Choosing a Pediatrician

There comes a time during every woman's pregnancy when she is asked, "Have you selected a pediatrician?" Choosing a pediatrician is serious work; it is more than just thumbing through the yellow pages, or your insurance company's provider directory. Just think, this is the person, or persons, you are choosing to care for your child. The pediatrician you choose will soothe your child when they are sick and calm you down when you place that emergency call in the middle of the night.

Several parenting books recommend that you try to identify a pediatrician before your child is born so that once your baby arrives, they can participate in the first exam. Many hospitals work in conjunction with your chosen pediatrician to develop a plan of care that is appropriate for your child. If you do not have a pediatrician chosen before your baby is born, the hospital will either make recommendations or assist you in identifying a pediatrician.

Selecting the right pediatrician for your child requires a great deal of thought and advanced preparation. Like all physicians, pediatricians have different approaches to delivering care and not all approaches may fit with you and your family's needs.

There are many ways to go about choosing a pediatrician. The first, and often best, way is to ask your family and friends for recommendations. Another option is to ask your obstetrician. Your obstetrician will have the ability to discuss their professional interactions with the different pediatricians and pediatric groups and should be able to address their competencies and reputations as a physician.

Additionally, today's pediatricians are open to meeting with parents and participating in interviews before the child is born. It is important to talk with the pediatrician and ensure that you agree with the pediatrician's policies and child rearing philosophies.

If you are interested in conducting an interview, it is best to contact the pediatrician several months before your due date. If you are able to secure a meeting you should to arrive at the meeting prepared with a series of questions. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that you ask the following questions:

Is the pediatrician accepting new patients?
Do they accept your insurance or managed-care plan?
What are the office hours?
What is the best time to call with routine questions?
How does the office handle billing and insurance claims?
Is payment due at the time of the visit? What are the costs of care?
How soon after birth will the pediatrician see your baby?
When will your baby's next exams take place?
When is the doctor available by phone? Are they available by email?
What hospital does the doctor prefer to use?
What happens if there is an emergency?
Who "covers" the practice when the pediatrician is not available?
How often will the pediatrician see your baby for checkups and immunizations?
What is your background and credentials?

Another option to help you select a pediatrician is to attend a new and expecting parents' seminar. These seminars are often held at your local hospital, baby store or even at a pediatrician's office. In Sewell, NJ, the Laurel Pediatrics group holds a new parent seminar once a month, in a group setting, at their practice's office on Fishpond Road. During the new parent seminar, the practice distributes informational packets, discusses office procedures, presents a brief PowerPoint presentation on common infant illnesses, newborn rashes and birthmarks and basic infant care. The presentation is followed by an open question and answer session; however, participants also have the opportunity to ask private, individual questions.

The new parent seminar is a great alternative to the one-on-one interview and is becoming a more common practice. If you are not sure if new parent seminars are held in your town, try calling a few pediatricians' offices or skimming the local hospital's newsletter or calendar.

Choosing the right pediatrician for you and your child is an important decision. Your pediatrician could care for your child from birth to their high school graduation. Be selective and don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions.