The When and How's of Finding a Pediatrician
By Jennifer Sprague

So many things to think about in the last few months until the birth of your little bundle, everything from the decisions to nurse or co-sleep all the way to how to set up the nursery and what cloths to buy…and now, I am suggesting that you also consider choosing a pediatrician as well? It can be overwhelming! And you thought you were just having one “little” baby! Though if you take it slow (you got plenty of time), it will be VERY worth it!

So as the count down begins for the birth your new bundle, let me help you think about, what in turn, you might want to think about or consider, when contacting and deciding on a pediatrician. Because having a ped. on hand, for the birth as well as though the first few weeks at home with a new baby is in the best interests for you and your baby! Lets face it, when you’re a mom the only person you see more often that your pediatrician is your husband (not really but close), and you have to make sure you can work together!

Starting the search:

When you are beginning to think about selecting a pediatrician you might wonder where can you go to find one. If you’ve never been a mom before, how would you know where to look?

One excellent place to start is with the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). A pediatrician who is certified by them will have graduated from four years in medical school, received three years of resident training, as well as passed their written exam. You can also search their database on line. http://www.abp.org/

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is also a great resource. http://www.aap.org/ They also have an on line database.

You can also ask your OB, they tend to work with lots of different kinds of pediatricians and since she (or he) will know you well, she (or he) might be able to lead you to a great place to start.

Another great resource you might not think about is, other mom’s in your area. Weather they be friends, neighbors, co-workers or family, it’s nice to hear a “personal story” behind why they love their child’s doctor so much.

You will need to remember that most health plans require you to choose a pediatrician from their approved network. To find out if a pediatrician is in there “network” usually you can go to that health plans website and do a search or call them.

Things to think about

Most likely you will want to find a doctor that will fit or meld with your own goals and expectations; though it’s ok if you don’t know yet what those might be; improvise. It is, however, a good idea to first meet several doctors you are considering. In doing this you can assess their qualifications, personality, approach and experience instead of just picking a name. (Even if that name comes from a very trusted friend.)

A few considerations as well as questions you might consider thinking about:

What qualifications do they have? Do the ABP certify them or are they a member of the AAP?

If you know of any health concerns in your family or with your pregnancy, you may want to ask about qualifications in pediatric subspecialty areas? (Even if you don’t it might be a good idea to pose a “what if” question to them. Such as “What if my 2 week old daughter wakes up at 2 AM with a fever under 100, what would you tell me to do? What if it’s over 100?) This will just give you an idea of how the practice works. It will also give you an idea of how they handle problems.

Another great thing to know is how can they be contacted after hours or during an emergency? Are they available by phone? Who covers for them when they are not available? Must you call into a service, or page them, what is the number? (Also, a good question to ask would be, “Do you encourage phone calls, or do you discourage them at night especially?” Phone calls at night are inevitable, and calling only to get a tired nurse or doctor on the phone to scold you is NOT something you want!)

What about if you have minor questions what is the best time and method to reach them? (Do they have a website, e-mail, or a nurse hot-line? If so what is that information?)

Does the pediatrician talk with and care about the children, and not just the parents (i.e. does she play and/or engage the child, and not just talk over them)?

Does the pediatrician seem to know about current issues and advances in pediatric medicine? Is the equipment in the office nice looking or does it look older? (While you don’t need new equipment you will want the equipment there to be clean and in good working order.)

Does the pediatrician seem to have “chemistry” with the children (you see in the practice) as well as the parents?

How is the staff? Do the nurses seem friendly and nice? (You will be working with the nurses, asking them questions and seeing them almost as much, and sometimes more than you will the doctors.)

In addition, you’ll probably need to find out about availability and cost of services. Such as:

Office and Location – What are the office hours? What hospital is he or she affiliated with (is there more than one)? Is the location conveniently close to your residence and work place?

Costs and insurance coverage – Do they work with your insurance plan? What services are covered and which ones are not? What are the co-pays and other billing practices?

What are the routine child-care check-ups? The AAP recommends checkups at one, two, four, six, nine, twelve, fifteen, and twenty-four months.

The last things to consider would be, depending on what you have decided your parenting methods will be before hand (or even if you have not decided), you might want to consider asking about the doctors feelings on several “controversial” subjects such as; circumcision, delaying or not doing vaccinations, possibly getting there feelings on breastfeeding (and extended breastfeeding) and co-sleeping are good things to know as well.

In closing, finding the right pediatrician for you and your family can be a daunting challenge. Going at it prepared with a list of questions (no matter how silly you think they are, there is no stupid questions except the ones not asked), your concerns and your expectations is a great way to start. That, along with your feeling about the doctor and staff will give you a good idea of if you want to work with this doctor. (Trust yourself, usually your first reaction is the RIGHT reaction!) And take heed there are lots of doctors out there; so if this one is not the right one, move on to the next!

*Authors note; don’t be like me, and wait until after the baby comes to start the search for a ped. Chances are you might then get stuck with someone you don’t like and who does not respect you or your parenting choices! Though, if you do get stuck with someone the insurance company “gives you” it is OK, again don’t be like me and think you really are just “stuck with them” you CAN change, just call up your insurance company and ask to switch, it really is that simple!

Jennifer Sprague, co-owner of "Attachment Parenting Products with High Top Baby Designs" High Top Baby Designs. She has several years of teaching experience, working with infants through adults. As a nanny, daycare provider, teacher, and is currently studying to become a Doula and a Lactation Consultant. She enjoys spending time with her two wonderful children, Aubrey and Zachary. "Contact Jenn of High Top Baby Designs" Jennifer is also an advocate for peaceful parenting everywhere she goes. © 2005 High Top Baby Designs. All rights reserved.

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