How to Find a Pediatric Neurologist

For most parents, finding the right pediatrician for their children can be a difficult task. Parents want to be sure that their children are receiving the very best care available. When it comes to finding a specialist in pediatric neurology, the decision can be even more stressful. Finding the right pediatric neurologist may take some time. However, there are myriad options available to concerned parents. Before choosing a doctor for your child, it's important to do the proper due diligence on each potential candidate.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine the extent of the child's medical challenges. Finding the best pediatric neurologist begins with pinpointing conditions and narrowing the field of candidates to specialists and experts in the field.

• 2

  Speak with your family pediatrician or general practitioner about the complex nature of your child's specific problems. Discuss options, treatments and counseling, and ask for referrals.

• 3

  Collect your child's medical history from your pediatrician. This may include her full chart, any documentation of procedures performed, and lists of prescriptions and allergies. You'll need all of this information prior to consulting with neurologists.

• 4

  Perform a wide search for pediatric neurologists on one of the online search engines. Three such sites are: Wellness.com, Heathgrades.com, and Healthline.com. All three of these search engines will list accredited pediatric neurologists in your area.

• 5

  Speak with members of your social circle--especially friends with children who have seen a pediatric neurologist. Ask for referrals and try to get recommendations from friends and family. Most importantly, ask about particular doctors whom you've targeted as potential candidates.

• 6

  Narrow the field of neurologists to between three and five. Set up initial consultations with each doctor. Prior to setting up appointments, make sure to review the conditions and ailments that will be covered under that doctor.

• 7

  Choose a neurologist with whom you and your child feel most comfortable. Ultimately, your child's well-being is in this doctor's hands--you want to be sure of your decision.