Selecting a Pediatrician

xinightingale · March 2014

Based on websites and personal recommendations, I've narrowed this down to 2 offices. But I don't know what to do next. Do I make appointments at each office for interviews, or just talk to them on the phone? I really don't know how to do this kind of thing. Both offices have evening and weekend hours, one has a D.O, on staff (which I really like). What else am I supposed to ask? I haven't had a PCP for myself in years, I don't know anything about finding a doctor lol! I only found my OB through 2 separate recommendations for the same person. Thoughts?

courtneyjean1980 · March 2014

I'd also check what hospital they have privileges at, if that would make a difference to you. Often times of you call and say you're an expecting mom, they can make you a meet and greet appointment with one of the doctors so you can chat with them in person and see whether your personalities and philosophies are a good fit.

jenn72178 · March 2014

I found a great link on TB that gave a list of questions that I bet you'll find helpful, too: https://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/third-trimester/qa/interviewing-a-pediatrician.aspx?MsdVisit=1

The office we chose had a "meet the doctors" session where they met with a group of soon-to-be new parents - they do it once a month. I was very happy that every question on that list was answered in that session without even having to ask! If your choices do not have this option TB recommends setting up a 10min appt. I'm sure this is commonplace with new parents!

shellbell813 · March 2014

There's some great advice about finding a pediatrician in the Newbie Playdate thread. I'm mobile so I can't link it though....

MSUMands · March 2014

When I was searching, I checked to make sure my Ped was board certified. Only 1 out of the 4 I liked was up to date on certifications. Google their credentials, where they went to school, etc. That was important to me, and tipped the scales. And know that you can always switch if you have a bad experience, no one says you have to go to that Ped forever. Good luck!

wimb01 · March 2014

Definitely go and meet with them. Make sure they are board certified, have hospital privileges (will they be checking in on your baby at the hospital after being born?) I chose one that has weekend and night office hours as well, and a lactation consultant.

folding · March 2014

Definitely make an appointment and ask as many questions as you can. Something that was important to me was availability and hours; some places are only open certain times of day and we needed to find something compatible with our work schedules. I chose mine for various reasons besides the credentials of the doctor; I was impressed with the office staff and how quickly they responded to questions/appointment requests, etc, I liked the overall feel of the office and the separate well baby area, and I also liked the fact that the office is a few minutes from my house and my daycare.

temursgirl · March 2014

I'm in the process of meeting pediatricians. After doing the initial research, I called up and made appointments to come in and meet them. Meeting them in person is really so you can see if you feel comfortable with them, their staff, the office, etc.

Your needs may be different, but here is my list of questions/topics:

Insurance

Breastfeeding: do they offer lactation support? What are their views on BF v. FF?

Vaccines: what are their views on alternative vaccine schedules?

Does the practice see anny families with anti-vaccine patients?

Views on circumcision

Approach to health, views on different types of medicine

Can they advocate/intervene with ILs?

Do they handle vaccines, etc. related to travel?

Do they do the initial check in the hospital? If not, will they visit baby in the hospital? Do they know the staff there?

I'm actually finding that many of the viewpoint questions are all the same... there's maybe more regional variation, but I still like to ask! I would hate to find myself pressured to circumcise, for example, or exposing my kid to un-vaccinated ones in the waiting room.

gmc222 · March 2014

The newborn class we attended through our hospital was actually hosted by a local pediatrician's office and we decided to make an appointment with one of the doctors there for an interview and tour before DD was born. We chose them because they have flexible hours (nights & weekends), are affiliated with our hospital, and luckily one of the main nurses who is on-call during the evenings is someone I went to high school with so I felt very comfortable asking her questions.

Good luck in your search!

Katieluc106 · March 2014

I have another question. What steps do you take when you already have one child at the ped office? Just call and tell them you're having another? Call after the baby is born?

steprozz · March 2014

Katieluc106 said:
I have another question. What steps do you take when you already have one child at the ped office? Just call and tell them you're having another? Call after the baby is born?

you can let your ped know beforehand (if they don't know you're pregnant already) but all you have to do is let L&D know when the baby is born who your pediatrician is and they notify them for you and the dr will come do the checkups at the hospital.

babygabe614 · March 2014

I just went through this process and I did my initial research and then called the offices and asked when would be a good time to stop by and speak with the pedi(s). It really means a lot to me whether I get a good feeling from the doctor, and I am thankful I met our pedi in person beforehand. Also ditto what others have said about making sure the location and hours work for you and your family's schedule - ours had to have weekend and evening hours, which it does, but many I looked into did not. GL!

MrsCase1 · March 2014

Part of it for me was personality. Two me there are two important aspects of a physician: bedside manner and mad scientist qualities (AKA intellect.) For me, in terms of my son, I am his first physician at home and I am comfortable doing the majority of the comforting. So, I looked for a doctor who was extremely intelligent. So, while our pedi is nice and Lincoln likes him, that is a bonus for me. What I love and adore about the guy is just how bright he is. Any topic I bring him, he has heard of and can elaborate on. In the few instances he didn't know something, he researched it and called me himself. Also, his staff is amazing. You deal with the nurses a lot so that was important to me. He doesn't charge for after hours calls, which is the standard in my area, and his nurse advisor is AMAZING and talked me off the ledge many times when I was a new mom.

Want a personalized experience?

Selecting a Pediatrician

Re: Selecting a Pediatrician

Choose Another Board

Search Boards