Dreamstime
Your child’s doctor plays an important role in his or her life; therefore, you will need to find one who is a good fit for the parents and the child. It can be a challenge to find a pediatrician that’s right for your family. Here are some tips to get you started on your search:
Start with recommendations
As a first-time parent or a family that has just relocated, it is hard to know where to begin your search for a pediatrician. One good place to start is by asking other parents for recommendations. It’s a great way to see what names come up repeatedly. Asking your OB-GYN for a recommendation is also a good idea. Some parents opt to choose the same primary care doctor for the whole family.
Cover the basics
First, compare your list of candidates with your insurance policy and start looking for reviews of those doctors online. Also check to determine if the doctor is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. This means the doctor has passed a specialized test in pediatrics. If you choose a family doctor, ask if the doctor is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Family doctors are trained to treat patients of all ages, including children, but they do not have a specialty in pediatrics.
Next, consider the basic office information that can be found online or with a quick phone call. What are the office hours? Do they have walk-in hours? Will the doctor visit the hospital where you will deliver your baby? What hospital will your child be admitted to if needed? Is the office location convenient to your home, work, school, and daycare? Take these things into consideration as you narrow down your list.
Visit the office
To find out if you feel comfortable in the pediatrician's office, you will have to take a tour. Call the office and ask if they have times set up for potential patients to come and visit the office or if you would need to make an appointment, and ask if you can interview the doctor at the same time. Remember to ask if there is a charge for visiting. Verify with your insurance company to see if the cost would be covered or if you would be responsible for the fees.
When visiting the office be aware of what the overall environment feels like. Take into consideration if the office staff is courteous, polite, and willing to help. Is the office clean and inviting? Was parking convenient? Do they have separate sick and well waiting areas? If you plan to visit more than one office, be sure to take notes for later consideration.
Ask some questions
After you have decided that the office environment is a good fit, you will need to interview the pediatrician. Start by asking how sick appointments work. How long would it take for a sick child to be seen? Is there a good chance the child will be seen by his own doctor? Do you have similar views on health and wellness, such as circumcision, breastfeeding, and immunizations? Overall, does the doctor seem genuinely interested in your child or does he seem distracted or rushed? Take your overall impression into account when making your decision.
Bedside Manner
How the doctor interacts with your child will have a lot of impact on the decision to choose a pediatrician. Do you feel comfortable around the doctor? Does your child like him or her? Are they willing to take the time to listen to your questions and concerns? A good beside manner can go along way in making you and your child feel comfortable.
Finding the right pediatrician can be overwhelming, but realize your decision does not have to be permanent. It’s important to recognize you are not stuck with your decision. You see your pediatrician a lot in those first months and in the years to come. If there is something really bothering you, it’s okay to switch. The parent’s goal is the same as the pediatrician: a happy and healthy child. When you find a doctor that is a good fit for your family, you can all work together to reach this goal.
Sarah Lyons is a mother of six children, including 2-year-old triplets. With a full house, they visit the pediatrician very often.