OBGYNs Industry Profile

Physicians in this industry provide pre-, post-, and perinatal care, deliver infants, and treat health issues specific to women. The industry has no dominant companies.

Women in many developing nations have limited access to effective contraception, emergency obstetric care (including cesarean section procedures), and safe abortion facilities. Worldwide, about 78% of women giving birth in 2016 were attended by trained health professionals, up from 61% in 2000, according to the World Health Organization.

About 31,000 US physicians specialize in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by population growth and private insurance and government health care policies. In private practices, profitability depends on insurance participation and reimbursements, patient volume, and administrative efficiency. In hospitals and outpatient clinics, profitability largely depends on reputation and geographic location. OB/GYNs practicing in large groups enjoy economies of scale in hiring support staff and purchasing medical equipment. Smaller practices can compete effectively by developing strong referral networks. OB/GYNs may compete with general practitioners, laborist physicians, or midwives in some markets. Some rural and low-income regions are experiencing a shortage of OB/GYNs.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Services consist primarily of patient care and lab tests; some practices also sell supplies. OB/GYNs prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system, counsel patients in family planning, provide prenatal care, deliver babies, conduct lab tests, and perform medical procedures including ...