Finding a pediatrician with requirements to insure that you choose a doctor that is right for your needs & for your child.
Finding a doctor for your baby is a very important decision. This person will be building a relationship with you and your baby that could possibly last a long time. As with any relationship, this person should be someone that you trust and can depend on. You would want to choose a pediatrician that is qualified, experienced, and accessible.
Referrals
It would be better to start looking for a pediatrician at least two months prior to the birth of your baby. Ask family members, friends, and co-workers, with young children, for the names of pediatricians that they use. It may also be useful to ask your own health practitioner for their recommendations. They could recommend pediatricians whose practices are similar to their own. More importantly check with your health insurance provider for names on their preferred doctors listing to make sure their services will be covered. You can also take a chance in looking through the yellow pages for listings of pediatricians in your area.
Credentials
Make sure that the doctor specializes in pediatrics. You will also want to see that they are certified though the board of the American Academy of Pediatrics. You should be interested in the number of years that they have been practicing.
Accessibility
It would be in your best interest to choose a pediatrician close to your home. It makes it easier during an emergency. It is also important to know if the pediatrician is affiliated with the nearest hospital in your neighborhood for the same reasons. Along with location, the office hours should be convenient to the working parents. Certain pediatricians belong to a practice. In this situation, you need to consider whether or not you would be willing to visit with the other doctors in the practice if yours is unavailable. When contacting by telephone about health concerns find out the response time. Is immediate or are calls returned within a certain timee frame.
Atmosphere
Meet with staff and study their interaction with the other clients. Check the crowdiness of the office. Ask about the waiting time for appointments and scheduling. You will also want to see if the sick children are separated from the ones receiving check-ups. Is the office "kid friendly"? There should be toys and children's books available while you wait.
Emergency Procedures
There should be protocols to follow during the case of an emergency. The doctor may want you to page them or call the office first. They may want you to go straight to the emergency room. What happens when he is on vacation? Most doctors ask that you call the office first. After office hours, you can normally page them through an answering service. You should be aware of the emergency protocols and agree with them.
Bedside Manners
When choosing a pediatrician, make sure it is someone with whom you are comfortable. Consider choosing someone who is sensitive to the concerns you may have about your child. As a new parent, there will be a lot of things you are unsure of. It helps to have a pediatrician who understands that. You and your pediatrician should agree on issues such as discipline, nutrition, and prevention medicine. Having conflict in these areas can lead to a bumpy road ahead. If, as time passes, you find that you are not satisfied with your doctor's service, don't hesitate to change pediatricians. You do not have to settle for anything less than the best care for your child
