Finding the Right Pediatrician

Posted by mamas

Posted: January 23, 2009 - 10:30 pm

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Finding the right pediatrician can be time consuming, so be sure to start this process early on in your pregnancy. It is good to have already settled on which doctor will be your child’s doctor, prior to birth. This way they will be ready to visit the newborn or have you bring your baby in during the first few days following birth, so that they can evaluate their health.

Tips:

1.) Do several interviews because you will be working closely with this person and need to find someone who you can trust.
2.) Ask questions about controversial subjects such as immunizations, breastfeeding, circumcisions, or other matters that are important to you as a parent.
3.) Decide if you want an individual or a group practice. There are pros and cons to both.
4.) Find out the days and hours that the clinic is open and if they leave space during the day for “emergency” visits.
5.) Get a feel for the office/office staff and how things are run. Just by sitting in the waiting room you can observe a lot.
6.) Find out if they offer a nurse line when they are off duty
7.) Ask if they have a lactation consultant on staff. This is very helpful for first time moms.
8.) Ask about lab work. If labs need to be drawn, can they be done in house?
9.) Find out the pediatricians background and experience as well as if they are board certified in pediatrics.
10.) Find out how the office bills, or if they have you pay up front.

Do you want to share the name of a pediatrician or pediatrician’s office that you like? Do you know of any great questions to ask a pediatrician when interviewing them?

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