Are you looking for a pediatrician?
We know you will make sure that the pediatricians you are considering take your insurance, are board licensed and up to date on the latest American Association of Pediatricians’ recommendations. However here are FIVE questions that help you move beyond the basics and help you make the perfect match for your child and his doctor.
1) Location, location, location. Of course you want a great pediatrician and when you are pregnant, thinking about location may not seem like a big deal. I mean, what’s a 20 minute car ride right? However, after you have a baby that 20 minutes will feel longer especially if your baby does not like car rides. While you should find the pediatrician that best fits your needs, don’t discount the convenience factor. When your child is sick or upset, an extra few miles can seem like an eternity.
2) The ear infection challenge. A great question to ask a potential peditrician is to ask how they typically treat an ear infection. The answer here does not matter, it only matters that his answer matches how you prefer your child treated. An answer that he routinely gives antibiotics means this doctor is more conservative and more likely to use meds more quickly. An answer that says he takes a wait an see approach means he probably is generally more of the mindset of expectant care. If he gives you a talk on antibiotic resistance then he may be very slow to prescribe medications in general. If you have a bent toward one of these styles you can often narrow down the list with this one simple question.
3) Who do refer to for breastfeeding issues? Once again, the answer to this question tells you a lot without there being one right answer. If the peditrician tells you they will give you formula samples then this is a good tip off that if you are planning to breastfeed this may not be the most supportive practice. However, if you plan to formula feed…well free formula is awesome! There can be many other answers. Some offices may have a Certified Lactation Consultant on staff or they may refer to a local IBCLC. Either way, the answer should give you a glimpse into the peditrician’s views
4) On the other hand, kids stick around for 18 years, so how does the pediatrician feel about teenagers? It’s important to remember you’re choosing a doctor for the next 18 years, not just the newborn phase. Therefore, breastfeeding advice matters but when your child is wetting the bed at 7 or has acne at 13 you will want a pediatrician that can help with that too. A great question to ask is what stage of childhood is their favorite. Once again, no right answers but it will give you more insight into a doctor’s personality than asking what insurance they take.
5) Do you like the office staff? Like it or not, you are likely to spend as much time with the front desk staff as you are the pediatrician. Of course staff can come and go but usually offices have a culture that can be seen just by hanging out in the waiting room for a while. How do they talk to the families that come in? How do they talk on the phone? Do they talk to the kids that come in as they check in? A busy office may mean that you are not on a first name basis with the staff but that you can always get a same day appointment and that may be your priority. However many people prefer a personal relationship with those taking care of their children. Sitting in the waiting room may help you see which you can expect.
Now go out and find the best pediatrician for your baby! If you need any suggestions, contact us at Great Expectations. We would be more than happy to pass along the names of some pediatricians that our clients have loved.