| Posted By |
Message |
| Pages: [1] 2 |
NYchic
Girl & boy
Member since 6/09 2357 total posts
Name:
|
Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
Just wanted to come back to the pregnancy board and share what I now know that I didn't know when I was prego and searching for a pediatrician...
I have 1 DD who just turned a year old so I have had a year to fall in love with our pediatrician and don't want to switch b/c of this...but had I known this when shopping around - I would have chosen someone else...
Make sure you ask if they do blood work in office. Ay 1 year well visit they do a finger prick to check for lead posioning. Just a simple finger prick - I have to take DD to the hospital blood center to have this done. I'm not sure why but I find this SO aggrevating and a major inconvenience! I have asked all my friends, family members - I haven't found 1 person yet whose pediatrician doesn't do blood work in office. So I'm just annoyed and if I had known to ask for that back when we were looking - I would have chosen someone else.
Just something I thought I'd share...maybe it wouldn't be an inconvenience for you - but it is for me so I just thought it was worth sharing.
Also when DD was days shy of 8 weeks, she ran a fever. Anything under 8 weeks they have to do all sorts of tests to rule out infection. I happened to be away from home staying with family at the time so when I called our ped - she suggested we take her to a ped that our family used where we were. I did that and the dr. was amazing...did bloodwork AND a took a urine sample thru a catheter all right in office. He called me that night with results. Turned out DD had coxsackie so that was the cause of the fever. But had I been home and gone to our own ped, they told me they would have sent us to the hospital where at under 8 weeks they would have kept her for days and done a spinal tap and other invasive tests on her. So I was just so thankful the dr. we saw did all that in office which avoided a scare of a hospital stay with an 8 week old.
Just wanted to share...it's something that I think is important enough to ask when shopping around that I didn't know to ask at the time.
HTH.
|
Posted 6/30/11 10:22 PM  |
| |
|
Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
BAM 2009
I am who I am!!!
Member since 5/09 6081 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
A friend of mine uses the same pedi we do. Our DS had his one year blood work in the office. Finger prick, checks more then just lead. Our friend had to take there DD to a lab. It was there insurance that made the choice for them. Not the pedi.. A lot of insurance companies make the dumb rules. IMO I would rather of taken DS to the lab for a real blood test. The finger prick was so traumatic on him. It took 3 nurses and myself to hold him down while another squeezed his poor little finger for over 15 minutes to get enough blood..
|
| Posted 6/30/11 11:00 PM |
| |
|
Shelleybean11
Mommy of 2!
Member since 12/08 11013 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
I'm not sure that most peds do b/w on site. We had to take DS to Quest for his 1yr bloodwork and I know many of my friends did as well.
|
| Posted 6/30/11 11:09 PM |
| |
|
NYchic
Girl & boy
Member since 6/09 2357 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
Posted by BAM 2009
A friend of mine uses the same pedi we do. Our DS had his one year blood work in the office. Finger prick, checks more then just lead. Our friend had to take there DD to a lab. It was there insurance that made the choice for them. Not the pedi.. A lot of insurance companies make the dumb rules. IMO I would rather of taken DS to the lab for a real blood test. The finger prick was so traumatic on him. It took 3 nurses and myself to hold him down while another squeezed his poor little finger for over 15 minutes to get enough blood..
our ped told us it would be a finger prick at the blood center at the hospital...I hope it's not! That's what I'm saying though - for a little finger prick - to have to go off site for that to me is just crazy.
I think I was spoiled by this wonderful dr. I took DD to when we weren't at home at 8 weeks who drew blood AND took a urine sample all right there. But to me - it is worth it to shop around for someone who can do that before you grow attached to one like I now am.
Just throwing it out there to all the 1st time prego's so that when they are looking...maybe they will be lucky enough to find a dr. who will do this all on site.
The one my DD saw was in Baldwin and he's Dr. Lippman of LI Pediatrics - love him!
|
| Posted 6/30/11 11:47 PM |
| |
|
BAM 2009
I am who I am!!!
