Updated Thinking about finding a new pedi....WDYT? (Very long sorry)

sundaesprinkles · October 2013

DS goes to a clinic that is a group of about six doctors. When I was asking around for suggestions before he was born, three different people suggested this place. One of these people has three kids ages approx 11, 5, and 2 and she is a very picky person especially about her kids so I figured if she liked this office I would too.

Things haven't been terrible, but kind of borderline so I'm not sure what to do. I did an initial interview with his doctor and she spent an hour with me discussing every question I had so to begin with I had a good first impression. But ever since then it's been going downhill. Their office is always insanely busy. I think we had to wait about 45 minutes for his 2 month visit and his 4 month was a disaster. Our appointment was 11:15, last appointment before lunch so not the best timing but still. Well we ended up not getting seen until 1:30. We waited in the patient room for an hour and DS started crying because he was so tired for his nap. Then he finally falls asleep and 5 minutes later the doctor comes in. I was really upset because he was overtired and then had to get shots on top of that. When the doctor came in she didn't even apologize for the wait until we brought it up. Then she said that somehow there was a confusion with the computer scheduling system and her staff accidentally overbooked her with sick visits and she had to see them because she didn't want to turn them away after telling them they could be seen. After she explained this I understood, mistakes happen. But I told DH if we ever had to wait that long again I would find someone else.

Right before DS was born, they switched their office to a paperless office so she told me during the consult that there would probably be some kinks to iron out. But it still seems like they don't know what they're doing. And also the doctors only have their schedule made out a month in advance so you have to wait a month to schedule your next well visit since they're every 2 months initially. If you don't call the first of the month everything gets booked up very fast. When I called to schedule his 6 month it was like calling a radio station; I couldn't get through for awhile and then when I did I was placed on hold forever.

His doctor is nice, but seems a little rushed. Also I'm a little upset that she mentioned he had mild torticollis at his 2 month and just gave me some reading material on it and told me a couple of stretches to do. She actually gets a lot of her printed material from the internet and for the stretches she told us to watch this YouTube video! At first I thought it was kind of neat and thought she was just taking advantage of today's technology but DH said he kind of got a weird vibe because she's basically googling things. Anyway I was so worried about his first shots that I didn't really ask much about torticollis, she made it sound like no big deal. Well after getting home and reading the material she gave me and researching online I started to freak out a little. I kept reading about how important it is to start PT early if needed. It could be that she thought he wouldn't need PT because his case was mild but I got nervous so I called. The nurse called me back and said I could see a specialist. They didn't offer a name of one to go to and when I asked she said just anyone affiliated with the same hospital they are. Well we saw a specialist who was excellent (even did xrays) and he said DS should go to PT. So we started going shortly before his 4 month visit and at his 4 month visit the pedi didn't even ask about how the specialist visit went or how PT was going or seem to even check his neck. Of course this was the really rushed visit when they were overbooked but still.

All in all I told DH I would see how the next appointment went and give her one more chance. But meanwhile DS developed a bad rash on Sunday. He had one before that I was able to treat with max strength Desitin but this one won't go away and DS has been in pain. He screams during diaper changes sometimes and it breaks my heart. I called the pedi yesterday morning and left a message for the nurse but they never called me back. I know I should have called them back but DS seemed to be doing better. I had switched to butt paste and the rash didn't look better yet but he wasn't screaming anymore. I thought maybe I had figured things out on my own and also the time got away from me yesterday. Well yesterday evening I changed him and he started screaming again and I couldn't calm him, even with nursing. So he ended up crying for like 45 minutes while I held him. DH ran out and got oatmeal bath stuff and triple paste so we tried that last night before bed and no more screaming so far. I am aggravated that they never called me back though. I'm going to call again today.

I guess now that I've written out all my thoughts I can see obviously I'm upset with this pedi. I know I've read online that a lot of pedis won't take you back if you quit so I'm just worried about what to do.....

nortiz03 · October 2013

I would go with my gut feeling. If I was not happy w/ LO's pedi then I would probably find another one.

