Choosing a Pediatrician

When parents are expecting a baby, especially when it is the first one, they typically spend a lot of time and effort looking for the right pediatrician. While finding a good fit between doctor and patient (or patient's parent) is important, my advice is to discount some of the popular advice about choosing a pediatrician.

Rule number one is to ask family and friends for a recommendation. This is a good way to choose a doctor, but be sure to ask the person who is recommending exactly why they like this particular pediatrician or practice. They might like it because office visits are short and to the point; while you might prefer a slower, more chatty approach. Your friend might like her practice because of the formula samples they give her; but you are planning to breastfeed, so that isn't your concern. Choose a doctor that you feel is a good fit for you and your family.

Rule number two is to interview potential doctors on the phone and in their office. I don't know what your experience is, but I have found that it is difficult to get a doctor to call you back just for an interview. Most of them are not actively recruiting new patients, at least not the good pediatricians. A better place to start is with the office and nursing staff. A large portion of your future interactions are going to be with front and back office staff, so pay attention to how courteous they are on the phone and in person; how readily they answer your questions; how often does the nurse make call backs and so on. As far as visiting the doctor in person beforehand, that's a judgment call. If you want to do so, make an appointment, bring a list of questions, and be prepared to pay for an office visit.

Rule number three is to ask the potential doctor what his or her philosophy is about breastfeeding, attachment parenting, cosleeping, discipline measures, and so on. I would definitely dispense with those questions. To me, a doctor is a medical professional and therefore qualified to dispense medical advice. Parenting questions such as sleeping advice, how long to breastfeed, and how often you should hold a newborn are good questions to ask other mothers, even in online groups. You should see if your doctor's policies about the use of antibiotics, alternative remedies, and timing of vaccinations are something you can agree on.

More useful questions to ask are also:

Do you offer same day sick appointments?

Do you have weekend hours?

Is there a doctor on call after hours?

Do you have a satellite office?

Is there someone to give me advice over the phone?

Will you phone in prescription refills?

Do you charge extra for call backs and prescription refills?

And very importantly, are you on my insurance?

Hopefully, you only see your child's pediatrician once or twice a year after the first year. But even a healthy child is sometimes going to get sick and need medical advice. Make sure that you are comfortable enough to listen to your pediatrician, and never hesitate to ask for a second opinion if you feel it is warranted.