Advice on picking a pediatrician (a little long)

Ok... I am choosing b/t two practices.. Here is a run down of the pros and cons. Based on your experiences, tell me which you think is best. I know what I am leaning towards, but what the hell do I know???

Also, keep in mind that I will only be seeing this doctor for the baby's first year, since we will probably move back to LI after that.

Practice #1
- Walking distance from my apartment. Can be there in 5 to 7 mins walking.
- Office is very institutional looking, no carpeting for kids to run around and play, etc. Exam rooms are fine.
- Sick and well children areas-- but, the office seems very laissez-faire about it. They do not enforce it, there are no signs and parents did not seem to adhere to it. Seems pointless.
- I did not like the office staff. They did the "in-take" and answered general questions about the practice, and I just did not like that this would be one of the people who would be my first line of contact
- I liked the doctor, she seemed very nice and I am sure she would give our kid great care. She also seemed open to discussions on more alternatives to treating the kids-- with not everything being by the book.
- Office had good hours-- but when they are not open, the flagship office is open til 2 AM, and is probably about 15 to 20 mins away.
- Affiliated with the local hospital, which is another 5 min walk from my apartment-- as well as another hospital 20 mins away, which is a leading hospital in NJ. Note that unless I had NO TIME, I would not go to the local hospital. We have been to the ER there for DH, and neither of us liked it-- although, they are currently rebuilding it, but it does not change the medical care.

Practice #2
- 20 to 30 min drive, depending on traffic. Parking lot with lots of spaces, so it's easy to park.
- More of what I would call a traditional looking office-- more comfy chairs, carpeting, etc. Exam rooms bigger here, same as the other.
- Sick and well child areas-- seems to have a bit more of a delineation. Doc said no one is enforcing the rule, but I could tell that the parents there were adhering to it. Seems like there is a little more respect for it here. Also the doc said that they bring newborns in right away, so they are not sitting in a waiting room with other kids to protect them more.
- Really liked the doc here-- she was very nice, felt a connection with her immediately, has 3 kids of her own. If I was just choosing a doc, I would choose this one over the other.
- Office hours not as great as the other one, but I could still see a doc 7 days a week, either in this office or another one. There are no late evening hours like the other practice-- so, if it's after 7ish, you are going to the hospital. 24 hour care/advice is accessible though.
- Because this office is further away, it is not affiliated with my local hospital-- but is with the one that I would choose to go to over the local one anyway. But, in an emergency-- I am still 20 mins away from care, as opposed to 5 to 10 min.
- Staff seemed nice, and more professional. The actual doc did the whole meeting, so I also liked that.


So, that's it-- at the end of the day-- it's really about location. If it was just the practice and the doc alone, I know who I would pick- barring any major emergencies.

Re: Advice on picking a pediatrician (a little long)

My ped is about 20 minutes from my house. I didn't care how far he was as long as I knew my child was getting the best care.

Alot of people choose peds on convenience to their homes - which I also understand.

I know - I'm no help at all - sorry!

Message edited 12/18/2008 5:53:17 PM.

Re: Advice on picking a pediatrician (a little long)

I would choose #2. Although it is a bit further, it seems like it has more of that warm and fuzzy feeling and you feel more comfortable.

That would be my choice.

Re: Advice on picking a pediatrician (a little long)

I would go with the nicer staff and doctors, the last th ing you want to deal with when your child is sick, is nasty people at your dr's office.
and its also important to feel a connection with the dr...our dr also was affliated with the hospital and just so happened was on call the night we had her, so she has known DD since she was born, which was comforting.

Re: Advice on picking a pediatrician (a little long)

Re: Advice on picking a pediatrician (a little long)

I drive 45 minutes to my pediatrician so my vote is for number 2. I think it is more important that you go with your heart, with what feels right to you.

Re: Advice on picking a pediatrician (a little long)

I would go over your list and pick the Ped that:
1) you felt the most comfortable with/trust - no matter the distance
2) the one that is affiliated with the better hospital b.c if you do have to go to the hospital (sick child not necessarily immediate emergency) you will be going to the one your Ped is affiliated with so it would be important at least to me to go to someone affiliated with a good hospital if you should ever need it.
3) the one that follows best your own ideals - schedule for shots (or whatever it is you want to do), agrees with your ideas on giving medication etc.

Honestly the way the office looks is less important in the long run. Hours are important but if you can work with both I wouldn't worry as much about that. Most peds don't have hours after 5 or 7 so you would be the position of having to call the office/service or go to the ER anyway (which is another reason to pick one affiliated with a good hospital).

Re: Advice on picking a pediatrician (a little long)

From what you are describing, I would pick #2. I am about 20 minutes away from my ped and the parking stinks, but I love the doctors and feel that they take very good care of my son.

I don't think the office set up is a big deal - my son is still small so he is either in his stroller or on my lap, but even when he gets bigger I don't plan on having him play with anything at the doc's office - I am too afraid of the germs the other kids have there.

I do think the office staff makes a difference. I feel like the staff at our doctor's office is helpful and tries to work with you when you are trying to get in for a sick visit. If my child is sick, the last thing I want to deal with is running the gauntlet of rude front office staff.