Finding the right pediatrician is an important decision. Here are some tips for choosing a pediatrician for your baby (and for you.)
__ Is emergency coverage available 24 hours/daily, including weekends?
__ Does the practice use an after-hours answering service?
__ How are calls triaged during office hours?
__ If I cannot speak with a doctor at the time of my call, will I get a return call from the doctor?
__ When is the best time to call for routine questions?
__ Where are patients referred after-hours?
__ Is access to specialists and ICUs available if needed?
__ Are waiting areas clean and engaging for you AND your child?
__ Are exam rooms unmistakably fresh, warm and inviting?
__ Were you greeted with a smile by all staff?
__ How does your practice handle sick patients in the waiting room?
__ What is the physician’s pediatric background? Any subspecialty?
__ At what hospitals does the physician admit patients?
__ Who are the physicians of the practice who may care for your child?
__ Are they on staff at the same hospitals? Are they board certified?
__ Can I choose to see only one physician in this practice?
Children have different health care needs than adults – both medical and emotional. Pediatricians are trained to prevent and manage health problems in infants, children, teens and young adults. Older patients trust their pediatricians because they have typically known one another for many years, often decades.
If you are preparing to have your first child, try to begin the search for the right pediatrician by the start of your third trimester. This should give you plenty of time to become comfortable with the resources in your area and to begin a relationship with a pediatrician with whom you trust.
Sometimes the best people to trust when considering a pediatrician are those closest to you during your pregnancy such as your family, friends, relatives, coworkers and your obstetrician. In fact, your OB will often have a “working” relationship with several pediatricians and are typically on staff with them at the same hospitals. Such relationships often provide OBs with professional insights and a comfort level when recommending a particular pediatrician to you when the time comes.
You may also consider contacting a nearby hospital, medical school, or your county medical society for a list of local pediatricians. Some health insurance plans may require you to choose a pediatrician from their approved network of doctors. If you want to select a pediatrician that currently does not participate with your health plan, be sure to ask your prospective pediatrician if they are willing to join your network. This selection process is often a very personal issue for all parties involved. Chances are, if you sense a strong connection with a particular pediatrician, the feeling will be mutual and the pediatrician will do what is necessary to join your health care insurance network.
Most pediatricians encourage new parents to schedule a “consultation visit” for purposes of interviewing a potential pediatrician prior to the birth of your baby. This visit is often scheduled at a time convenient for both parents and should be provided at no cost. While you are in the reception area, look around to see if it is clean and engaging for you and your child.
During this visit, parents may find the use of a basic checklist of questions helpful in obtaining a comprehensive view of the pediatrician, their practice and the potential medical experiences to come.
After your first visit with the pediatrician, ask yourself: Does this pediatrician listen, answer your questions, and have a genuine interest? Above all, ask yourself if you like and trust this person. If your instincts say “no,” talk with the next pediatrician on your list. Good luck!