Finding The Right Pediatrician
If you’re a new parent, are expecting, recently moved to a new area or are just no longer able to utilize your current pediatrician anymore this Blog’s for you.
Sometimes we just get lucky and end up with a pediatrician that gets us and understands our children’s needs by picking a random name off of google, or calling a pediatrician’s office and taking the first appointment with whatever doctor is available.
But other times we don’t know where to start, how to ask questions, how to advocate for our children and end up becoming frustrated with our provider.
If this sounds familiar, I have a few tips about how to find a pediatrician that is a good fit for you.
Location, location, location
Where do you want your doctor to be?
-close to home?
-close to work/daycare?
-close to school?
Do you have appropriate transportation?
-do you have your own car?
-does the bus run close to the office?
-is it close enough to walk?
Cost
Before you get excited about finding a potential pediatrician, be sure they take your insurance, if they have a sliding scale fee or a free clinic. No one wants to get an unexpected medical bill.
Schedule an Interview
You can most certainly schedule an interview with a new pediatrician; you’re hiring them to do an important job! Here are 10 questions for you to start off with.
-Are you affiliated with any of the surrounding hospitals?
-Where did you go to medical school?
-How long have you been practicing?
-Are you board certified?
-What are your thoughts on Insert topic here?
example: breast feeding, co-sleeping/sleep training, vaccines, development, alternative medicine, etc.
-Are you able to visit my newborn in the hospital following their birth?
-What happens if my baby needs specialty care?
-Are there weekend hours, an on-call number or telehealth visits available?
-What’s the protocol when you are on vacation/leave/out of the office?
-Are there any screenings or blood work that can be done in-house or are they sent to a lab?
You always have a right to choose the right pediatrician for you and your child; don’t be afraid to speak up and ask questions; they may be your child’s doctor (or soon to be doctor), but you are the parent. If you feel like something is off with your child or something is concerning you-ask, if you no longer feel comfortable with your current pediatrician and want to find a new one, then use these questions to help you along the way. Finding the right doctor can make you feel confident about your child’s development and care, while also assuring yourself that you’ve made the right decision for you and your child.
For more information on finding a new pediatrician please visit:
The American Pregnancy Association
Kids Health