Questions to ask potential pediatricians?

Starlight32 · March 2016

I'm calling two pediatrician offices today to inquire about using them as baby's pediatrician. What questions should I ask?

MamaNicoleof3 · March 2016

I know there's a really great thread on this board or maybe the third tri board. You could search for them and get some awesome responses!'

Rosehip15 · March 2016

Hours/convenience

crdo · March 2016

Yep, lots of questions can be answered via the search function.

NicknShan · March 2016

If it is a larger place, ask if your child will be "assigned" to a pedi. I know at my place, I am so glad for consistency reasons. Also, ask how they get assigned to your child. My clinic partners with the hospital I will deliver at, and the doctor making rounds that day will be assigned to your child. They do this to be "fair".

Another basic first comment - confirm they (as well as the labs they use) are in network with your insurance.

Starlight32 · March 2016

Thanks! We have a meet and greet set up for one of them!

GinnyJ2012 · March 2016

All the above, and I asked their policy with vaccines. Ours does not see patients who choose to not vaccinate, unless for proven medical conditions. They do allow a modified schedule on a case by case basis.

Disneygeek77 · March 2016

Do they have a separate waiting room for sick children

Starlight32 · March 2016

Good point about vaccines. I found out about one of the groups through someone I know; they require patients to vaccinate.

Starlight32 · March 2016

One of the pediatricians we are looking at have separate rooms. The other one doesn't. Definitely factoring into our decision.

Disneygeek77 · March 2016

I mean, some rude people don't use the sick waiting rooms, but at my office they do and that is nice when you are going for a well visit.

Starlight32 · March 2016

The non separate waiting room has better hours (based on their site, haven't talked to this one yet). I'm sure either practice is fine, but I feel like this is such a big decision! Lol

PBear93 · March 2016

Just remember if you go to them and after a few months you decide you don't really love them, you can always find a new one (and will have a better idea of what you want after having baby around for a while).

GinnyJ2012 · March 2016

Starlight32 said:

The non separate waiting room has better hours (based on their site, haven't talked to this one yet). I'm sure either practice is fine, but I feel like this is such a big decision! Lol

Just remember you can always change practices for whatever reason.

Starlight32 · March 2016

Good point!

VikingGirl12 · March 2016

My biggest concerns, other than my babys health issues being monitored, are:
Will I get to see the dr or will I end up with a PA every time? (this is a better q for parents in the community)
Is there a sick/well side?
Do you have a walk in? (I need a walk in. As a first time mom, 99% of our visits were walk-ins).

Starlight32 · March 2016

Thanks all! Already talked to both practices

Disneygeek77 · March 2016

This might be small to others but it does matter to us. We like one that is in a large hospital system with good records. For instance, if we can't get in to see our pedi, we will take the kids to a pediatric urgent / convenient care just 5 minutes away. They are not in the same system right now, but I sure wish they were. It would make things easier. Even if all we want is one of my kids vaccination records for something like a new day care or school. I know it makes me sound lazy but I really like having the urgent care only 5 minutes away and wish they were in the same system as their pedi.

MynaBird · March 2016

As with the cloth diaper question, this exact question was asked last month on this board: https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12661564/pediatrician

The search function is your friend.

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