How/When to choose a Pediatrician?

When is a good time to start looking into a pediatrician? I am only 18 wks, so I know I still have some time, but I am starting to research dr. info and find local drs who take my insurance.
I am a teacher so I know I will have my 8 & 9 month off (im due in aug) so I plan on really looking into it then...is that good timing?
Did you conduct interviews and office tours before choosing a pediatrican? I feel so lost when it comes to this!!!

TIA

Message edited 3/23/2007 10:49:46 AM.

Re: How/When to choose a Pediatrician?

I have procrastinated so badly on this. I am 29w today (holy crap) & I have only gotten 3 recommendations - onr from my OB & 2 from friends.

I have to start setting up appointments

Re: How/When to choose a Pediatrician?

I know who I plan on using based on recommendations from several people for the same practice, but I do need to set up an appointment to meet with them. I figured I'd do that in my 7th or 8th month!

Re: How/When to choose a Pediatrician?

I asked my OB who he recommends at my last appt (I was 31 weeks at the time). The gave me the name/number of the practice, I have a consultation with them for April 19 (I will be in my 37th week)

My only concern is if they are not on my insurance. The office says yes, but according to my insurance's website, they are not.

We'll see.

ETA: A friend of mine also recommended this practice--then again she uses the same OB, but she RAVES about the ped's office

Message edited 3/23/2007 10:50:46 AM.

Re: How/When to choose a Pediatrician?

Re: How/When to choose a Pediatrician?

Posted by MsMBV

Posted by nbc188

I know who I plan on using based on recommendations from several people for the same practice, but I do need to set up an appointment to meet with them. I figured I'd do that in my 7th or 8th month!

not to scare you, but you are almost in your 7th month

Re: How/When to choose a Pediatrician?

Posted by MsMBV

Posted by nbc188

I know who I plan on using based on recommendations from several people for the same practice, but I do need to set up an appointment to meet with them. I figured I'd do that in my 7th or 8th month!

not to scare you, but you are almost in your 7th month

Re: How/When to choose a Pediatrician?

Posted by nbc188

You're right!!! Very close!! Guess I better get on that!!!

Re: How/When to choose a Pediatrician?

I am 34 weeks and I still need to make this phone call. I didn't ask my OB b/c the baby and DH have different primary insurance than I do. I am using the practice that my SMIL uses for my little in-laws, I just need to get my butt in gear and make the call!

Re: How/When to choose a Pediatrician?

My OB asked me if I thought about it at my 10 week appt

She gave me a list of a few docs they recommend. I looked at it but havent checked to see if they take my insurance.

Re: How/When to choose a Pediatrician?

Of course, you still have plenty of time, however, if your 8th and 9th month are in the summer that is often when peds are the busiests with back-to-school and sports physicals. More than one ped told me that so you might want to call a bit earlier to schedule an inteview appt.

Re: How/When to choose a Pediatrician?

When I called my prospective Ped's office, they asked when I was due, then said I could come in about 2-3 weeks before dues date.

But I agree w/ Tahweezah, the end of the summer is a busy time for them. Call now any prospects and tell them how many weeks you are and you'd like to schedule a consult. If you have a few to see, I'd suggest doing it in 7th or 8th month, so you have the time to see them and make your decision.

Re: How/When to choose a Pediatrician?

I asked my OB who she recommends, since she has kids, I took her recommendation and also saw some other people on the boards use the same one.
I went into the office (its in same medical building) and the receptionist made an appt for us about 2 weeks prior to my c-section.

Re: How/When to choose a Pediatrician?

I have an appointment for next week with one.

Anyone recommend anyone in L-town, Seaford, Wantagh area??

Re: How/When to choose a Pediatrician?

Message edited 3/23/2007 5:32:09 PM.