does anyone know if I can use my insurance to see a doctor in Zaprešić even though I live in Gajnice?

thanks

If you're looking at the west side, there's a private specialist, Dr. Ayuba, over in Malešnica or Zaprešić.
He's Lebanese and honestly pretty great—super gentle and doesn't make a big deal out of everything. He isn't pricey either; I think an exam, ultrasound, and Pap smear run about a reasonable amount. $100 His English might be a little rough, but communication is never an issue. He gets results back fast and even follows up with you.

As for the doctors covered by public insurance in Zaprešić? From what I hear, they're a total nightmare. 👎

You can head out to the middle of nowhere if you really want to... it’s not like you're tethered to where you live, just like how you aren't stuck seeing one specific GP or dentist.🙂

Nathan Smith12 said:Is that a woman?🙂

Yes, yes, they are both women...

urbansurfer5 said:Checkup + paperwork = $183

$183 ?!?
They really cleaned you out ....
The average cost for an exam and all that paperwork is usually around $250$100 at a private clinic in the States.

Kate Rodriguez10 said:It was just too complicated with my insurance situation because I needed to see someone right away. And honestly, I wasn't even mad at my old OBGYN... she didn't say anything wrong, but I just lost it. So I went to him instead.
exam + ultrasound = $83.
I don't know, if everything seems fine, then it's fine, right?
He gave me birth control right then and there, too.
Well, that's great if he comes highly recommended.

Thanks for the heads up. By any chance, do you know if he does breast exams too?

Latest update: regarding breast sizing, opting for the "over-sized" approach has become standard practice 😲 😕

plavusa said:$183 ?!?
They really cleaned you out ....
The average price for an exam and paperwork is about $250$100 at private clinics

Hmm, well, I actually paid $183 at my last private doctor too.
I know I probably could have found it for half that price elsewhere, but honestly, when it comes to health, I don't mind paying a little extra if I'm happy with the care, especially since it's just something I handle once a year.

Lisa Richardson8 said:Latest update: apparently, for breast issues, you’re supposed to see a general practitioner now.😲 😕

Wait, so a GP isn't allowed to actually examine breasts now?!
I mean, unless you thought the GP was just there to hand out referrals to oncologists like they always have been... I really don't get the point of this change.

Michael Jones23 said:But an American general practitioner isn't allowed to examine breasts?!
Unless you were under the impression that a GP provides the referral for an oncologist just like they always have... I don't quite follow the logic there.

However, I can't say for certain. All I know is that I needed a referral for a breast ultrasound, which my OB-GYN has always provided in the past; yet, when I went in for my last appointment two months ago, she informed me that it now has to come from my primary care physician.😲

As for the physical exams... I really wouldn't know.

Been going to the Eljuga clinic to see Dr. Mazalin—she’s great—for a few years now. Yeah, you gotta pay out of pocket for the exam, ultrasound, and Pap smear (can't recall the exact price...), but honestly, it's worth it. You just book whenever you feel like it—no waiting around—and they treat you like royalty. No drama, super polite, they actually make time for everyone... I can easily swing a few hundred bucks once a year for treatment like that.
Oh, and yeah, they've got specialists for breast exams too.

urbansurfer5 said:Well, even with my last private doctor, I paid $183.
I know I could have gone somewhere twice as cheap, but honestly, when it comes to health, I don't mind paying extra if I’m actually happy with the care. Besides, it's something I only pay for once a year.

Hold on... this doesn't include an ultrasound???😲

Brenda Jones78 said:I’ve been going to the Eljuga clinic to see Dr. Mazalin (she’s female) for a few years now. It’s true that they cover the exam, ultrasound, and Pap smear—I can't recall the exact cost—but honestly, it’s worth it. You just book whenever you feel like it without any waiting around, and they treat you like royalty. No drama, everyone is polite, and they actually take their time with you. I don't mind dropping a couple hundred bucks once a year for that kind of service.
Oh, and they have specialists on hand for breast exams too.

Zenskica was fine... but it felt like the whole appointment was incredibly rushed. One minute you're doing the history, the exam, and the Pap, and ten minutes later—boom—you're done.$100Since I was going to a private practice, I expected them to at least chat with me for a little longer... I don't know, I went twice and both times felt like they were just rushing through the motions. That said, the exam itself was comfortable; I didn't feel anything and there wasn't any bleeding after the Pap (so I guess that isn't an issue for everyone)...😲

Michael Jones23 said:thanks for the heads up, but do you happen to know if he checks breasts too?

and again...
honestly I have no clue about that part... his sister is actually great though... just give them a call and ask... when I called they cleared everything up for me...

Lisa Richardson8 said:But I honestly don't know. All I know is I used to get my breast ultrasound referrals directly from my OB-GYN, but when I went in last time—like, two months ago—she told me she can't do it anymore and I have to go through my primary care doctor instead. 😲

As for manual exams... I haven't a clue.

That’s interesting. You know, my doctor used to tell me a specialist had to sign off on it, too. She wouldn't even write the referral herself, just sent me off to see the specialist, which basically meant I had to hunt down a referral from my GP anyway...😕