How To Pick A Pediatrician
February 23rd, 2008 by Christine
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Once you have children, your pediatrician will be a person with whom you will spend a lot of time; you are entrusting them with the health and well-being of that of that most precious person. That’s a pretty tall order; how do you select from your list of potential candidates Dr. Right?
Ask Around, Ask Often
Question friends, family, the woman behind you in line at the grocery store, your neighbors about their pediatricians. Ask them what they think of them, how do they interact with the children, what is the average time in the waiting room is (and is it worth it?), what is the office staff like…try to get as many details as possible. As you listen, gauge your own reaction. Do you find yourself drawn to the idea of a casual physician that everyone calls by their first name, wears scrubs, and tickles the children strike you as ideal? Or does the idea of a white-coated physician who is more business-like and formal make you more comfortable? Make a list of local physicians (that are compatible with your payment methods) that strike you as potentially a good fit. Now the footwork begins.
Shop Around
Most pediatricians will schedule a short “Getting to Know You” appointment (if they don’t, consider that a red flag) free of charge. This is not only a great time to check the rapport you will have with your pediatrician, it is also an opportunity to gather information:
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How long did it take to get there? You’ll be making this commute often!
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Is this a solo practice or group practice?
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What are the office hours?
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If you have a question or concern, can you speak to the physician or another health care professional in the office promptly?
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Do they have a parenting philosophy they favor?
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How often are they on call? Who covers for them when they aren’t?
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At what hospital do they have privileges?
While you’re there, study the office. Do the staff members seem happy (HUGE insight into they physician’s demeanor)? Are the rooms clean and child-friendly? Does the waiting room have toys, books, and other child-centered items? Even better, are there both sick and well waiting rooms? Generally by the time you get back to your car after this interview, you will know if you’ve found Dr. Right or Dr. Wrong.
The pediatrician who cares for your newborn at that first well-baby exam just might be the one to do his junior high sports physical; don’t hesitate to shop around now.
When Christine's not functioning as Dr. Diva, the Healthy Bliss Channel Editor, she can sometimes be found at her personal site Watch me! No, watch me!
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February 23rd, 2008 at 9:13 am
It's funny you should say about the person you pick for your newborn may be the same person to do their junior high physical. I didn't start seeing my peditrician until just before I was in 6th grade (since we had just moved to the area, and he was apparently newer to the clinic at that time), but he was the one who signed off that I had the appropriate vaccination (MMR) to get a marriage license! LOL (I was 19 at the time.)
He is now the peditrician of all three of our kids!
February 23rd, 2008 at 2:40 pm
I am in desparate need of a new Dr. The one I have is ok for the most part but he is really getting pushy about things. Thanks for this list. Hopefully I will have some luck in finding somebody I'm comfortable with.
February 23rd, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Angie ~ that is so wonderful! I love that your ped is now your children's! You are in a fortunate situation, indeed.
Rachel ~ If you don't mind me asking (and if you do, I have a tough skin…tell me to mind my own business!), what is he getting pushy about? It is very important that you are comfortable with your doctors; I hope I helped. Remember…ask around!!! Word of mouth is the best way to get a pool of potentials.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
I think one of the most important things is that your pediatrician share your parenting philosophy. I am very conservative and have found a pediatrician who supports delaying vacs, extended breastfeeding, birthing-at-home, no anti-biotics, etc.
On the other hand, my sister had a pediatrician who advised her to stop breastfeeding at 6 months(!) and demeaned her because she chose to have the vast amount of four kids. Finally, she found someone she loves, but it made those few years very difficult for her.
February 27th, 2008 at 12:13 am
Good advice and timly for me. We recently moved and changed insurance. I'm looking for a ped now.
Thanks.
Robin
My WFMW is on decluttering (with a new WFMW pink image)
February 27th, 2008 at 7:37 am
that's a PERFECT attitude for your doc about treating you like you know nothing! my husband is a doc and i think they forget sometimes that most people NEED to be told the simple things that they MAY think everyone of course would know. like give you child tylenol every 4 hrs for a fever means every 4 hours…if they are sleeping, you wake them up and give them the meds. some people would think after i put the child to bed i'll wait till they wake up to give them the next dose.
also do they wash their hands in front of you when they come into your exam room? when they bring in the shots for vaccines are they opening them in front of you, so you know for sure they are clean and haven't been meddled with by some nut.
great tip!
February 27th, 2008 at 9:16 am
I found a wonderful doctor for my kids 5 years ago! I LOVE her. She's seen the best, but mainly the WORST of my kids. She gets a Christmas card and lots of hugs. If we run in to her at the store or karate, she acts like she's our friend, not just our doctor. I'm getting all emotional just thinking about her . . . maybe she needs a gift!
February 28th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Great list. I didn't think about this until a couple of months before Son1 was born. Church was a great place for recommendations from parents and doctors. We found one 11 years ago in a group practice. Four insurance plans later, he is still our doctor. His eyes twinkle when he talks to my kids. He is knowledgeable about allergies. His PA is wonderful about callbacks, and can be trusted highly. When Son1 was almost 4, and we were passing his office, Son1 faked a cough and said "I think we need to see Dr. Hughes." He was perfectly fine, but ready for a visit!
February 28th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I think I am going to get a new pediatrican. I'm fairly tired of getting lectured for things we disagree on.