Xpost: Picking a Pediatrician.....is how close a factor

I've gotten 2 recommendations on Dr's in my area, one pretty close but does NOT do parent interviews. The other is a little further away and DOES do interviews.

We drove past a 3rd one the other day and I liked the way the office looked and I'm pretty sure they are covered under our insurance.

Re: Xpost: Picking a Pediatrician.....is how close a factor

I think you need to find one close to your home,it makes life so much easier, espeicially if your little one is unconfrtable and crying, yu want to get to the doc ASAP.

Re: Xpost: Picking a Pediatrician.....is how close a factor

Personally, I picked a pediatrician that is in my neighborhood. It just makes the most sense that if something is wrong with the baby, it doesn't take you more than 5 minutes to get there....

We also have 2 hospitals within 5 minutes of each other They are on opposites sides of town....

Re: Xpost: Picking a Pediatrician.....is how close a factor

I agree close to home, and if you can get a reccomendation from a friend I think that is as good as an interview.

Re: Xpost: Picking a Pediatrician.....is how close a factor

For me proximity was a huge factor when choosing a Ped. If I need to rush Jake over there because he is sick, at least I know it won't be a 1/2 hr drive.

ETA: I got lucky though because the pediatrician is 5 mins from me and came highly recommended by the nurses at Winthrop.

Message edited 12/6/2005 2:17:08 PM.

Re: Xpost: Picking a Pediatrician.....is how close a factor

Well I live in queens and my pediatrician is in nassau. They are only like 10 minute drive so that doesn't bother me. I have a few friends that use one in my neighborhood and they have alot of problems with them meanwhile I am in and out and i f baby is sick they take me in that day so I don't m ind traveling the 10 minutes

Re: Xpost: Picking a Pediatrician.....is how close a factor

I think its WAY more important to have a really good doctor. We travel about 40 minutes to get to our pediatrician because we have been told by family members that are doctors as well, that they are really great. These group of doctors have proven themselves to us over and over again. The travel has never bothered us one bit. If its ever that much of an emergency, you go to the hospital.

Re: Xpost: Picking a Pediatrician.....is how close a factor

Our Dr. is about 25-45 minutes away (depending on traffic), but the Dr. is AMAZING with the kids so the drive isn't an issue at all.

Re: Xpost: Picking a Pediatrician.....is how close a factor

The pediatrician we have is so close and they have excellent hours. They are open 7 days a week with afterhour numbers. I think its definately a plus when you find someone you like and they are very close.

Re: Xpost: Picking a Pediatrician.....is how close a factor

My pediatrician is 5 minutes away...3 of my friends suggested that place, plus my mother brought me there when I was little...so it was good for me.

Re: Xpost: Picking a Pediatrician.....is how close a factor

Our pediatrician is very close and I really like the whole idea of it. If she is fussy in the car or even fussy after the doctor's visit, it won't take me very long to get home and calm her down.

I didn't go on an interview first before she was born, just went with the recommendation of my OB but the fact that one doctor doesn't do interviews sounds weird to me. I know that some docs are busy -- but they should let new parents interview.

My recommendations for selecting one:
First select a few close by. Interview them, stop in the office, see how you like it. Maybe the one that doesn't interview you can just show up and ask for a business card, something silly like that. At least you'd get in the waiting room and could see a few of the staff working there and what it's like.

If you don't find one close by after that that you like, start looking further from home. But you might really like someone who is close.

Also look for a pedi that has night and weekend hours or night and weekend "call hours" if they don't have office hours. Sometimes you are freaking out over something as a new mom on the weekend and you just want someone to speak to without calling the emergency number.

Also seperate "sick" and "well" waiting rooms are a big thing to look for!!!

-Melissa