Items to look for when you interview a potential pediatrician:

Find out if the practice have more than one office. it may be more convenient for some people if their pediatrician has more than one office or belongs to a network. Find out where the pediatrician spends most of their time and how the time is divided.

Always visit the office and do an interview with the doctors before making a decision. Look around the office. Is it clean? Is there a separate waiting area for "sick" and "well" kids? Some pediatric practices have only one waiting area. This causes "sick" kids to be in mixed the same waiting area as "well" kids waiting for their regular monthly checkups, vaccinations etc… Young kids are always putting toys in their mouths, and having sick patients play with a toy that "well" patient plays with is a very easy way for germs to spread.

While at the office, talk to the staff. Are they friendly and accommodating? As a parent you will be dealing the pediatricians staff on a regular basis the first couple of years of your child’s life. It is important that the staff listen to your concerns and questions. Look for a practice that will accommodate your schedule when making appointments to see the doctor.

Ask the pediatrician what they do to stay current with the latest trends in disease prevention, treatment, nutrition, behavioral problems, and child development concepts. What type of continuing education do they use.

Determine if you want a male or female doctor. As kids get older, they tend to prefer doctors who are of their same sex.

Do you want an old doctor or a young doctor? Older doctors of course have experience, but may be retired before your child grows older. Also, some older doctors may be "set in their ways", and don't embrace new trends or technology. On the other hand, younger doctors might be more adapting to the rapid advances in medicine and behavioral studies. Younger doctors may also lack years of seasoned experience.

Once You Have Been Visiting A Pediatrician: Things to look out for:

You may wish to seek an alternative pediatrician if...

• Does the pediatrician over treat your child for simple ailments, running a battery of tests that rack up your bills?

• Does the pediatrician get upset when you seek a second opinion?

• Does the pediatrician make you feel uncomfortable or stupid when you ask for additional details?

• Does the staff make you feel uncomfortable when you call with concerns or emergencies?

• Do you or your child feel uncomfortable with the pediatrician's bedside manner?

• Does the pediatrician seem unwilling to listen to your concerns?