Oohgurl · October 2013

I would give the pedi one more chance. But if they are popular they are going to be busy. Maybe too busy. We go to a very popular, busy Pedi. I realized right away our first couple of visits she was in high demand. But she always takes enough time with us and never makes us feel rushed.

The first 2 visits after Jack was born I saw a different Pedi in the practice because that was who was on rotation. I hated her and so glad to switch.

It is important to feel good about the care your LO is receiving.

As far as diaper rash, try A&D 'treat' which is different than their 'prevent' tube.

jayro10 · October 2013

nortiz03 said:
I would go with my gut feeling. If I was not happy w/ LO's pedi then I would probably find another one.

This!

snowgirl427 · October 2013

jayro10 said:

nortiz03 said:
I would go with my gut feeling. If I was not happy w/ LO's pedi then I would probably find another one.
This!

Agreed!

LaxMOM44 · October 2013

I am having a similar problem with our pedi and I keep telling myself to just stick it our for the first year since there are only a few more appointments. But if you aren't confident in her skills or concern for LOtjen definitely change.

RoxZ32 · October 2013

I'd switch. The health and accurate information regarding LOs are so important that I don't think I could ever feel comfortable with a so-so attentive doctor. Our pedi is very busy but they manage their time very well at the office. I'm never in the waiting room for more than 10 minutes and I never feel rushed. I think it would be fine to try and give it one more shot if you want but if it goes the same way again - switch right away.

TradeMama · October 2013

I would absolutely switch-- why have a doctor you don't trust? Go with your gut.

My 7 year old has been sick since the day he was born-- frequent fevers, strep, ear infections, etc. When DH and I moved we found a pediatrician that was recommended by some of our friends with kids. It was hard to get appointments, it always took forever, but they always acted like I was overreacting when DS was sick. I kept taking him in telling them there was something wrong with him and he wasn't feeling well and asking to be referred to a specialist, which they refused. In one year, DS had strep four times and three ear infections. Then he got a confirmed case of the flu even though he'd had the flu shot. His diagnosis? "Unlucky."

Our "break up" came when DS got an ear infection. I called to be seen and when I went in the doctor didn't introduce herself, just looked in his ear said he'd be fine and that was it. They totally blew me off. So the next day DS came home and his shirt was wet... Green on his shoulder from his ear draining. We took him to the ER and his ear drum had burst. They gave him drops for his ear. Then we found out that the dr we saw was an NP, not a doctor.

After that, I found a new pediatrician. When I gave him Alex's history, he did a work up and found that Alex had mono. How hard would that have been if the doctor had tried even a little bit? Our new ped is fabulous. He's accessible and brilliant, knows the kids and makes recommendations if necessary. I regret not switching a long time ago.

RoxZ32 · October 2013

TradeMama said:
I would absolutely switch-- why have a doctor you don't trust? Go with your gut.

My 7 year old has been sick since the day he was born-- frequent fevers, strep, ear infections, etc. When DH and I moved we found a pediatrician that was recommended by some of our friends with kids. It was hard to get appointments, it always took forever, but they always acted like I was overreacting when DS was sick. I kept taking him in telling them there was something wrong with him and he wasn't feeling well and asking to be referred to a specialist, which they refused. In one year, DS had strep four times and three ear infections. Then he got a confirmed case of the flu even though he'd had the flu shot. His diagnosis? "Unlucky."

Our "break up" came when DS got an ear infection. I called to be seen and when I went in the doctor didn't introduce herself, just looked in his ear said he'd be fine and that was it. They totally blew me off. So the next day DS came home and his shirt was wet... Green on his shoulder from his ear draining. We took him to the ER and his ear drum had burst. They gave him drops for his ear. Then we found out that the dr we saw was an NP, not a doctor.

After that, I found a new pediatrician. When I gave him Alex's history, he did a work up and found that Alex had mono. How hard would that have been if the doctor had tried even a little bit? Our new ped is fabulous. He's accessible and brilliant, knows the kids and makes recommendations if necessary. I regret not switching a long time ago.

