Parents can have a tough time and think about many things as they choose a pediatrician. Some just use the pediatrician on call in the hospital the baby will be born in and some pick one out of a Google search or randomly from the list in their insurance directory of from the phone book. Others actually interview potential pediatricians and ask them about everything from where they went to medical school to what kind of scores they had on their medical board tests.
When choosing a pediatrician you should probably go somewhere in between these extremes. What is important is that you like and trust your new doctor and agree on basic parenting philosophies and topics such as sleep scheduling, early discipline, breastfeeding, antibiotic usage and things like this.
Choosing a Pediatrician is Important
The right pediatrician for your family is more important than most parents think it is. Yes you can always change doctors if you don’t like your first pick but if your newborn or other child is really sick then it’s your first pick that could be making serious life changing decisions about your children. And what if they miss a possible life changing or threatening problem?
If your older child or newborn is healthy and along comes a cold or an ear infection then it is at this time you should have put some thought into who cares for your child just in case the medical problem is more complicated and serious than you think it is.
Yes you can always change doctors if you don’t like your first pick but if your newborn or other child is really sick then it’s your first pick that could be making serious life changing decisions about your children.
Ask for Recommendations
One great way to start to look for a pediatrician is to ask your friends and family members who have kids already. With a newborn on the way you may find yourself inherently watching other peoples children knowing you will be having that experience shortly.
Gathering information like this is probably one of the best ways you can use to approach making that decision. Good questions to ask from one who is making a recommendation is what it is that they really like about their pediatrician before you commit.
Parents and people have different opinions and desires so some may not like the reasons some others have about doctors. Some patients may like to be seen quickly and efficiently addressing concerns in a focused and quick manner. Other patients may prefer a bit of a chat and an exam that is slower and takes a bit longer to get through resulting in longer waiting times. Your family member or friend may like antibiotics for treatments whether they need it or not.
So that means that on the other hand, you might read a negative report on a pediatrician only to find that the person writing the review doesn’t like a doctor because that pediatrician does not over-prescribe antibiotics, which is keeping in line to the published guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
It is a good idea to clarify the reasons the people who are making the recommendations have to understand why someone likes a pediatrician or not. Don’t forget to ask your own doctor for a recommendation. That is a great source coming from a medical professional you already know.
Pediatrician Selected
Time and money do enter in the decision making process even though we would like to think it does not. Hopefully not the most important part but many times a part that enters into the equation. Selecting a pediatrician that is not on your insurance plan or that is an hour away may not make it practical to choose that pediatrician. Make sure you ask if the pediatrician is accepting new patients.
Selecting a pediatrician that is not on your insurance plan or that is an hour away may not make it practical to choose that pediatrician.
Some important things to think about when choosing a pediatrician are simple and can be answered by the office staff.
• Is the pediatrician on your insurance plan?
• If you do not have insurance or if you have a high deductible you will want to know how much each visit costs and compare it to other pediatrician practices closely.
• Where are they located and do they have satellite offices?
• Can they see you on the same day if your child is sick?
• Does the practice have late and weekend hours?
• Is there a nurse or doctor on call to talk to after hours? Is there a charge for after hour calls if they are available?
• Is the pediatrician affiliated with a hospital? Is it a children’s hospital?
• Are there any kind of additional charges for services from the pediatrician’s office and if so what are the services and what are the charges?
• How many doctors in the practice and can I always see my first choice?
• How long is the average doctors visit?
• Does the practice have separate well and sick waiting rooms?
When choosing a pediatrician you should think about the differences between a group practice and a solo practitioner because both have advantages and disadvantages.
Solo practitioners are great because you can see the same doctor all the time. The disadvantage is that your child may get sick while the doctor is off for the afternoon or on a vacation so you may have to wait for an appointment.
In a group practice, you can see your own pediatrician when they are in the office and then have the benefit of seeing another pediatrician if they are taking the afternoon off or on vacation.
Sometime larger offices may have more equipment such as a lab, so that you can get your blood work done on site.
Finally, once you find a pediatrician you think you like it is time to schedule a “new mom” consultation to spend some time talking to and asking questions and getting to know them. Don’t forget to include your new dad as well!
The Pediatrician Interview
By now you have narrowed down your choice of pediatricians knowing who is on your insurance plan and in your area. You know if the practice is accepting new patients. You have had recommendations from friends and family. Make some appointments with a few of them and go meet them.
Good questions to ask during this interview to help figure out if you have found a good fit include:
• Are second opinions from specialists important and why?
• How long should I breastfeed my baby?
• What do feel is important on discipline, potty training, immunizations, antibiotics, pacifiers etc.?
• Is co sleeping, alternative medicines and attachment parenting positive or negative?
Selecting a pediatrician is not something you do only when you are pregnant. Maybe you already have children and have moved to a new city or are dissatisfied with your current doctor. It is always a good idea to meet with a few doctors before making a choice on a new pediatrician.
Final thoughts
The best doctors do not always go to the best medical schools or finished at the top of their class so these kinds of expectations, although possible, are not really the most important ones to have in your pediatrician.
Look for someone who you feel really cares about children and who will respond to your needs after listening to them. You want your pediatrician to be available for you when you need them. It’s true that trusting your instincts is important but it may take time and several visits to know for sure if you made a good choice.
Note: Pediatrician Tips is strictly a news and information website about pediatrics. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your pediatrician, physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition for any person. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not always those of Pediatrician Tips and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pediatrics and pediatricians.