Choosing a pediatrician

hsdjoyner · March 2012

Ladies,

Have you chosen a pediatrician? If so, did you interview them first and what questions did you ask? I am really struggling with this, any advice is welcomed!

Asquared · March 2012

Find out about the team, how quickly you can get in, what kind of system do they have for you if you need to talk to a nurse/doctor after hours, how often antibiotics are prescribed, is there a pharmacy in the building, will they modify / let you push back some vaccines... (I say that last one because at some of the older appts, I don't like getting some of them at once- like Hep A, MMR and Varicella-I will space them out a little w/ this next kid since they are more likely to have a little reaction to it)

colonialbride · March 2012

we were actually given a lot of advice from family members and friends regarding the ped, but after meeting a few in the hospital, we ended up choosing the one we felt the most comfortable with who treated DD as a newborn. You can always switch if you're not satisfied. Go with your gut...

maddie&stephen · March 2012

Being FTP we asked our OB who he would recommend and he told us where his children go. We did other research and were very happy with feedback and while we haven't been able to interview (it depends who sees LO in the hospital when she's born-that will be her primary pediatrician) like a PP said if we're not happy we'll switch, but I trust our OB and have only had positive experiences with him so far.

Monicagail1 · March 2012

We went mainly on a rec from a friend, and did not interview. From our friend we were able to get the answers to our main questions (hours open, ease of getting an appointment, general feel for the place). Also, location-wise it is the most convenient as we live out in the sticks. It's only 10 min away, whereas the next closest would 30-45 minutes.

What you ask them is going to depend a lot on what's important to you. Vaccine schedule, BF support resources, what hospital system do they have privleges at, hours (Saturday hours were important to me), and if they have after-hours call-in support are other questions to ask.

morethancottoncandy · March 2012

Do you have any mom friends you could get recommendations from? Figure out what questions you have and what's most important to you in a practice. Then call their offices to set up an interview.

We lucked out as my pediatricians are the same as I had growing up and they have just added to new doctors to their practice! It was funny when after delivering DD, my old doctor came in to check her out and instantly recognized me as one of "his babies."

angela176 · March 2012

We also chose the practice where our OB takes her children. I figure they must be ok if she goes there! They are hosting a baby basics class there in a few weeks so we'll get to check it out more then.

med380 · March 2012

We asked friends, co-workers, etc, and my OB also gave me a list of pediatricians that they recommend.

We got overwhelming good feedback for a particular pediatrician, so we didn't feel the need to interview him. The only thing I had to do is give his name when I was in the hospital to deliver, and then the hospital contacted his office.

kris_kelsey · March 2012

I see a family practice doc and this LO will be seeing her as well. I worked with her at my last hospital and again at my current hospital and I really respect how she interacts with her patients and parents of young ones. I did an alternate vaccine schedule with DS and she did not bat an eye or lecture me at all when it came to making up the shots at a later time.

I guess I would ask about their stance on breastfeeding and formula supplementation (to see if they will encourage formula supplementation if you want to EBF), ask about vaccines, ask about their use of antibiotics for illnesses, maybe ask about who you would talk to if you called the clinic with a question...does the triage nurse talk to you, then talk to the doc, then the nurse call you back...or does the doc return your call?

becketts · March 2012

Ditto to those who suggested asking friends and family for recommendations. I would still suggest scheduling a visit to meet the pediatrician to make sure it's not a personality clash. Things I've appreciated about our group include the ease of online appt scheduling, after hours/Sat urgent care, and I've always been able to get a same-day appt when needed.

AngelaParish · March 2012

We asked for recommendations and ended up going with the doctor our Bradley Class teacher recommened.He is a family doctor and so my husband and I switched to him as well. I like the idea that all three of us will see him, and he is supportive of some key factors that are important to us such as vaccines, attachment parenting, etc.

RedDDD · March 2012

Not sure about you but we had to have one selected prior to showing up at the hospital. I just asked my OB where she takes her kids and went with her recommendation. No interviews.....I just don't have time for that in my work schedule and since we are working hard to find a day care provider that is taking priority.

Stefaniepr · March 2012

My OB gave me a list of pedi's, and I went from there. If you're interested, here are a list of questions I asked during my interviews:

1. What is the schedule of appointments for newborns?

2. What are your thoughts on vaccinations? Whe are so many people against them and how do you feel about this subject?

3. Why is our schedule different from the U.S and Europe (I'm in Canada)

4. What are your office hours, and what is the protocol for after hour appointments?

5. Which hospital should I go to in case of an emergency?

6. How are appointments scheduled and how long is the average wait time?

7. From what I understand, the eye drops that they put into the baby's eyes are to prevent against STD's. If I know I don't have an STD, why are they necessary?

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