Family doctor or pediatrician?

estxox · July 2015

I live in a very small town and the closest pediatrician is about 2 hours away.
I was a very complicated baby (didn't breathe on my own until after 6 months and was colicky) and my mom swears that a pediatrician is worth the effort as that was the only doctor who took the time and effort to understand my moms concerns and battles.
I'm wondering how many of you used a pediatrician compared to their family doctor?
I'm thinking about using my family doc but maybe getting in touch with a pediatrician just incase it's needed at some point.

Thoughts?

rachswi · July 2015

My husband and I are in the same boat as you - we live an hour from the nearest pediatrician (and there's actually only 1 doctor in town that even takes care of infants). We discussed it, and figured that we should set things up with him, and if the need arises for the more specialized care, then we can drive the hour to a pediatrician.

I would think that even if your baby had some issues and you needed to go to the pediatrician, once you're in the clear as far as those issues go, you'd be able to transfer back to your family doctor.

VexyMommy · July 2015

I've always had pediatricians in my area and never even considered another option. I am also the awful sort of person that doesn't go to the doctor unless I'm sick. My kids get regular checkups, but I see the doc on an emergency only basis.

Tpmow · July 2015

I was a premmie and had trouble breathjng too. Our baby will see our family Doc. Unless another Doc is needed. We've known our Doc for over ten yeasts. He's amazxing, caring, understanding & he goes above & beyond. I trusdt him 110%. It a personal choice.

wedding crazed · July 2015

We use a pediatrician and have been very impressed. However a family doctor would be just fine too. I would say that my first born at 18-months needed a pediatric optometrist and a regular one never would have worked. We have transitioned from a pediatric dentist to a regular one. In that case I wish we would have just started with a regular one. That is a long drive just to see a pediatrician, would probably not be worth it to me, unless the baby needed it for some reason.

CarrieOct15 · July 2015

My siblings & I went to a nurse practitioner growing up, and we loved her.

I'm going to see if my OB has any doctor recommendations, but we are leaning towards a pediatrician. Personally, I feel like since a pediatrician specializes in the care of children, they would be more adept if any problems were to arise with our LO.

MargaretC5 · July 2015

We have the choice of either but choose to use a family doctor. I trust my doctor so it seemed the logical choice take DS there also. So long as you trust your doctor (and know they will refer you to someone else if needed) than I think a family doc or pedi is fine.
DS had a weird eye thing when he was a few months old our Dr had not seen before, so he reached out to a specialist to discuss it. The 2 doctors determined it was nothing and it would correct itself over time (it did), but my dr still offered me the referral if I wanted to have DS seen by the specialist.

ash413 · July 2015

My DH and I were just discussing this. I love our family doctor, and certainly trust her judgement. She does a great job going over details and options, and I can get same day appointments with ease. I'm leaning towards using her, but contemplating a ped still.

estxox · July 2015

Thanks for all your input!
We are a military family and just moved to the area last year- I have only seen this dr 3x (twice of that was when I was pregnant and once was an initial meeting) - I suppose I trust her judgment but I think I will ask for some referrals to pediatricians in the area anyways

urby87 · July 2015

I love having a doctor who knows what's going on with the whole family, although I'm certainly not opposed to the idea of a specialized practice (especially in cases of special needs). As long as you have a good doctor, it will be fine either way.

oliarnmom1517 · July 2015

My pediatrician growing up actually was a family doctor as well.. I called his office the other day because he had taken care of me since I was itty bitty and I trust him.. Now I have an "adult doctor" as I like to call her lol but I'm using the same doctor I had growing up for my son..

JLW0504 · July 2015

Our family doc hired a pedi right before DD was born so we got lucky.

Just know that you can change your PCP at any time. Just because you have one assigned doesn't mean you are stuck with that doctor.

***For those with pedi options and you are having trouble settling on one ask your PCP or OB for recs.***

Ceridwen77 · July 2015

We are going with a pediatrician. I never even considered any other options but I guess that's because they are plentiful in this area.

peachesnpearls · July 2015

I'd highly recommend a ped until at least 2-2.5. A lot of well visits are milestones and a pediatrician is much more likely to follow AAP guidelines with screenings and know when/who to refer ( think developmental delays: motor, speech, social) as well as treatment algorithms ( screenings for congenital urinary tract malformations after a uti---that's not standard with adults). Just my advice

EMLarie · July 2015

I had a very hard time finding a doctor that I trusted in the Twin Cities. I don't know, perhaps I got struck with bad luck but my experience with healthcare all around (dental included) has been pretty crappy here. Thankfully I came across a wonderful doctor (after searching and searching...and searching) who is my own primary care provider. I dreaded the process of finding a ped for DD until I realized that mine was a family doctor who specialized in pediatrics and my stress melted away. She's been great with my toddler and she knows me well as her patient so there is a nice dynamic there.

AshleeM7784 · July 2015

We go to a family dr who specializes in pediatrics. She actually delivered my son so she has a special bond with him. I love that she knows our who family history and my son and I are both really comfortable with her. He's had a fair share of complications (kidney issues, colic, vaccine reaction) and she has handled it all wonderfully and directed us to great specialists when necessary. I think you're fine either way with a family doc or pediatrician as long as you and your LO are comfortable with them.

Unknown · July 2015

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Pontot31 · July 2015

We go to a pediatrician and we love her. But if I found a family doctor I liked better I would not hesitate to switch.
As long as you're comfortable and like them I see no issues.

astanley10 · July 2015

We go to a family dr who specializes in OB and Peds. She was with me my whole pregnancy, delivered the baby and has taken excellent care of her for two and a half years. We are doing this same thing with this baby. My husband goes to another dr in the same office.
I love the way we have things set up. She is an amazing dr and follows all pediatric guidelines. Her nurse is absolutely wonderful as well.
I would be hesitant to have my babies dr two hours away but I recommend just doing what you are comfortable with. You can always switch it up if needed!

lyankowi · July 2015

My cousin is my daughter pedi. It is really nice she is in a practice that specializes in kids so I really trust her and if she's not there another Dr can take a look at LO. I like that pedi know vaccination schedules and how to do special schedules if that's what you want. You know the Dr and nurses like kids too. My cousin said she hates 18 mo -3 yyrs and her nurse said two year old drive her crazy, I thought it was cool how personal that was I mean what nurse will tell you that you daughters next visit is an age she doesn't like, I liked that even though she doesn't know me she shared personal info

jasbaby2 · July 2015

We have a lot of pediatrician options near us as we live near a large city. I understand your concern with the closest pedi being so far away but I'd still use them. We would always choose to take our kids to a childrens hospital as well if this is a possibility. pediatrics is a specialty. pediatric doctors and hospitals have specialized equipment and they work on kids all the time.

we have a friend who is a surgeon at a great hospital here. He says he would always drive his kids further if its a possibility to go to a facility that specializes in children. you never know when the last time any other kind of doctor has worked on a child.

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