Member since 5/09 6081 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
Posted by NYchic
Posted by BAM 2009
A friend of mine uses the same pedi we do. Our DS had his one year blood work in the office. Finger prick, checks more then just lead. Our friend had to take there DD to a lab. It was there insurance that made the choice for them. Not the pedi.. A lot of insurance companies make the dumb rules. IMO I would rather of taken DS to the lab for a real blood test. The finger prick was so traumatic on him. It took 3 nurses and myself to hold him down while another squeezed his poor little finger for over 15 minutes to get enough blood..
our ped told us it would be a finger prick at the blood center at the hospital...I hope it's not! That's what I'm saying though - for a little finger prick - to have to go off site for that to me is just crazy.
I think I was spoiled by this wonderful dr. I took DD to when we weren't at home at 8 weeks who drew blood AND took a urine sample all right there. But to me - it is worth it to shop around for someone who can do that before you grow attached to one like I now am.
Just throwing it out there to all the 1st time prego's so that when they are looking...maybe they will be lucky enough to find a dr. who will do this all on site.
The one my DD saw was in Baldwin and he's Dr. Lippman of LI Pediatrics - love him!
Our friends DD got a regular blood test at the lab. I am going to see if I can do that with DS for his next blood test... I didn't even bother to ask our pedi. When we interviewed, they said they did blood work on site. He has had a urine test done there and a stool test there.. it is a good question to ask before hand.. But some will still get sent to a lab even for a finger prick if that is what their insurance will only cover.
|
| Posted 7/1/11 12:27 AM |
| |
|
Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
I guess the finger prick is new. Both my DSs had to have blood drawn for 1 yr.
|
| Posted 7/1/11 5:48 AM |
| |
|
|
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
Posted by Shelleybean11
I'm not sure that most peds do b/w on site. We had to take DS to Quest for his 1yr bloodwork and I know many of my friends did as well.
This.
Most doctors (especially peds) don't do bloodwork in house. It also depends on your insurance as well, not just the doctor.
|
| Posted 7/1/11 7:51 AM |
| |
|
ruby
you rang?
Member since 6/08 5573 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
Depends on your insurance usually. My ped does everything on site but some of their patients have to go to a lab regardless because that is what their insurance covers.
|
| Posted 7/1/11 8:11 AM |
| |
|
ohbaby08
Winter is Coming
Member since 10/07 1718 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
This would honestly not be a dealbreaker for me because, as others have said, most peds don't do in-house bloodwork. I had to bring my son to labcorp for his 1 year bloodwork and it was no big deal. If you love the doctor, this shouldn't deter you from choosing them.
|
| Posted 7/1/11 8:26 AM |
| |
|
EricaAlt
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 22665 total posts
Name:
Erica
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
Posted by ohbaby08
This would honestly not be a dealbreaker for me because, as others have said, most peds don't do in-house bloodwork. I had to bring my son to labcorp for his 1 year bloodwork and it was no big deal. If you love the doctor, this shouldn't deter you from choosing them.
This!
DS had to get his bloodwork at LabCorp for his 1 year and it was no big deal. I still loved the Ped we used. Now we moved and I didn't even ask about the bloodwork either. I still love this group and wouldn't change a thing. It's not something they do that often so for once a year or twice a year I'd still stick with the Ped I love and trust with the kids
|
| Posted 7/1/11 8:35 AM |
| |
|
memi7206
LIF Adult
Member since 3/11 2355 total posts
Name:
Due Dec 29th!!!!!
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
Definitely not a deal breaker if the Drs are awesome for the once a year or so DS needs to get blood. We had to take DS to Quest for his 1 year bloodwork, so I think that is fairly common practice.
|
| Posted 7/1/11 8:53 AM |
| |
|
Shorty
.
Member since 5/05 30390 total posts
Name:
really
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
Posted by memi7206
Definitely not a deal breaker if the Drs are awesome for the once a year or so DS needs to get blood. We had to take DS to Quest for his 1 year bloodwork, so I think that is fairly common practice.
absolutely! and I actually prefer that the lab do it.
|
| Posted 7/1/11 10:44 AM |
| |
|
Aries14
Can't plan life...
