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Things to Ask a Pediatrician

Finding the proper pediatrician with the right credentials and experience is vital for the health of your children. If you will soon be a parent, the BabyCenter website recommends finding a pediatrician whom you trust and who meets your needs approximately four months before your baby comes. Even if you have referrals from people, it is important that you ask your own probing questions of each potential pediatrician as to what is important to you may differ from that of others.

  1. History

    • Questions about the pediatrician's background, history and experience are vitally important. Your future pediatrician needs to have the needed background education and experience necessary to understand your particular situation. Ask detailed questions that relate to your needs. Pediatricians have different areas of expertise. For example, if your family has a genetic predisposition toward a certain condition, the pediatrician you choose has to be knowledgeable in that condition so that she will be able to foresee and prevent or treat any conditions that may occur.

    View of Child Rearing

    • You and your pediatrician should agree on the best method of child rearing. Your pediatrician will not be able to give you the best care if your views differ on how to rear children. Different methods of child rearing require specific practices by the pediatrician. If you believe that bottle feeding should only be done when absolutely necessary but your pediatrician does not agree, then your pediatrician may not fully comprehend the development of your child. You will be constantly fighting to asset for your own beliefs. Ask your pediatrician questions about child rearing so that you find a pediatrician who will work with you and not against you.

    Office Facilities

    • In addition to asking the pediatrician questions, you also need to ask yourself some questions about the office and the staff. You will be visiting the doctor several times a year with your child. You need to feel comfortable when you visit. Some offices only have one waiting room for both sick and healthy babies while others have separate entrances and waiting rooms. Look around and ask yourself if the office meets your needs and you feel comfortable there.

    Insurance and Ways to Pay

    • A good pediatrician that does not accept your insurance is not helpful to you. Ask your pediatrician or the office staff about the types of insurance that is accepted and various methods of payment. Consider your financial needs and how you normally pay off big bills. Will this particular pediatrician work with you in that respect? Find out whether payment is required before or after service is rendered. Some offices are willing to send you a monthly invoice while others require payment upfront. Ask questions to determine if their accounting style fits the way you handle your finances.

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