How to Choose a Pediatrician for Your Child

It can be intimidating to choose a doctor for your children. It is essential that you find a competent and credentialed pediatrician, and it is also important that they are personable and willing to listen to your and your child's concerns. Picking a name out of a directory can often seem like a gamble. Here are some tips for making a good outcome a sure thing.

Ask Around

The first avenue to try is fairly obvious. Ask friends and family in the area if they have a pediatrician they would recommend. If you are able to get some names, that's great! You are ready for the next steps in your research. However, you might be new to the area and not have any connections yet. Perhaps you are the first of your friends to become a parent. If you aren't able to get recommendations from your personal connections, or after researching you find the names you found won't work after all, don't worry! There are other sources you can try. One idea is to ask your obstetrician if you have one in the area, or ask other medical professionals you may know, such as a labor and delivery nurse. You may not always get a name, but it is worth a try. Another great idea is to search the internet for a local moms' group. Often local mothering groups have online forums to exchange advice and arrange playdates. You might even meet some new friends for you and your children by joining one of these groups.

Do Your Research

Once you have some names to consider, there is still a bit of work left to be done. First, you will want to ensure that your chosen provider accepts your insurance plan if you have one. Many insurance plans have an online directory of providers you can check, or often you will be given a paper booklet that includes a directory. If you find a pediatrician that accepts your plan, you will want to call and ask if they are accepting new patients. During this call, it would be also be a good idea to double-check that your insurance is accepted, and schedule an appointment to meet the doctor. Most pediatricians offer this consultation for free, but you will also want to double-check this with the receptionist or scheduler before you set a time.

Another thing you will want to check is the doctor's credentials. I talked with Dr. Alissa Packer, a pediatrician in West Jordan, Utah, and this is what she told me about certification:

"You want to make sure your pediatrician is 'Board Certified'. This means that they have completed four years of medical school and three years of Pediatric residency, and then passed the the exam put out by the American Board of Pediatrics. You are a doctor after four years of medical school, but not Board Certified until completing residency and passing the exam."

She told me that although it is uncommon, there are a few local doctors who are practicing without completing their residency and board exams. Often, you can find a doctor's credentials just by entering their name and location in a search engine or by checking your insurer's website, but if you are unable to find this information, you can register to use a free service offered directly from the American Board of Medical Specialties at www.abms.org You will want to make sure that the doctor you are considering has their certificate in Pediatrics, rather than another field, so you know they have special training in children's medicine.

Personal Fit

Once you have found a pediatrician that is Board Certified in pediatrics and works with your insurance, you will want to make sure they are a good fit for you. As mentioned previously, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician you are considering. This is essentially an interview that you will conduct to see if the doctor is a good fit. You can ask them about their experience and personal style. Dr. Packer told me this about experience:

"In general, younger pediatricians tend to be less busy and hence easier to get into. They may also have more enthusiasm and can spend more time with you. They are often more up-to-date on current research and practices as well. The downside is that the young pediatrician doesn't have as much experience and, possibly, knowledge. With an established pediatrician you get years of experience and a vast knowledge base. The disadvantage is that they can be busier with fewer available appointments."

During the consultation, you can also find out if their personality meshes well with yours. If you have a laid-back personality, you probably will want a doctor who doesn't grill you on parenting practices, but calmly offers advice. If you like to be in control, you will probably prefer a pediatrician who orders diagnostic tests, rather than adopting a wait-and-see approach. Dr. Packer said:

"One style is not superior to the other. What's most important is to find someone who fits your personality. If it's not working out it is okay to change doctors--you are not married to your pediatrician! Finding a doctor who works best with you and your child is paramount."

A face-to-face meeting can also be a good time to address special concerns you may have. You will want to make sure the pediatrician's schedule will work with your own. If you or your child have special needs, you will want to make sure they will be accommodated. A hearing-impaired friend of mine once told me that she visited a pediatrician who she liked very much, but was unable to continue seeing him because he was too soft-spoken. Dr. Packer mentioned that some pediatricians have completed a fellowship in a specialty such as behavior and development, so if your child has extra needs in a particular area, taking extra time to find a doctor who specializes in it will be well worth your time.

Additional Services

Many pediatric offices offer additional services for the convenience of their clients. Some offer extended hours or have a nurse available to answer questions by phone after-hours. Others partner with other pediatricians so that there is always an on-call doctor, saving you the expense of visiting an emergency room and ensuring your child visits a children's specialist aware of their past medical history. Some offices have their own equipment to run diagnostic tests in-house so that you don't have to take a trip to the nearest laboratory. To help you compare potential pediatricians, ask whether they provide these or other services.

While making your final decisions, remember that the health and safety of your child is your main concern. Don't be afraid to look for another doctor if the one you choose first turns out to not be a good fit, especially if your concerns aren't being addressed. Having a great relationship with your child's pediatrician will be a great benefit in the years to come. Good luck!

Dr. Alissa Packer practices pediatrics at Southpoint Pediatrics in West Jordan, Utah. Her office can be reached at 801-565-1162 and has a blog at southpointpediatrics.blogspot.com