Member since 8/08 2860 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
I actually agree with you. My ped does the finger prick in the office and I was soooo happy I didnt have to bring DD to a lab and have them try to draw blood from her!
|
| Posted 7/1/11 10:50 AM |
| |
|
GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
I am so confused?
If a finger prick is all that is needed for all the testing, why would anyone go and get vials of blood drawn? I feel like that is for more extensive testing (which I would prefer).
I used to work for a ped. and the finger prick was for only one thing (maybe sugar?) not all of the other things that you usually get at a year old.
|
| Posted 7/1/11 10:53 AM |
| |
|
Aries14
Can't plan life...
Member since 8/08 2860 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
Posted by Tilde
I am so confused?
If a finger prick is all that is needed for all the testing, why would anyone go and get vials of blood drawn? I feel like that is for more extensive testing (which I would prefer).
I used to work for a ped. and the finger prick was for only one thing (maybe sugar?) not all of the other things that you usually get at a year old.
We only had a finger prick done at the one year.
Message edited 7/1/2011 10:57:01 AM.
|
| Posted 7/1/11 10:56 AM |
| |
|
dajc23
My Loves :)
Member since 1/09 4980 total posts
Name:
Dana
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
Posted by ohbaby08
This would honestly not be a dealbreaker for me because, as others have said, most peds don't do in-house bloodwork. I had to bring my son to labcorp for his 1 year bloodwork and it was no big deal. If you love the doctor, this shouldn't deter you from choosing them.
I 100% agree. Bloodwork is *usually* not that often at all, so what's the big deal to have to go to a lab once a year?
I LOVE my Ped and she doesn't do B/W in house either. I certainly haven't regretted my decision one bit
|
| Posted 7/1/11 11:05 AM |
| |
|
GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
Posted by Aries14
Posted by Tilde
I am so confused?
If a finger prick is all that is needed for all the testing, why would anyone go and get vials of blood drawn? I feel like that is for more extensive testing (which I would prefer).
I used to work for a ped. and the finger prick was for only one thing (maybe sugar?) not all of the other things that you usually get at a year old.
We only had a finger prick done at the one year.
Do you know what was tested? Was it the full workup that is done with vials of blood? I cant understand why every doctor would just opt for that then?
|
| Posted 7/1/11 11:10 AM |
| |
|
Bella311
Me and my Boys
Member since 1/10 1400 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
Posted by BAM 2009
It was there insurance that made the choice for them. Not the pedi..
This!
I find the op's post to be pretty misleading, its not up to the Pediatrician, its the insurance! IMO if you love the Pediatrician this should NOT be a deciding factor. I take DS to the same office I went to as a child, I got the finger prick way back when, now DS had to go to a lab. I don't think its such an inconvenience that it would make me change practices,,,, yes DS was not happy during the blood being taken and yes it was traumatic but I don't think it would be that much of a different experience if it were a finger prick.
Message edited 7/1/2011 8:52:08 PM.
|
| Posted 7/1/11 8:50 PM |
| |
|
SweetTooth
I'm a tired mommy!
Member since 12/05 20105 total posts
Name:
Lauren
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
Posted by Tilde
Posted by Aries14
Posted by Tilde
I am so confused?
If a finger prick is all that is needed for all the testing, why would anyone go and get vials of blood drawn? I feel like that is for more extensive testing (which I would prefer).
I used to work for a ped. and the finger prick was for only one thing (maybe sugar?) not all of the other things that you usually get at a year old.
We only had a finger prick done at the one year.
Do you know what was tested? Was it the full workup that is done with vials of blood? I cant understand why every doctor would just opt for that then?
My kids only had a finger prick (done at the peds office) at 1 year - it was to test for lead. We had the results before we left the office. We never had to go anywhere for "bloodwork." We did have to take DS to labcorp for allergy testing though.
|
| Posted 7/1/11 10:47 PM |
| |
|
NYchic
Girl & boy
Member since 6/09 2357 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
Posted by Bella311
Posted by BAM 2009
It was there insurance that made the choice for them. Not the pedi..
