Choosing the Best Pediatrician

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How to Guide

Choosing the Best Pediatrician for Your Child

A medical professional could have a huge impact on how your child views health-related matters for the rest of their life.

Many children are scared of going to the doctor, so it’s important to find someone your child will like and who will make your child feel comfortable. That’s why choosing a good pediatrician for your child is very important.

A friendly physician will help your child develop a positive attitude toward health and wellness. Keep these factors in mind to help make your search more efficient and successful.

Recommendations

Ask family, friends and acquaintances for recommendations. Parents will be happy to share about their experiences at the pediatrician’s office.

You can also check with your family doctor or OB/GYN who delivered your baby. They will have informed recommendations to help you select the best doctor.

Don’t just collect one or two names. Ideally, you should have a list of at least three professionals. It will help you compare and make the right selection.

Insurance

Next, look at your insurance policy. Find out if any of the people on the list are part of your network plan. Remember that children visit the doctor more frequently than adults because they catch a lot of viruses while building up their immune systems. Doctors not covered by your insurance should be crossed off your list. You might also reconsider your insurance policy.

Narrowing the List

It is time to arrange a meeting with each physician so you can find out who will work best with your child.

Look at their office locations. They should be in a convenient location, not far from your home. You will probably visit this doctor quite often, so convenience is a big factor.

When you meet with the doctor, focus on their philosophy. Some physicians prefer to run lots of tests. Others have a more relaxed and homespun approach.

Parents who follow a wellness philosophy might have to look harder to find a doctor who is open-minded about alternative medicine. If you are interested in alternative vaccine schedules, be sure to find out if your doctor is receptive to this idea.

The Visit

Bring your child along for this meeting. It will help you gauge their interaction. The doctor should make your child feel at ease and should be patient, tolerant and friendly.

You must feel comfortable with this medical professional as well. The doctor should take the time to answer your questions thoughtfully.

Inquire about their emergency policy. Does the office accept walk-ins? If your child gets sick in the middle of the night, can you call the pediatrician or nurse? Find out about office hours and when you need to visit the hospital instead.

Is the office decorated with children in mind? Is it a safe, inviting atmosphere? Does the practice use modern equipment? Are exam rooms clean?

Many pediatricians now offer separate waiting rooms for children who are not sick. These “well child” waiting areas help stop the spread of viruses. If your child is there for a checkup, it is a bad idea to have them sit next to another child who has the flu.

With this strategy, you should have an easier time selecting a pediatrician. Choosing well now will save you time and trouble in the future.