8 Things to Know When Choosing a Pediatrician for Your Child

If you are looking for a pediatrician for a baby you are currently carrying, the time to find one is now — not after the baby is born. Most experts recommend start to look for one at the end of the second trimester to the beginning of the third. Choosing a new pediatrician is not a decision to be taken lightly. After all, some pediatricians work with their patients until the age of 21.

Pediatricians watch and monitor a child’s growth and development to make sure it is in the normal range. Pediatricians also are educators. They are constantly teaching parents and children about children’s safety, lifestyle, breastfeeding, immunizations, diet, exercise and more.They also diagnose and treat issues such as developmental disorders and behavioral difficulties, as well as common illnesses such as ear infections and stomach flu.

If you happen to be switching pediatricians, you may be seeking the perfect replacement who is part healer and part child whisperer. While you may or may not be able to find such a pediatrician, there’s a lot of other things to consider when looking for a doctor for your child.

Here are eight things to think about to help you find right fit, and hopefully, make your life less stressful.

1. Is Your Medical Insurance Accepted?

First and foremost, before your even meet with a staff member or doctor, call your insurer to make sure your current medical insurance is accepted. Find out what your copays will be. And don’t forget to ask about lab work or other procedures to make sure it will also be covered.

2. What is the Doctor’s Education and Training?

Pediatricians must complete medical school and residency, but then also must pass a test given by the American Board of Pediatrics to become board certified. This test has to be repeated by the physician every seven years. Also, it is important to know what group or hospital — if any — the doctor is affiliated with.

3. What are the Doctor’s Thoughts On…

What is the doctor’s input about topics such as breastfeeding? Circumcision? Immunizations? Car seats? Antibiotics? Chiropractors? And does he/she value your input about these topics as well? All of these topics concern the safety and well-being of your child. You need to find a physician you can openly talk about all aspects of your child’s health with.

4. How Do You Feel About the Staff?

The truth is you are going to be spending much more time with the staff than the doctor. They are who you talk to when you call the office. They are the first and last faces you see while at the office. Many people tend to overlook a rude or unhelpful staff because they really like the doctor. However, a horrible staff can drive you mad. The staff should be caring professionals that work alongside the doctor and with you.

5. What Happens if You Need a Doctor After-Hours?

It is important to know what happens if there is an emergency after-hours. Does the nurse answer the phone? Does another doctor answer the phone? Which hospital do the doctor’s patients go to?

6. What About Appointments?

How long does it take to get an appointment? How long is the wait? Are there separate waiting rooms for ill vs. healthy children? Will your child see the same doctor every time or is there a group of doctors? Who covers for the doctor when he/she is unavailable? Note that some pediatrician practices will allow their sick patients to walk-in without an appointment, such as the Pediatric Center: “If our sick patients walk in without an appointment, we will be happy to see them.”

7. Is the Office Close to Home?

One thing that is really important — especially when you have a sick kid — is having the office located close to home and with convenient hours. It sounds very obvious, but most people don’t think about it until they have a sick kid in the backseat and are driving halfway across town. You want care that fits into your life and supports your child’s needs. You can have quality and convenience. You don’t have to settle for one or the other.

8. Do You Feel Comfortable With the Doctor?

If you are going to be working with a staff and doctor for possibly 21 years, it is very important you feel comfortable enough that you can ask questions and have open clear communication. When it comes to your child’s health, safety and well-being, there truly is “no stupid question.” Make sure the office environment is non-intimidating and unrushed, making it conducive for you to ask anything you are unsure about or are a little confused about. You want to leave the office completely comfortable and confident.