Choosing a Pediatrician

And it is my opinion, that you do not want to be looking for and interviewing pediatricians AFTER the baby is here. Remember, sick kids go to the doctor so you don't want to go to a pedi office in the first few weeks unless you reallyneed to do so.

Ask your midwife, obstetricians, friends, co-workers for referals.

This list will help you narrow your search:

Location: something within 20 miles of your home if possible. Nothing worse than driving too long with a sick baby.

Insurance: print off your provider sheet and start making calls. Much to my surprise after my second daughter was born, I found thatdispite the fact that there were MANY pedi's on my list from my insurance many of them did not accept "new" patients from my carrier

Staff: How do they treat you on the phone? How do they treat you when you go to the office?

Male/Female: many children prefer same sex physician when they get older

Age: if you plan on staying with a pedi until your child is 18, then choose one who is 45 or younger to avoid retirement changes.

Priveledges: make sure your chosen doctor has the ability to admit and care for your child at your local hospital. Do NOT assumethis, many do not.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has a referal page if you are at a loss on how to find a doctor. AAP referral page

This list is something you could take with you to the interview.

PREVISIT: Did they give you a reminder phone call? Was it easy to find? Park? How were you greeted? Is the office clean? Is there a separte wait are for sick kids? How long did you wait? If it was past your appointment time, did they inform you or offer you to reschedule?

VISIT WITH DOCTOR Are the office or exam rooms clean? Does the doctor seem distracted? Is his/her bedside manner agreeable with you? Ask any questions about philosophy you wish: ie immunizations, breastfeeding, babywearing, co-sleeping, ect. Who covers when the doctor is ill? who answers the phones AFTER hours? What are office hours? This is an uncomfortable one but VERY important. Tell the doctor you appreciate his/her time and that you are in the interview process and have several other pedi's on your list. See what the response is. This will be very important. You may at some time during the care of your child, need a second opinion for a matter and need to know how your doctor will respond to this.

After the visit What was your summary/impression? Are they a keeper or keep looking???

Once you have made the decision, you must notify the staff at the hospital when you go in to deliver the baby.

Here is a printable questionaire for pediatrician interviews. I hope this article on choosing a pediatrician was helpful to you.

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