Finding a pediatrician for your child is an important decision. You want a doctor who is experienced, compassionate, and who clicks with your family.
Start by asking friends for recommendations and scheduling virtual or in-person meetings with potential doctors to evaluate their bedside manner, professionalism, availability, and more. Then, verify that they accept your insurance and schedule an appointment.
Look for a Doctor You Feel Comfortable With
When choosing a pediatrician, finding one you feel comfortable with is essential. This is because your child’s doctor will be with them for years to come, and you want to ensure that you are happy with their bedside manner and philosophy on parenting. If you have any concerns, it is a good idea to ask the doctor about them, but be sure to do so calmly and respectfully.
You should also consider the location of the doctor’s office. Having a pediatrician nearby can help you avoid long commutes for routine appointments. It is also a good idea to ask your OB-GYN or family doctor for recommendations and don’t forget to check out online reviews of each doctor. Do they have convenient hours for scheduling appointments?
Ask for a Reference
Choosing the right pediatrician, such as IPHC, is essential for your child. Getting a recommendation from someone you trust is a great place to start. Ask your OB/GYN or family physician about pediatricians they trust and recommend.
It’s also good to talk to other parents in your area to see what pediatricians they use and love. They can give you valuable insight into doctors’ demeanor, office staff, and conveniences such as telehealth visits.
Before making a final decision:
- Ensure your potential pediatrician is board certified.
- Check the American Academy of Pediatrics to find out.
- Look at where the doctor has hospital privileges.
These can be especially important if your child has a rare or complex medical condition. They’ll need to be able to get in quickly with specialists.
Look for a Doctor Who Fits Your Family’s Needs
Once you have a list of potential pediatricians, schedule face-to-face meetings, this allows you to see how the doctor interacts with families, how they answer questions, and what kind of rapport you have.
It’s also good to ask friends, family, and your OB-GYN for recommendations. Ask them about their experiences with their pediatricians and the office. You can also ask whether the doctors are affiliated with hospitals near your home, as some will come to your baby’s hospital for their first checkup, and whether they follow the Pediatrics guidelines.
Look for a Doctor Who Accepts Your Insurance
Choosing one who accepts your insurance is essential when looking for a paediatrician. This way, you can avoid paying out-of-pocket for medical care if your child becomes sick.
Also, check their hospital network to see if it aligns with your preferred hospitals. Finally, look for a board-certified doctor with experience in your child’s medical condition.
Once you have narrowed your list of potential doctors, scheduling face-to-face meetings with them is a good idea. This will allow you to see how they interact with children and their parents and get a feel for their office environment. It is also a great time to discuss your expectations and concerns.
Look for a Doctor Who is Committed to Your Child’s Health
When you find a paediatrician, ask them why they got into the field and what keeps them in it. If they seem passionate about their job and have a genuine interest in caring for kids, they could be the perfect match for you.
In addition to being a caring and respectful doctor, you want one committed to your child’s health. They should be up to date on all the latest vaccines and treatments. Also, ensure they are a member of the Pediatrics.
Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential paediatricians, scheduling meetings with a few is essential. This allows you to experience their bedside manner and communication style firsthand. It would help if you also determined whether they are affiliated with the hospital where you’ll be delivering.
