After your baby is born, you will visit the pediatrician often. In the first year, your baby will have seven well visits. In fact, studies show that first-time parents may visit their child’s pediatrician up to 16 times before the baby’s first birthday.
Your child’s doctor plays an important role in their life, and therefore, you will need to find one that is a good fit for the parents and the child. It can be challenging to find a pediatrician who is right for your family. Here are some tips to get you started on your search:
Start with Recommendations
As a first-time parent or a family that has just relocated, it is hard to know where to begin your search for a pediatrician.
“I asked other moms for recommendations,” said Cedar Rapids, Iowa, mom, Jill Miller. “It’s a great way to see what names came up repeatedly.”
Stacy Cook, a nurse and mother of three, suggested asking your OB-GYN for a recommendation.
“I figured if they were good enough for my doctor’s kids, then they were good enough for mine.”
Another great way to narrow your search in a new area is to call the local NICU and ask the nurses who they would recommend.
“The nurses are more likely to give unbiased feedback,” said Rodganna Avery, a mother of three.
Cover the Basics
First, you must compare your list of candidates with your insurance policy.
“I look to see what providers are in our network, then start looking for reviews of those doctors online,” said Stephanie Beaurdry, a Texas mother of two. “I was able to find a doctor that was better than we ever expected.”
Next, consider the basic office information that can be found online or with a quick phone call. What are the office hours? Do they have walk-in hours? Will the doctor visit the hospital where you will deliver your baby? What hospital will your child be admitted to if needed? Is the office location convenient to your home, work, school, and daycare? Take these things into consideration as you narrow down your list.
Visit the Office
To find out if you feel comfortable in the pediatrician’s office, you will have to take a tour. Call the office and ask if they have times set up for potential patients to come and visit, or if you would need to make an appointment, and ask if you can interview the doctor at the same time. Remember to ask if there is a charge for visiting. Verify with your insurance company to see if the cost will be covered or if you will be responsible for the fees.
When visiting the office, be aware of what the overall environment feels like. Take into consideration whether the office staff is courteous, polite, and willing to help. Is the office clean and inviting? Was parking convenient? Do they have separate sick and well-waiting areas? Take all these things into consideration in your decision. If you plan to visit more than one office, be sure to take notes for later consideration.
Ask Some Questions
After you have decided that the office environment is a good fit, you will need to interview the pediatrician. Start by asking how sick appointments work. How long would it take for a sick child to be seen? Is there a good chance the child will be seen by his own doctor? Do you have similar views on health and wellness, such as circumcision, breastfeeding, and immunizations? Overall, does the doctor seem genuinely interested in your child, or do they seem distracted or rushed? Take your overall impression into account when making your decision.
Bedside Manner
How the doctor interacts with your child will have a lot of impact on your decision. Do you feel comfortable around the doctor? Does your child? Are they willing to take the time to listen to your questions and concerns? Good manners can go a long way towards making you and your child feel comfortable.
Did You Know?
According to the American Pregnancy Association, expectant mothers typically start looking for a pediatrician when they reach their second trimester.