Ugh..Reading that ticked me off! Good thing you switched. Your poor little guy - I hope he's been staying healthier nowadays!

surpriseaddition · October 2013

I would switch. I don't understand not being able to make appts more than 1 month in advance. Over the years, I've gone to 3 ped offices, and all of them could book in advance. Is that just because of the new system, and it will change? Also, I need a call back right away. I have a busy ped office too, and everyone goes there too, but I never wait. Those are really important things over the years you'll be going. With regard to PP experience with the ear infection, I don't agree that NP are substandard....maybe just that one. I actually have been scheduling my visits with the NP at my practice, since she is also a registered LC and I'm still BF. She actually seems more informed about BF babies than a lot of the peds....especially given some of the posts I've seen on this board over the months. I'd find a new practice, but interview first and ask not only about the quality of doctors, but also guaranteed return call time, etc.

TradeMama · October 2013

surpriseaddition said:
I would switch. I don't understand not being able to make appts more than 1 month in advance. Over the years, I've gone to 3 ped offices, and all of them could book in advance. Is that just because of the new system, and it will change? Also, I need a call back right away. I have a busy ped office too, and everyone goes there too, but I never wait. Those are really important things over the years you'll be going. With regard to PP experience with the ear infection, I don't agree that NP are substandard....maybe just that one. I actually have been scheduling my visits with the NP at my practice, since she is also a registered LC and I'm still BF. She actually seems more informed about BF babies than a lot of the peds....especially given some of the posts I've seen on this board over the months. I'd find a new practice, but interview first and ask not only about the quality of doctors, but also guaranteed return call time, etc.

I don't mean that I think NPs are substandard. But I made an appointment to see a doctor. I was upset because she didn't introduce herself and I feel as though I should have been told who was treating my child.

watuzzigal · October 2013

I would most likely change--not because of the long waits but because of her not fully explaining the torticollis and because of her not following up with you on that. Being too busy (even because of a scheduling error) is not a good enough reason to not take care/follow up with her patients. Yes, we need to be our child's advocate, but we don't always know how/when to be. She should be greatly supplementing that right now; she didn't do that with you.

Edit for spelling

drhibbard · October 2013

If you are questioning it, I'd switch. It's a customer based business. They should be making you happy and comfortable.

With your complaints... They all seem pretty standard for most of my doctor's offices (grrrr) except for not calling you back and torticolis info. To me, not returning calls is not acceptable in any business or practice. Returning a call is simple and easy and goes a long way for the person on the other end even if the answer is "I don't know i'll call you back later." With the torticolis, how do you bring up something alarming and not follow through, doc?

Nurse practitioners... I may start a new thread on this topic...

MOMama987 · October 2013

I'd switch. It would be one thing if you loved the doctor and care you were getting, but had to wait a long time, or had to deal with a lot of administrative BS. But it sounds like you're not happy with the care OR the office. I left my OB (that I liked enough... didn't love) because I HATED his administrative staff. I ended up at a MUCH better office and I'm so happy I made the switch (even though I hemmed and hawed about it). I figure life's too short to deal with fixable annoyances (or annoying people).

FmrAFBrat · October 2013

AllisonO78 said:
I'd switch. It would be one thing if you loved the doctor and care you were getting, but had to wait a long time, or had to deal with a lot of administrative BS. But it sounds like you're not happy with the care OR the office. I left my OB (that I liked enough... didn't love) because I HATED his administrative staff. I ended up at a MUCH better office and I'm so happy I made the switch (even though I hemmed and hawed about it). I figure life's too short to deal with fixable annoyances (or annoying people).

This. My biggest regret was not switching OBs sooner with my 1st pregnancy. I stayed there bc everyone I knew loooved that office. Their refusal to see me before 8-10 weeks even though I had pain almost cost me my life. I ended up spending 2 nights in the hospital after a surgery that could have prevented with complications that were more painful than recovering from childbirth.

