Choosing your Pediatrician
What to Expect and Questions You Should Ask!
By selecting the ideal doctor for your family; you will have a devoted gatekeeper and advocate for your child’s wellbeing. He or she will be guiding you from your child’s first newborn visit to their early adolescent years; providing reassurance, parenting tips, and expert suggestions on your child’s health and nutrition.
Here are some things to consider while searching for the perfect fit for your family
When Should I start looking for a Pediatrician?
If you’re a mommy-to-be, it’s ideal to start looking for a pediatrician 3 months before your baby is due. Ask for recommendations from your family, friends, and relatives. Ask your OB/GYN as well if they have any trusted recommendations. Feel free to also use the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Find a pediatrician tool. Remember to keep YOUR values and priorities in mind when it comes to selecting a doctor for YOUR baby.
Visit Their Website:
Go ahead; peruse around! This gives you a chance to passively learn more about the pediatrician you are considering. Some things you may find here include:
Medical Certifications
Years of Experience
Location of their office
Office hours
Other basic information
Visit the Pediatrician’s Clinic or Schedule a Virtual Consultation:
Most pediatricians dedicate specific times for expectant parents or inquiring families to learn more about their practice. You can usually call the office to schedule an appointment for this or directly schedule a “meet and greet” on their website.
Here are some things to consider as you decide if this particular practice is right for your family. Make sure to jot down some of your questions prior to your visit, to help organize your thoughts.
What are the office hours? Does his/her schedule work well for you? Is it important for the pediatrician to offer weekend or evening hours?
What insurances are accepted? What about self-pay?
Is this a solo practice or does the doctor work in a group with other physicians? Who will see your child if the doctor is not available?
Does the doctor have any affiliations with pediatric hospitals?
What is the cost of services and payment options?
How are referrals to specialists handled?
What is the vaccination policy?
In case you are on vacation or your office is closed whom should I call?
Other important things to consider…
Friendly Communication
Communication is key when it comes to a successful patient-physician relationship. You want to feel comfortable with asking any questions related to your child’s health and be able to openly discuss all other concerns. Does the doctor explain things carefully? Is he/she a good listener? It’s important to make sure that they make your children feel comfortable as well.
Trust your Instincts
Now that you have all of this information and have had the opportunity to speak with the doctor, how are you feeling? What vibes are you getting? Do you feel that he/she will work well with your family? Do you and this doctor share similar beliefs and values when it comes to medical care? For example, how does the doctor view integrative techniques, the use of antibiotics, or breastfeeding, if this is important to you? Remember, you may be connected with this pediatrician for many years to come! So trust your gut!
With this guide, we hope that you feel more confident in choosing the right pediatrician. It is important that you find a physician who will serve as an advocate for your child and family. Families should feel heard, and understood and know that they have a partnership with their doctor throughout their child’s health care journey.
