Pediatrician charges $65 to meet and ask her questions...

Craylo

I was researching doctors and trying to find a pediatrician before the baby is born. The receptionists are not very forthcoming with information or customer service oriented. Also one doctor charges $65 just to come in and meet her and ask her questions.

Shouldn't that be free? I am hiring the doctor, not the other way around. She should meet with me for free so I can get my questions answered and decide if its a good fit. 

Is this normal? This just pisses me off. Anyone have a better way to go about finding a ped? 

marquakl

If she's pissing you off already, pry' not the best fit for you and your LO...

TennisWife815

We had no charge whatsoever. The meeting was no more than 30 minutes. Have you spoken to people in your area about pediatricians they recommend? ?

chels0120

That seems REALLY weird. I've never heard of that before. I'd be looking elsewhere!

Pesky

Personally, I'd just cross the dr off my list.  There were some that insisted it had to be billed as an appt and I just never saw them and managed to still interview and find a great pedi.  Just like there are some practices that will charge you for calling the triage line after hours and some practices that absorb that cost and don't pass it on.  I didn't go with those practices either.

IU_baby

One of the recommended pediatricians we called to set up an appointment charges $40. 

We passed and set up another appointment with someone else in his office. 

Little_Star

WOW!  Yeah, personally I would be passing on that doctor!!!

Mrs_mam

Wow, that's nuts. My Dr. office has a "Meet the pediatricians" evening every month and it's free.

jl_nc

if you are already unhappy with the practice, i wouldnt go with them

Eternity Together

What I did with my first DD, 5 years ago, is I asked my ob/gyn of a good ped dr. And they have a office right there in the same building. So, it is owned by the same physicians. They have the ob on one side of the building, and the other side is there peds. But, each dr works in there fields. So, I have been going there for about 6 years. But, i would ask you ob and see if they have any recommendations for pediatrician dr's.  

Mama Jan

I wouldn't choose that pedi.  They should be welcoming and want to meet you.  It's like they are asking to be paid to interview for a job.  That's silly.

Our pedi's group has a monthly (FREE) Meet the Doctors night.  Two or three pedis will be there to introduce the group, talk about their practice, and answer questions.  You can mingle with them afterwards (oh, and there's food).  That's the kind of group I wanted to find.

blf722

I'd totally pass.  I have my first meeting tomorrow with a Dr.'s office tomorrow evening and it's free.

Mama Jan

Mrs_mam:

Wow, that's nuts. My Dr. office has a "Meet the pediatricians" evening every month and it's free.

Haha, I wonder if we are in the same pediatrician group?  I know we live close to each other...

beth thacker

I chose the pediatrician me and my BF had. He's the only one around here i've seen and I trust him already and know he's good. It was also one less thing to worry about by choosing him.

DEBBIE33CASEY

haha i wonder if she's made this policy since the economy downfall.. lol

Poplin2007

What a pain; I'd cross her off, too, just on principle.

This is partly why I'm glad we have an HMO - there's not really any shopping around because we don't have much say in the matter!  I think there's 1 pedi and 2 fam practitioners we can choose from... 

demmie326

I have never heard of that but that is not to say that it is not a common practice. I would trust your gut regarding not being fond of the practice/office policy; if these people frustrate you now imagine what it is like with a sick baby.

CubsGirlNYC

wow that's crazy, i agree and would cross off the list.