Interviewing Pediatricians?

krdesi

So, on our hospital tour a few weeks ago, they gave me a list of pediatricians they work with to get me started on interviewing for the baby.

This is probably such a dumb, but how does one go about interviewing pediatricians? Do I call up and say I want to interview doctors to see if I trust them with my child? Is it considered an office visit that I pay for? What questions do you ask them to decide whether they are good for you and your baby?

I am so clueless about this...even with myself, I mostly just call a new doc and make an appointment and that's that. I don't think I have ever actually interviewed one before.

 

liz4paws

I have no idea but I'm glad you asked this because I'm wondering too!

twistsandturnsto2

I was speaking to my mom about pedis yesterday. Some, maybe all, hospitals won't even let you leave with your baby until you have an appointment set up. I had no idea!

She went on to say that most pedis will do initial consults with expectant parents. You can ask about vaccination schedules, appointment availability, on call situations and (most important to me) if they have privileges at a local children's hospital or a hospital of your choice.

Now that I've given you all that, I need to take my own advice and get my butt in gear

MJC1116

For DD, we chose based on a couple of things: 1. Referrals (by OB, friends/family members, and online reviews), 2. Location of office (close to our house for potential sick visits), 3. Preference of pediatrician at hospital of delivery.

Ultimately we went with a practice that encourages you see all of their doctors in the practice, and every single one is great. Unfortunately we are in the process of changing pediatricians because we moved and are now over 30 minutes away from their office. To find a new pediatrician, we've gone about it in the same way. 

mfarmer0811

I had my "interview" with two pediatricians (in a group) last week. Some practices have a meet and greet, which this practice did, but I ran out of time, and never made it. They did a private meet and greet with me during their lunch hour, and didn't charge me anything! They pretty much answered all my questions before I even had a chance to answer! It was very reassuring! 

When I called the office, I just told them I was pg, and wanted to meet them before I decided on a pediatrician. They were very understanding, and it seemed like that happens all the time...I guess that is why they do monthly meet and greets! 

I just Googled questions to ask, but like I said, they answered almost all of my questions before I even got to ask. 

Ylvelill

I did an interview which I paid for

curlylocks3

I actually didn't interview one- instead asked around and got recommendations. After that I checked out their websites for their hours (weekend, evening and walk-in), their parking situation, hospital affiliations (aka if there is an issue separate from the birth that requires a hospital do they use the local children's hospital or just the nearby main hospital with a Peds wing). 

Several of the websites did mention offering new parent meet and greet type things so I assume they are familiar with the whole business of interviewing pediatricians but we just didn't do it. I figure if we aren't happy we will switch.

FutureMrsW9

I think the best way to start is to ask around and get recommendations then make a short list from there.  We have two that we're going to decide between based on referrals and things we hear from moms around us who talk about "well my pediatrician said..."  And there are some I totally tossed out (e.g. whoever my SIL sees) because I just know they're either too conservative for my taste, or I know for a fact that they have vaccine policies that I don't agree with, or I've seen moms struggle to get in when baby it sick, etc.

That said, there was an open house at one of them this past weekend and we went.  We used the checklist in this link as a starting point and supplemented it with some other things that we wanted to know about.  We'll do this when and if we end up meeting with the other doctor, too.

https://www.babycenter.com/0_pediatrician-family-doctor-interview-sheet_1452019.bc

And remember, if you pick someone and down the line you end up not liking them you can always switch!

Allison7

How far along should I be when I start this process? My OB gave me info on the doctors/groups they recommend at my first appointment at 10 weeks, but that seemed crazy early. At the same time, if I want to go to a couple of places, I don't think I should put this off until I am 35 weeks! 

krdesi

Thanks for the tips! I guess I will start calling the peds soon. We just moved to a completely different state where we know no one, so asking for recommendations is a little more difficult when you don't really know anyone anyway. Lol.

The hospital we are hopefully delivering at, has the peds that are affiliated with them and my OB office, so I guess that's the best place to start. I can't imagine I would totally hate a doctor and I definitely can always switch, but I know the hospital wants us to have a doctor in place before the baby is here so they can communicate with them if need be.

So many things to do!

mfarmer0811

Allison7 said:

How far along should I be when I start this process? My OB gave me info on the doctors/groups they recommend at my first appointment at 10 weeks, but that seemed crazy early. At the same time, if I want to go to a couple of places, I don't think I should put this off until I am 35 weeks! 

I was 36 weeks when I went...almost 37. 

curlylocks3

krdesi said:

Thanks for the tips! I guess I will start calling the peds soon. We just moved to a completely different state where we know no one, so asking for recommendations is a little more difficult when you don't really know anyone anyway. Lol.

I forgot you had moved. You could start by asking your new OB if they have anyone they recommend, or if your H has a primary care doctor by now asking them. I generally feel like doctors will suggest someone with a similar philosophy to theirs, so if I am happy with one of my doctors there is a good chance that I will probably click with someone they recommend. Definitely doesn't always work that way, but could be a good starting point for you. 

drjwj

I am a pediatrician and I love prenatal visits! Typically docs don't charge and the receptionist should know what you are talking about. I think one important thing is just the rapport you feel with the doctor. Do you feel comfortable asking questions? I usually see them anywhere in the third trimester. Don't wait too long!