When choosing a pediatrician??

When choosing a pediatrician what kind of questions do you ask at the consult?

Message edited 2/27/2006 6:58:18 PM.

Re: When choosing a pediatrician??

Hi. I have a two year old and know how hard it could be to choose a ped. Some questions to ask are:
1. Is he available to answer questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? (Is someone always on call, might be someone else in his practice).
2. What hospitals is he associated with?
3. Does he charge for phone calls- my doctor tried to until I told them my insurance didn't cover it. It may not seem important, but it could add up or worse yet make you think twice about calling even when you really should.
4. Do you have a sick waiting room or at least try to schedule well visits at a different time than a sick child's?
5. How often will he see the baby for checkups and immunizations?
It is also important to find out their background, where they went to school and if they are board certified.
Hope this helps!

Message edited 2/27/2006 9:21:06 PM.

Re: When choosing a pediatrician??

I also asked about their policy on parents refusing vaccinations (in case there was one I felt strongly about my child not receiving) and I wanted to know if they were supportive of breast feeding and if I'd be able to ask them some basic questions if it came down to it.

Re: When choosing a pediatrician??

When should one chose a pediatrician?

Re: When choosing a pediatrician??

Among the basic questions one would ask we want to make sure we feel comfortable with them and very important a separate sick room!

Re: When choosing a pediatrician??

Right on Michele....the seperate sick room is so important! That and vaccinations were my biggest things. I chose mine at 35 weeks.......