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13-8-2009 - Questions for choosing a Pediatrician

My mood while writing this blog: Helpful

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Some of you asked how to choose a pediatrician. I dug out my list we took while interviewing new peds. and I thought I would pass it along. I got it out of the book "Your Pregnancy-Week by Week". Feel free to cut and paste it into a document to take with you when meeting possible peds. (I suggest you do it in person, but you don't have to). Also check and see if any of your canidates have "open house" nights. Ours did once a month for prospective parents so they could answer these questions and give tours of the office.

1. What are your qualifications and training?
2. Are you board certified? If not, will you be soon?
3. What hospital(s) are you affiliated with?
4. Do you have privileges at the hospital where I will deliver?
5. Will you do a newborn exam?
6. If I have a boy, will you perform the circumcision (if we want one done)? Note: a lot of OBs do this.
7. What is you availability for regular office visits and emergencies?
8. How long is your typical office visit?
9. Are your office hours compatible with our work schedules?
10. Can an acutely ill child be seen the same day?
11. How can we reach you in case of emergency or after office hours?
12. Who responds if you are not available?
13. Do you return phone calls the same day?
14. What sort of advice do you give parents who both work outside the home?
15. Are you interested in preventive, developmental and behavioral issues?
16. Do you provide written instructions for well-baby and sick-baby care?
17. Do you support women in their efforts to breastfeed? *important to find a doc that agrees with your choice, or else there will be conflict, either for or against*
18.What are your fees?
19. Do your fees comply with our insurance?
20. What is the nearest (to our home) emergency room or urgent care center you will send us to?

After the visit/interview (These are ALL important things to consider):
1. Are the doctor's philosphies and attitudes acceptable to us, such as use of antibiotics and other medication, child rearing practices or related religious beliefs?
2. Did the doctor listen to us?
3. Did he or she seem genuinely interested in our concerns?
4. Is this a person we feel comfortable with?
5. Is the office comfortable, clean, and bright? (additional points for sick and well waiting rooms!)
6. Did the staff seem cordial, open, and easy to talk to?

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2 Comments on Questions for choosing a Pediatrician


kickboxerbaby - Thursday, 13 Aug
Wow, I don't think I asked any of those questions when I found a pediatrician last year. I do know he works at the hospital I am delivering and he will be the doctor to preform his circumsision.

Shellie77 - Thursday, 13 Aug
omigosh! I was JUST trying to look this info up yesterday and didnt find much. THANK YOU.