Anyways you never know what can happen with LO (or anyone) so switch now in case you ever have a bigger problem. Idiot offices never get better. It's probably a numbers game to them and they don't really care about their patients.

sundaesprinkles · October 2013

Thanks ladies. I really appreciate all the feedback. I'm sorry I posted and ran this morning. I went back to sleep for a little while and then I had to get ready to go to DS's PT appointment. I called the pedi back this morning right after they opened and pushed the selection to make an appointment instead of the one to leave a message for a nurse. I explained to the woman who answered what happened yesterday and took my information and said a nurse would call me back. Which they did about an hour and a half later. I actually had stepped into the next room and forgot to take my phone with me (literally the two minutes all morning that I didn't have my phone with me) and they called. They left a message and said they called in nystatin cream for him. That was great. I was hoping they would call something in because we live about 50 miles from the pedi (but it is very close to work).

Also just to clarify a small point that I didn't word well earlier. It is a practice of several doctors but we've only seen one of them. The way it works is you see your doctor for all well visits and sick visits if they are available, otherwise you see another doctor. So I don't know how the rest of them are since he hasn't been sick yet. One of my friends sees the same doctor as DS and another sees a different one.

Also a PP asked if scheduling only 1 month out is because of the new computer system or if it's typical. It is typical to the practice but supposedly they are going to start scheduling 2 months out soon. (Who knows if that's BS or not.)

That was a good point to ask my friends how their experiences have been to see if this disorganization is typical or not. Duh, I should have thought of that!

I am going to give them one more chance and see them for he 6 month visit. I may ask around though to get an idea of other places though so if I decide to jump ship I can do so right away.

sundaesprinkles · November 2013

Update: DS's 6 month visit was yesterday. I'm not happy. Our appointment was at 3:15, we got there at 3:10. DS was a little wound up but happy in the waiting room. At 3:50 we were called into the room. Nurse does her thing. (Takes temp, asks a couple of questions.) DS is still very happy, DH even had him laughing. But then the doctor didn't come in until 4:30.

By then DS was very fussy because he had been up since 1:30 and he was tired. I ask all my questions which were all food related (i.e. When can he have meat, eggs, citrus, dairy, etc.) She gave me vague answers, which I didn't mind too much since I know pedi's all have different answers anyway. Just wanted to know her thoughts about it. But what really pissed me off was that she didn't even bring up his torticollis again, so I did. When I brought it up, she said "Oh I forgot he even had it!" (Maybe because you never even asked about it last time??) I tell her he's still going to PT and that he's doing really well, but he still has a slight tilt that we are working on. She says well that's fine, she has no problem with him going to PT. Me and DH kind of look at each other because she made no attempt to examine his neck. (She was looking at her computer while we exchanged glances.) So DH, who had DS on his lap said something along the lines of, "Well how do you think he's doing?" (Trying to hint that she should take a look.) She glances up at him for a sec and says, "Oh, he's doing great!" WTF lady? Thanks a lot.

Then she leaves at 4:50 and we're waiting for the nurse with the shots. Keep in mind that DS was really fussy/crying the whole time we were with the doctor because he's so tired. So he's still worked up and 20 minutes go by before the nurse comes in. I told DH that I think they forgot about us (only half kidding) while we waited and I was starting to get very upset. Well the nurse finally comes in and says, "I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were waiting for shots." (Ugh, see DH?) Then as I'm starting to lay DS on the table DH asks the nurse what shots he is getting. I'm wondering why he is asking and the nurse says "Oh the same ones he got last time." DH points out that he's also supposed to get the flu shot (which we had told the doctor we wanted and she either wrote it down or typed it into her computer). DH had noticed there was only 3 shots instead of 4. So the nurse fumbles through her papers and apologizes and leaves again. Finally we get his shots and leave, after being there for over 2 hours.

I'm done with this place. It always takes forever when we go there and you can see other people in the waiting room are visibly upset with the long wait also. The pedi is nice but too laid back for me. She seems to only be going through the motions. And if DH hadn't been paying attention we would have not got the flu shot.

