How To Choose A Pediatrician

The decision of what pediatrician to use is a daunting question all parents must face.  The answer is as individual as each parent and child but there are some points to keep in mind as you work toward finding the pediatrician that is best for your family.

The first thing you should do is ask around.  Parents in the area you live in can undoubtedly offer you sound thoughts on the pediatrician they have used with their own children.  Of course you can’t go on each suggestion or you would end up with dozens of doctors.  But if there is a name of a doctor that keeps being mentioned as you talk to different parents, there is a good chance that is the one you want to look into.

No matter how beloved people claim their pediatrician is to them, you must check their credentials.  Thankfully, many physicians now have a webpage where you can read about their degrees, accreditations and associations.  Do their qualifications meet your standards?  Refuse to lower them.  Remember, this is your child you are choosing for.

Other things to consider… do they practice at the hospital of your choice?  Are they the only physician in the practice or is it a multiple partner practice?  What happens when your chosen doctor is unavailable?  Do they accept your health insurance?  Are their hours acceptable to you?  Is their staff courteous and good with children?  For that matter, is the doctor good with children?  Does the doctor explain things in a way that you can understand?  Do they welcome questions?  What is their policy about phone calls?  How soon will they get back with you?

Many of these questions cannot be answered without talking to the doctor and or the staff.  There is only one way to get the answers you are searching.  Schedule an interview.  That’s right, set up a time to go in and meet with the doctor and staff.  Remember, they are working for you and you have a right to ask these questions.

Any pediatrician worth their salt will understand the need to talk to them directly and welcome you into their practice for such a meeting.  Then, after gathering all the facts, you will be able to make the best decision for your child.