Picking a pediatrician

Schwandy

So we want to get a different pediatrician for the new baby.  DS's pedi's office is 40 minutes away (and won't come to the hospital) and we only went there because his pedi was a referral because he specializes in ADHD kids.

So I know this is going to to sound dumb but it's been a long time since I've had to interview pedi's.  

What was important to you in selecting a pedi?   

What are some questions that I should make sure I ask?

 

WriterChick24

I actually have a meeting with my potential pedi in a few hours!

I have a few questions for her that won't apply to you, since this is my first baby - things like what she recommends in terms of feeding and how medication I'm on will affect breast milk, etc.

But mostly I want to talk to her about her vaccine schedule - if she spreads them out, if she recommends not doing the non-life-threatening ones like chicken pox, etc. Also just general info about how her office works, how she handles emergencies, how often she'll see the baby in the first year, who is on call for her if she's out.

And of course I'm looking for a general "good vibe" from her. Is she warm, can I ask her questions easily, does she seem genuinely interested in me and my baby/family?

 

mamaD1103

I liked me ped to know who my dd is, at least remember what is going on with her.

BrookeNicole09

I can't be of any help. I decided not to do a pedi interview since we picked the one we're going with based off of a ton of recommendations from DH's co-workers. (He works at the hospital) I called this morning though to see what I needed to do, and they said I had to do nothing. Just tell the hospital when I deliver that he's my pedi, and that's it. Eek.??

BecauseICan

The thing that made my decision was their availability after hours.  I like that our pedi has a nurse line available all the time, and a dr. on call 24 hours a day--so if we every need anything, someone is available to answer our questions.  I've already used the nurse line twice, and I like knowing it's there--just in case.  Beyond that, we obviously wanted someone who seemed warm and genuine, and had same-day appointments.  Our office also has evening and weekend appointments, which is just a bonus.  We only interviewed two.

StephanieBride1

I got the recommendation from my OB. We went to a new parents meet and greet one night, which was nice. We asked about alternative vaccination schedules and urgent care (which they have).