Interviewing a pediatrican/what to ask?

happytracy

Someone asked this a few weeks ago and people gave some good questions....  I can't find the old post.

What are some questions to ask when interviewing pediatricians???

thanks!

Mama Jan

My biggest thing was his take on vaccines.  I wanted a pedi who was going to think similar to me and not push me to be like him.

Another thing we looked at that some people might not think about was how long he had been at that practice and in the area - we wanted someone who was going to stick around for my kids to grow up, so we chose one who had grown up in the area, was married with kids and clearly didn't plan to leave the area.

Then there's the usual: is there a sick room waiting room, what's the wait time after checking in, who do we call when it's not office hours, etc.

berry25

I believe the biggest thing isn't his answers to your questions, but his general demeanor and how he treats you while you are asking your questions.  Is his responsive?  Do you feel rushed? 

Also just as important as the doc are the front desk staff.  It's a no-go if they are rude to you because you will be seeing a lot of them that first year!

Basic questions: at what hospital do you have privileges (is this where you are delivering and where an ambulance would take your child if he is sick)? who answers after-hours calls? how long can I expect you or a nurse to respond to my call? can you get your sick child in the same day you call? is there a separate waiting area for newborns, sick children? do you perform circumcisions or do you expect the OB to do that? how do you feel about breastfeeding/vaccinations/co-sleeping etc (whatever hot button issues you feel passionate about)?  are you board certified in pediatrics? do you have any questions about when you first take baby home - SIDS prevention, using bumpers in the crib, sleep positioners etc?

 

DaisyAdair

I also asked about vaccines since I had my own schedule I wanted to use.  (I recently switched pedis and both were fine with my delayed schedule). 

I also didn't want to be given a hard time about not BFing.  

I guess I'll give the reasons I left my prior pedi....I loved this guy.  He was great.  But....his office wasn't stroller-friendly.  I know, weird!  It was a struggle getting 2 kids in there.  They also didn't have hours that worked for me.  Not his fault, I don't expect him to be there 24/7, but I did find a practice that has hours until 8pm every night and Sat/Sun hours.  

The "nail in the coffin" was when he got so busy, he started having an NP do the check-ups.  I want to see a DOCTOR.  If it's just a shot or something simple like a rash or a cough where an NP looks at it or listens to lungs.  Fine.  But, I refuse to have my well-child visits with anything other than a DOCTOR.

I felt really bad leaving because I really liked him.  His office set-up didn't work for me, so I found a place that does and I'm very happy there.  

I'm the type that doesn't want to be told "sorry, we're booked".  And, what ended up happening was, I'd call with an emergency (like my DD developed this strange rash at 2pm) and the doctor had left for the day to do his rounds at the hospital....we had to go to the ER, expose her to who-knows-what, wait 2hrs, and pay a $50. co-payment instead of the $20. we pay for an office visit.  That bugged me. 

He was just too busy.  He was by himself because the other 2 doctors left.  So, he hired a few NPs.  Not an acceptable substitute....especially since the one we saw completely negated what he had said at our previous visit!  

Just know, it's not permanent.  If you're not happy, you can leave and try another practice like I did.  

happytracy

thanks!!