Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Pediatrician for Your Child

Ask your friends and family members about their pediatricians if they have children. Ask why they like them and what they don’t like about them.

For example, you may find out that a particular doctor rushes appointments or does not share your view on certain medical issues such as breastfeeding and circumcision.

Recommendations

Your OB-GYN or family doctor may have recommendations for pediatricians they trust. They can also offer insight into the practice, including staffing and availability.

Look for a pediatrician like Integrative Pediatric Health Care with office hours that fit your schedule. Many practices have morning, afternoon, and evening appointments available. You can also determine whether the doctor takes calls outside of normal office hours and how quickly they respond to patient messages.

Schedule a meet-and-greet visit ahead of your baby’s birth. This will allow you to talk with several doctors and assess their personalities. Ask questions about their approach to health and parenting and whether they share your beliefs on topics such as circumcision or breastfeeding. These are the types of issues that you will want to discuss openly with your doctor for years to come.

Credentials

Whether you’re choosing your pediatrician during pregnancy or if your child already has an established relationship, it’s important to take some time to evaluate them. You can start by asking for recommendations from family and friends who have children and ask if the doctor did their baby’s first checkup at the hospital or has privileges there. Also, remember that while all doctors complete medical school and residencies and obtain state licensing, some choose to become “board certified” by taking extra steps in their training.

It’s a good idea to set up virtual or phone interviews with potential pediatricians so you can get a feel for how their office operates, including wait times and the quality of the staff. You should also find out if the pediatrician is in-network with your insurance.

Personality

A great pediatrician has a lot of patience. They know young children are antsy, scared, and sometimes crazy. They also know that parents are often nervous and concerned.

Pediatricians also have to be able to explain things in an easily understandable way. They must be able to communicate complex issues involving the child’s emotional and physical health in a way that the parent will understand.

Convenience

The months before your baby’s birth are the ideal time to start looking for a pediatrician. This allows you to find doctors who accept your insurance and have reasonable price points before making a final decision.

Ask your obstetrician for recommendations, or contact your local/county medical society or hospital department of pediatrics for names. Also, visit your insurance website to see which pediatricians participate in your plan so you can minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

Once you have a shortlist of potential providers, call them and ask about their practice policies. For example, do they offer evening or weekend hours? And how do they handle sick visits if your child isn’t feeling well? This will give you a sense of their office culture and how it will match your family’s needs.

Insurance Coverage

Depending on your health insurance provider, you may be required to select an in-network pediatrician. If so, check your provider’s website for a covered pediatrician list. You can also verify coverage with your health insurance member services department.

Great pediatricians prioritize your child’s well-being and genuinely care about their patients. They are willing to put themselves in your shoes and treat you respectfully.

Interviewing potential pediatricians before your child’s birth is a good idea. Most pediatricians will have one-on-one appointments with expectant parents to discuss their practice, newborn care, and other pertinent topics. Some will even offer group classes for expectant parents as an opportunity to meet the doctor and tour the office. However you choose to interview your future pediatrician, make sure you write down your questions and concerns before your appointment.