Obstetrics/Maternity:

 Selecting a Pediatrician

Finding a good pediatrician is an important first step in ensuring a child's well-being and helping to reduce some of the stress involved in being a new mom. Having a pediatrician with whom both parents feel comfortable and confident about is crucial to getting the best results for any child's healthcare needs. Although selecting the right pediatrician is a very personal decision for parents, the following are simple guidelines to help select a physician and make the best use of his or her medical services.

When visiting the pediatrician's office for the first time, take careful note of the following considerations as part of the initial evaluation:

• Is the office staff pleasant and well organized?
• How do the physician and staff relate to the parents and the child? Does the child seem comfortable?
• Is there good communication with the physician?
• Is there an opportunity to ask questions?
• Are questions and opinions considered carefully?
  

When interviewing a new pediatrician, some of the key questions to ask include the following:

• “How many years have you been practicing?”
• “Are you in a solo or group practice? If part of a group practice, who are the other physicians and what are their specialties?”
• “Who covers for you when you're unavailable?”
• “Are you or a back-up physician available 24 hours a day, seven days a week? How do you handle emergencies?”
• “Can I make a same-day appointment if my child suddenly becomes ill?”
• “At what hospital do you have admitting privileges? If more than one, can I select the hospital that I prefer?”
• “What is your philosophy about issues that are important to me?” (i.e., breastfeeding, toilet training, discipline, etc.)

Once a pediatrician has been selected, there are several things to do in order to make the best use of the doctor's services and ensure that the child is receiving the proper treatment. Write down questions and bring the list to office visits in order to discuss important items. Parents should always keep up-to-date health records of their child, including immunizations and drug allergies, as well as any special treatments. If a child is ill, be ready with important information such as child's exact age, when symptoms began and note any temperature or behavior changes, etc. Have the local pharmacy phone number available in case the pediatrician has to call in a prescription. Make sure to understand the pediatrician's advice and repeat the instructions back to him or her to eliminate any confusion. Don't be afraid to ask questions or voice any concerns about treatment regimens.

For a referral to a Saint John’s pediatrician, click here to be taken to “Find a Physician.”