So now I have to find a new pedi and I have no one to ask for recs. The three people I know with kids all go to this place! The pedi that DH and I both saw as kids is still practicing. I may try to go to her. You think I could interview a new pedi like I did when I was still pregnant? Or do they only do interviews for people before the baby is born?

FmrAFBrat · November 2013

I think you can still interview. This sounds crazy but I actually interviewed OBs after my loss. All my friends go to that office even though I wouldn't send a cat there to be spayed.

I got recs from my endocrinologist and therapist. Do you have another medical professional you can trust for referrals? Also look at your state medical board website to see if they've been in trouble. Some of the ratings sites can be cleaned up when a bad review is posted.

LN1024 · November 2013

2010Bride2be said:

That's horrible. I'm sure that you will be able to have a sit down with your prospective pediatricians. When you do meet with them, I would tell them what happened and the experience you had and ask them what measures to they have in place to try to avoid these long wait times.

This exactly. I also recommend giving feedback to your pedi to let them know why you are leaving. Let them know your concerns so hopefully they can fix them for their current and future patients.

HZ2012 · November 2013

I would find a new pedi. Besides having to wait THAT long, which is awful with a baby, if you and DH aren't feeling confident in the Dr, it's time to go. I would be a constant nervous wreck if I didn't feel like I could turn to my pedi for anything to do with LO. And not getting a call back sucks.

For well visits, we are called in within 10 minutes. They want the healthy kids in and out, and not there a second longer than they need to be. For sick visits we've waited a bit longer, but nothing crazy. (And I know that it's very typical to have to wait in a Dr's office - but an hour+ is crazy.)

Shelenec · November 2013

Wow! I would have been out the door by 410! That long of a wait is completely unacceptable. Her comment about forgetting is also not ok, since it should be in their notes taken from previous appts. It was good of you to try and stick with it, but it's time to move on. GL with your search for a new pedi.

jedimindtrick · November 2013

TradeMama said:
I would absolutely switch-- why have a doctor you don't trust? Go with your gut.

My 7 year old has been sick since the day he was born-- frequent fevers, strep, ear infections, etc. When DH and I moved we found a pediatrician that was recommended by some of our friends with kids. It was hard to get appointments, it always took forever, but they always acted like I was overreacting when DS was sick. I kept taking him in telling them there was something wrong with him and he wasn't feeling well and asking to be referred to a specialist, which they refused. In one year, DS had strep four times and three ear infections. Then he got a confirmed case of the flu even though he'd had the flu shot. His diagnosis? "Unlucky."

Our "break up" came when DS got an ear infection. I called to be seen and when I went in the doctor didn't introduce herself, just looked in his ear said he'd be fine and that was it. They totally blew me off. So the next day DS came home and his shirt was wet... Green on his shoulder from his ear draining. We took him to the ER and his ear drum had burst. They gave him drops for his ear. Then we found out that the dr we saw was an NP, not a doctor.

After that, I found a new pediatrician. When I gave him Alex's history, he did a work up and found that Alex had mono. How hard would that have been if the doctor had tried even a little bit? Our new ped is fabulous. He's accessible and brilliant, knows the kids and makes recommendations if necessary. I regret not switching a long time ago.

Holy shit. What a mess. Glad you switched.

sundaesprinkles · November 2013

Sorry I meant to post earlier but DS has been really cranky all day which I'm sure is a side effect of the shots. Anyway, I did get a new pedi rec from my cousin. He has triplet girls and they moved out of state in 2007 but they loved their pedi they used to see when they lived here. And my cousin is also a doctor (although not a pedi) so he has that insight as well.

Thanks for all of the tips. I will try to check out my state medical board website and I will definitely ask about wait times and how they handle returning phone calls.

As far as letting the current pedi know that we're not happy, I agree if no one complains things will never change. I will eventually write them a letter explaining why I was unhappy with them.

Thanks for all the advice. I hate that we're already in search of a new doctor but we are miserable every time we go there so we have to find someone else.

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