Solo practioner vs. Group practice

Just wanted to know the pros and cons of using a pediatrician that is solo vs. in a group from the BTDT moms. Which did you choose and why?

TIA

Re: Solo practioner vs. Group practice

i chose a group practice because i felt that it was more flexible. There is always a doctor available at anytime. Plus, the practice I joined is open 7 days a week

Good Luck in your search!

Re: Solo practioner vs. Group practice

I also chose a group practice because they are available 7 days a week. I've had to take the kids to the doctor on a Sunday a few times and I was always so happy that I had that option.

Re: Solo practioner vs. Group practice

I take my son to a single practice. I love his ped. but when we move I will look for a group practice. Part of the reason I choose his ped. was because her father was my husband's ped. I liked the family connection but in the end it is not worth the 45-60 min wait every time. I'm not sure if the long wait is exclusive to just her practice. I guess she just has way too many patients. Everytime we go I get annnoyed that I'm waiting 45 min to see her for an appointment that was scheduled 3 months ago.

In any case if I had to do it over, I would not choose a single practice.

Re: Solo practioner vs. Group practice

I chose a sole practitioner only because I like the fact that you have the same doctor each time. However, the cons of that is that you wait forever and your appointment is never the time it is supposed to be.

Re: Solo practioner vs. Group practice

I also like a group for the same reasons others posted...long hours and someone always available even on weekends and holidays. I have been very happy them!

Re: Solo practioner vs. Group practice

I'm in a solo practice. I like that I have a relationship with the ped and nurse and entire staff. He has a "partnership" with another solo ped and they cover for each other on call and vacation/weekends, etc, so I do get 7 days a week if I need.


The wait time isn't bad if its the morning or right after lunch - but in the late afternoon, I will admit - it gets bad

Re: Solo practioner vs. Group practice

We are in a group because of the convience. I will admit that I wish I had more of the relationship that I might with a one on one doctor. We have seen almost all the drs in our group and there is only 1 that we do not like so we request not to see him. I used to work for a practice with two pediatricians when I was in college and the wait was HORRIBLE for them too. With a group, it does seem to move a little faster. I know with our group not only does it go by appointment time but it's also by age- youngest first, so that little babies do not spend a lot of time in the waiting area.

Re: Solo practioner vs. Group practice

Re: Solo practioner vs. Group practice

I also go to a group practice, I have seen all the dr's in it and I usually end up going to the same one.

Re: Solo practioner vs. Group practice

I see a solo practioner. His office is closed on Wednesday's, and I'm not crazy about the covering doctors, but I LOVE my ped, his office staff. I also love the ped that cover's his shifts when he is on vacation.

Re: Solo practioner vs. Group practice

Posted by Annemarie13

i chose a group practice because i felt that it was more flexible. There is always a doctor available at anytime. Plus, the practice I joined is open 7 days a week

Good Luck in your search!

Re: Solo practioner vs. Group practice

Posted by Annemarie13

i chose a group practice because i felt that it was more flexible. There is always a doctor available at anytime. Plus, the practice I joined is open 7 days a week

Good Luck in your search!

Re: Solo practioner vs. Group practice

Solo - becauce I wanted to have a relationship with my ped and not see someone different every time.

Re: Solo practioner vs. Group practice

I go to a group practice, but I request the same doctor for Andrew each time, and they also have a new, different doctor I will request for Lauren each time.

Re: Solo practioner vs. Group practice

I haven't delivered yet, but I chose a solo practitioner- didn't even meet with group practices. I found this doctor to be very open with me and passionate about her work. I feel very comfortable with her already. Her office is run out of her home and she always picks up the phone- I've called twice after hours and she answers. If she's in the house, she picks up the office phone. If her husband is home, he picks it up. She's very available. If I need to see her at 10 pm, and she's home, she says come on over. Very dedicated. However, we'll see how long the wait is when I start bringing the baby there! The one thing I didn't like was that there is no sick room or separate entrance.

ETA: I chose a solo practice because I feel strongly about one doctor following my child's progress, dealing with problems, and maintaining a relationship.

Message edited 7/11/2006 5:01:35 PM.