This!
I find the op's post to be pretty misleading, its not up to the Pediatrician, its the insurance! IMO if you love the Pediatrician this should NOT be a deciding factor. I take DS to the same office I went to as a child, I got the finger prick way back when, now DS had to go to a lab. I don't think its such an inconvenience that it would make me change practices,,,, yes DS was not happy during the blood being taken and yes it was traumatic but I don't think it would be that much of a different experience if it were a finger prick.
How can my opinion on something be misleading???
My insurance does not require I go to a lab so I didn't realize that some insurance companies do - my apologies for not knowing that and not stating that.
Like I said - my DD got sick at 8 weeks old and had I not taken her to a ped who did blood and urine samples in office...she would have been in the hospital for 10 days, having all sorts of unnecessary tests run on her including a spinal tap - at 8 weeks old! So it is something I was more pointing out to the 1st time mommy-to-be's who have yet grown attached to a pediatrician...I wanted to let them know maybe try finding one that does in house bloodwork b/c if that's all you know it sure is much more convenient and for me...it would be a dealbreaker if I was now shopping for a ped 1st time around.
This post wasn't really for the BTDT mom's who are already attached to their peds....it was sort of a shout out to all new mom's-to-be out there.
|
| Posted 7/1/11 11:43 PM |
| |
|
BAM 2009
I am who I am!!!
Member since 5/09 6081 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
DS had about a half a vial of blood taken out of his finger prick.. It was horrible..
|
| Posted 7/1/11 11:43 PM |
| |
|
Kelly9904
Mommy to 2 amazing little boys
Member since 5/05 9306 total posts
Name:
Kelly
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
Posted by Shelleybean11
I'm not sure that most peds do b/w on site. We had to take DS to Quest for his 1yr bloodwork and I know many of my friends did as well.
Same. I go to a big practice and I got sent off site for bloodwork. I actually dont know anyone who hasnt had to go to a lab for their child's bloodwork
|
| Posted 7/1/11 11:45 PM |
| |
|
NYchic
Girl & boy
Member since 6/09 2357 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
Posted by Kelly9904
Posted by Shelleybean11
I'm not sure that most peds do b/w on site. We had to take DS to Quest for his 1yr bloodwork and I know many of my friends did as well.
Same. I go to a big practice and I got sent off site for bloodwork. I actually dont know anyone who hasnt had to go to a lab for their child's bloodwork
so funny b/c like I said - it's the complete opposite for me. All friends and family I asked all told me - "find a new practice!"...no one I know has had to go to a lab or off site for bloodwork.
My practice is big and some of the dr's are very old - the 2 younger dr's I see told me they wish they could do this on site. The dr. I saw when DD was sick was young - early 40's and he is the only one in the practice. His office has everything on the computer - no papers. My peds is all files and papers. Maybe it's the newer dr's who are doing this....I don't know but to me it's totally inconvenient. When I was prego - all bloodwork was done in my OB's office. All sonograms were done by my OB in his office (and at every appt). My glucose test was done in my OB's office...maybe I just like convenience...to each his own. Again was just trying to help out the mom's-to-be with something I didn't know may be a good question to ask...
|
| Posted 7/1/11 11:56 PM |
| |
|
Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
what tests are involved in the finger prick?
I think lead is the required test by NYS, but we also had white blood cells and iron tested (maybe more, but I remember these, b/c DS#1 was low in both)
|
| Posted 7/2/11 9:15 AM |
| |
|
carlowlou
loving my babies!
Member since 4/08 4594 total posts
Name:
Jen
|
Re: Just a tip - a VERY important question to ask when interviewing/looking for pediatricians!
yeah the bloodwork thing wouldnt deter me at all either. Just not an important factor to me when choosing a dr. I guess I am used to it from OB experience since all bloodwork I needed there was done at a lab. no biggie. But if it is something that is important to you, definitely find a dr that does it in house.
|
| Posted 7/2/11 9:18 AM |
| |
|
| Pages: [1] 2 |
