20 Tips for Choosing a Pediatrician

Choosing a pediatrician can be a huge headache.

As new parents, we usually do not have a clue what questions to ask and only have our experience with our childhood pediatrician to base our decision on.

For example, I had no clue how I was going to parent when I became pregnant with my first child. I did not even know that much thought went into choosing a pedi. I took the easy way, or the only way I knew and chose the doctor that I saw as a child.

After 2 years of butting heads because the way I chose to raise my child did not line up with this one doctor’s idea of the perfect child medical care, I said goodbye and chose a new doctor that I knew would respect my parental wishes. Within days of changing providers my child had referrals for the specialist I knew he needed.

How do I choose a Pediatrician that respects my parenting authority?

First, decide what your views are on the hot topics such as vaccinations/immunizations, how you feed your baby and how they approach sickness. Your views may change over time and that’s okay! You may also change your pediatrician if you feel they no longer are a good fit for your family.

Pediatrician versus Family Practice Physicians

Here are some general key points to consider in choosing your child’s healthcare provider. Pediatricians and Family Practice physicians both provide care for infants and children. They provide well baby check-ups, immunizations, as well as care during serious illness. They are available to answer questions about all aspects of infant and childcare from colds and rashes to behavior and development.

However, not all doctors are the same. It is important to find a doctor with whom you would feel comfortable discussing any issue concerning your child and your family. I suggest you interview more than one doctor.

Questions to ask yourself and friends before interviewing a pediatrician

★ What is the proximity to your house? What is traffic like at different times of day? If you are in a high volume traffic area your driving time may differ by many long minutes with a sick kid in the back seat. Also consider toll road fees if applicable.

A note on distance – many parents choose a doctor further away from home than many other doctors. If you happen to be a parent that is not vaccinating on schedule, your doctor may space your appointments out more than usual. If you only take your child to yearly well visits and the occasional sick visit, driving an hour to a doctor who shares your beliefs may be worth the drive.

★ Have you heard many positive or negative experiences associated with this doctor/practice? Check your local mom groups, include any information about specifics you want in a doctor.

Schedule an appointment

You can set up an appointment time to interview doctors. You just call their office and explain that you are an expecting parent. If you asked your local mom group before getting a list of doctors to contact you may have half of your questions answered already – you are a step ahead!

You may choose to ask these next questions when you call the office for an appointment

• Do the office hours work with your families schedule? Do they have evening or weekend hours or early morning hours? What about holidays?
• Does your insurance plan cover your doctor? Do they cover the other doctors if your pediatrician is not available? If not, do they have a self pay discount?
• How are payments handled? Are you required to pay in full at the time of appointment or receive a bill in the mail? If they do not take insurance do you pay in full or partial pay?
• Is there a lactation consultant in the office?

When you arrive for your interview

When you arrive at the doctor’s office check in for your appointment and take a look around. Is the waiting room clean? Are there enough chairs? Was the front office staff friendly? Are there toys to play with once baby is old enough (you may ask how often the toys are cleaned)?

Once you get called back to talk with the doctor ask your most important questions first. Trust your gut. Pay attention to if you feel listened to or rushed. If you do not connect with the doctor you can always interview a different one.

• Is the doctor board certified in pediatrics? To become board certified, a doctor must have completed 4 years of medical school, 3 years of pediatric specialty training , and passed the boards exam given by the American Academy of Pediatrics. What are his/her other credentials?
• Does he/she work by themselves or in a practice? Will you always see your specific doctor or their colleagues, assistants, etc? What if your doctor is sick?
• What hospital is the pediatrician affiliated with, in case your child needs to be hospitalized? Does your insurance cover that hospital? Is it a good or bad hospital?
• If laboratory tests are needed, can they be done right in the office or will you have to go elsewhere?
• When does the doctor first want to see the baby? 3-7 days? 2 weeks? 6 weeks? It may depend on your vaccinating status, the newborn screening, etc.
• How much time is scheduled for each appointment? (A good answer is at least 15-20 minutes)
• Is there a separate waiting room for well baby visits and sick babies? Are there separate office hours?
• How friendly is the office staff?
• How are your questions answered out of appointments? There should be 24/7 coverage. Does the doctor call you back immediately or have a nurse that answers and returns calls for them?
• How does the provider respond to your questions? Does he make you feel ignorant or like a silly parent? Are your concerns treated with importance?
• What is their stance on immunizations, circumcision, intact penis care, infant feeding, antibiotics, etc. If your stance differs, do they respect your views?
• Do you like this doctor? Do not just hire a doctor because your friends or family use them too. If you aren’t comfortable, move on.
• Special circumstances: a provider knowledgeable in your religious beliefs, life styles, etc.

Since these are suggested guidelines, you may have some other criteria upon which you are making your decision. Review your feelings to the information you receive. Remember, in the end, the parents and child are the client.

You are the parent. You call the shots.

Choosing a pediatrician to take care of your children can be the difference between feeling like an inferior parent who does not know what is best for YOUR children and a parent who calls the shots. If you feel bullied by your child’s care provider please do not feel like you have to stand there and take it. You have options!

What questions would you add to the list above? Was choosing a pediatrician easy for your family? Have you fired a pediatrician like I have? Let me tell you, doing so was one of the best decisions I could have made for my child.

Have you signed up for a childbirth education class yet? Read why a childbirth class can help new parents and experienced parents alike.