First, you must decide if your baby will see a pediatrician or a family
physician.
Both go through 4 years of medical school.
A pediatrician has an additional 3 years of training in the care of people
ages birth to age 21. They must pass an exam from the American Academy of
Pediatrics. They specialize in treating children in all areas of medicine.
Family physicians also go through an additional 3 years of training. They
must pass an exam from the American Academy of Family Physicians. They can
treat people of all ages.
The choice is up to you. Pediatricians specialize in treating children,
while family physicians can treat your whole family.
Ask a trusted doctor to recommend a family physician or pediatrician. Ask
friends or relatives for suggestions.
Visit the doctor's office before making a decision. Set up a time to meet
and interview the doctor. Bring a list of questions with
you.
Some insurance companies will cover the cost of an interview visit. Some
doctors do not charge for this visit.
While you are waiting, ask other parents in the waiting room if they are
satisfied with the care their child receives.
What things should I consider?
Consider the doctor's personality and manners. Do you prefer someone who
is formal or casual?
What is the waiting room like? Is it comfortable? Are there toys and books
to keep your child entertained while you wait?
Is the waiting room crowded? If many people are waiting, it could be that
the office frequently schedules too many appointments.
Do you feel welcome? Is the staff helpful and friendly?
Be sure the doctor participates in your health plan.
Is the location convenient?
If your child has special needs, you may want to choose a doctor with special
training in that area. Support groups or advocate groups may be able to recommend
a doctor.
When should I choose?
The best time to choose a doctor for your baby is before the baby is born.
A good time to start looking is about 3 months before the baby is expected.
What questions should I ask?
What are the doctor's office hours?
Who answers questions over the phone during office hours?
How are calls handled after office hours? How will you get help in an emergency
if the office is closed?
Who takes the doctor's place when he/she is absent?
How long do patients typically have to wait before each appointment?
How far in advance do well-child exams have to be scheduled?
When during the day is the office busiest? It may be difficult to find an
open time slot to make appointments at these busy times.
Does the doctor participate with your health plan?
Which hospital is the doctor associated with?
Will the doctor come to the hospital to examine the baby after she is born?
How does the doctor feel about breastfeeding, circumcision, antibiotics,
etc.?
Is the doctor willing to refer you to a specialist if your child needs extra
care?
Quick Answers
Will your baby see a pediatrician or a family physician? The choice is up
to you. Pediatricians specialize in treating children, while family physicians
can treat your whole family.
Visit the doctor's office before making a decision. Set up a time to meet
and interview the doctor.
Consider the doctor's personality and manners. Is the staff helpful and
friendly?
Is the location convenient? Be sure the doctor participates in your health
plan.
The best time to choose a doctor for your baby is before the baby is born.
Bring a list of questions to ask the doctor. What are the doctor's office
hours? Who answers questions over the phone during office hours? How are emergencies
handled?
References
Dowshen D and Meek J. How to Find a Pediatrician. KidsHealth. 1999 June
(cited 2002 April 9). URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/system/doctor/find_ped.html
Harvard Medical School. Choosing a Pediatrician. Intelihealth. 2000 November
1 (cited 2002 April 9). URL: http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=4510&p=~br,IHW|~st,9103|~r,WSIHW000|~b,*|
MEDLINEplus: Medical Encyclopedia. Choosing a Primary care Provider. 2001
November 07 (cited 2002 April 9). URL: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001939.htm
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