Interviewing Pediatricians

So I was just wondering how many people actually do this or do you just take recommendations for your close friends and families? I don't know if I really have the time to go about this but I do have recommendations for two different practices, both of which are used by multiple people I know. I was also going to as my doctor who they recommend. My only concern with that is that I'm not considered local to my doctor and don't want to go to any pediatricians near them. Also, does anyone feel it important that the pediatrician they choose be able to see the baby in the hospital after birth? I ask only b/c the practice I am leaning towards does not have Winthrop privileges.

Any advise would be great!

Re: Interviewing Pediatricians

Sadly, my first ped ended up being a total douche. I basically just spoke to him over the phone, wherein which he seemed to be in line with what I was looking for. This may be why one SHOULD possibly do a face-to-face interview beforehand. It wasn't until one of DD's earlier checkups that I found out how awful he was. Just very rude and sexist and it was his way or the highway, no respect at all for the parents. It was insane!!! So I left there and it was very stressful to find a replacement, but I eventually did and she was awesome. This time around, for #2, I know who I'll most likely be using and that's such a relief. As for being in the hospital at birth, I didn't really think that was necessary. It would be nice though, but I didn't make it a priority.

Message edited 7/10/2015 10:23:58 AM.

Interviewing Pediatricians

I met with dd pediatrician prior to making a final decision. Many practices have appointments set aside at the end of the day for prenatal interviews.
My dd pediatrician did not see her in the hospital because he does not have rights there--it was fine she saw the hospital's staff pediatrician who I really liked.

I highly recommend finding a doctor that is close to where you live if possible- you said you are not considered local to the doctor you are considering but traveling a long distance to see the doctor with a sick baby is less than ideal.

Message edited 7/10/2015 11:29:22 AM.

Interviewing Pediatricians

I didn't and just went by recommendations. No regrets.

Interviewing Pediatricians

Recs only. Not a single interview and I'm completely happy. And IMO you will not know if you like a Dr until you start seeing them.

Interviewing Pediatricians

I used to work in a pediatrician's office. We had people come in for consults all the time. I think unless you have a "different" situation (like not vaccinating) you probably won't get a ton out of it.

We also used to get babies all the time who she didn't see in the hospital- she was only affiliated with 1 hospital, so obviously she didn't see every baby. Liking the hospital and your OB, IMO, is much more important than liking a pediatrician who will see your child once.

Re: Interviewing Pediatricians

I just went on recs for a ped who had rights where I was delivering.
I would feel silly sitting down and interviewing him. I wouldn't even know what to ask.

You aren't marrying them. If you go a few times and they aren't for you, switch.

Re: Interviewing Pediatricians

Interviewing Pediatricians

I got recommendations from friends. The first one I went to I hated. The next person that I went to I loved and we went with her and no regrets.

Interviewing Pediatricians

I also want to add that office policies change. I had heard that my ped allowed delayed vax and they did for a bit. And then they changed their office policies and now they will no longer space them out. And that reminds me that I need to stop and think if I want to continue using them for DD2 or not....

Re: Interviewing Pediatricians

Never did an interview just some questions for the office manager over the phone, which didn't make a difference because when I called from the hospital to make an appt they said we don't take that insurance anymore. Ended up calling the first ped that took the insurance on the list, and almost 11 months later couldn't be happier with this pediatrician.

Re: Interviewing Pediatricians

Re: Interviewing Pediatricians

We went by recommendations. My first 2 DC saw the on call doc when they were born, but my 3rd was seen by our ped., I do think it was more personal and if you can find one you love who does it, I think it's great, but I wouldn't go out of my way, if that makes sense.