How to Interview a Pediatrician

It is crucial to find a doctor you can trust with the lives of your dearest loved ones. This decision should not be taken lightly and may require time and patience. Here's how to interview a pediatrician to determine whether he will provide your children with the care they deserve.

Instructions

• 1

  Start your search with a list of your insurance company's preferred pediatric providers. If you don't have a benefits book with this information, check your health insurer's website or call them for information.

• 2

  Call each doctor's office in your plan and make sure the pediatricians are accepting new patients. Make appointments with at least three providers for initial consultations. Insurance may not cover these visits, but the cost will be well worth it in the end.

• 3

  Take your children with you to the consultation. Observe how the pediatrician and her office staff interact with your kids. Ask your children what they think of each doctor and who they like best.

• 4

  Be prepared to ask questions. Interviewing the pediatrician allows you to gather information about his philosophy, level of experience and availability to patients. Write down questions in advance and jot down notes when listening to the doctor's answers.

• 5

  Ask the doctor how she deals with parents who disagree with her. For example, if you prefer not to vaccinate your children, how will she handle this issue? It is important that your pediatrician respect your parenting philosophy and that you respect her medical expertise.

• 6

  Determine how conservative the pediatrician is in the interview. Ask the doctor how often he sends patients to the emergency room, how frequently he prescribes antibiotics over recommending natural remedies and how he manages his patients' pain.

• 7

  Discuss the pediatrician interviews with your spouse and decide which doctor best fits your families' needs. Schedule a checkup appointment for your children and rest easy; you've done the work necessary to find a good doctor for your kids.