Questions to Ask When Choosing a Pediatrician

Choosing a pediatrician can be a challenge. Finding a doctor who accepts your insurance, is within reasonable driving distance and meets your needs both in bedside manner and philosophy of care isn’t always easy. In addition you will want to consider factors such as a care provider’s scheduling policies, availability on weekends and ability to handle special situations and conditions if your child has a chronic condition. By asking a few basic questions and taking time to do some research you can find a provider who fits the bill for your family.

Instructions

• 1

  Decide what type of care provider you want for your child: a pediatrician, a family doctor (this is a convenient option if you or your spouse are also in search of a doctor, as family practitioners will often allow you to schedule consecutive appointments), an M.D. or a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy--these practitioners are equivalent in education to M.D.s but follow a more holistic philosophy of care, treating the whole person and not just the symptoms).

• 2

  Call the office you are interested in, explain that you are looking for a new pediatrician and ask to speak to someone who can answer a few questions for you. If you prefer to speak directly to the doctor, ask whether he can call or meet with you at a time convenient for him.

• 3

  Prioritize the things that are most important to you in a pediatrician. Maybe night and weekend hours are a requirement because of your job, or perhaps you prefer a practice that has privileges at a certain hospital. You may have to compromise on some of your preferences so list them in order of importance to your family.

• 4

  Inquire as to whether there is an in-house lab for easy testing, how far out the office schedules visits and whether they can handle same-day appointments for urgent issues. Other important information includes how much time is allotted for each visit, as well as how phone calls are handled and who covers for your doctor if she is not in the office.

• 5

  Verify that your preferred provider accepts your medical insurance, that they bill insurance directly, and find out what type of payment they accept for copays or other costs. If you would prefer to pay by check, credit card or cash, make sure they take that form payment.

• 6

  Discuss your philosophies in detail with any potential pediatrician. If you practice natural parenting such as co-sleeping, breastfeeding or delayed or non-vaccination you will want to be sure that your pediatrician will support you in these choices. Some doctors are uninformed or not supportive of such parenting options so it’s best find out before committing to a doctor.