How do I choose the best pediatrician?
- Is the pediatrician recommended by your OB-GYN?
- Is the pediatrician recommended by friends and family?
- What are the doctor’s credentials and experience?
- Where is their office located?
- How does their practice operate?
- How was your introductory visit?
- How do they interact with your child?
Picking a pediatrician for your child is perhaps one of the most crucial and difficult decisions you’ll make for the sake of their health. Their pediatrician will be responsible for their physical, behavioral, and mental wellbeing — possibly until they turn 18.
You’ll have a long-term relationship with this healthcare provider, so knowing how to choose the best pediatrician for you and your child is extremely important. If you’re expecting, you should choose one about 3 months before your baby’s due date. Here are a few key things to consider when evaluating potential doctors.
Is the pediatrician recommended by your OB-GYN?
The good news is that you don’t have to look for a pediatrician alone. You’re free to get recommendations from your family doctor, your OB-GYN, or primary care physician. These healthcare providers most likely know of a few pediatricians you could work with.
Start with this referral list from doctors you have an existing, trusting relationship with. If you have faith in your current healthcare providers, then their recommendations will speak volumes of these pediatricians’ reputations.
If the reason you’re looking for a new pediatrician is that you’re moving to a new area, ask your former pediatrician for a referral near your new home.
Is the pediatrician recommended by friends and family?
You can also add recommendations from friends and family to your list. Ask about their relationship and experience with their child’s pediatrician — it’s the best way to get a glimpse at what your experience may be like.
Make sure to ask those with children, and whose child-rearing opinions you respect. Many parents will have different needs and preferences when it comes to their children and healthcare, and you may not like their doctor if your opinions differ too much.
For example, your friend may like that their child’s pediatrician is quick with their appointments, but you may prefer a doctor who moves slower and talks through many things during your visit.
What are the doctor’s credentials and experience?
All pediatricians go through medical school, a residency program, and licensing exams. But not all pediatricians are the same in terms of credentials and experience.
Each pediatrician on your list may have different competencies regarding patient care, professionalism, communication skills, and medical knowledge.
You could discuss this with the pediatrician at your first meeting. If they have a practice website or are included in a hospital’s website, you can also get an idea of their expertise before the meeting. Here, you can usually find out:
- Their medical background and training.
- How long they’ve been in practice.
- The languages they speak.
- The healthcare providers they work with.
- Their credentials, board certifications, and extra experience in the field.
If you’re expecting (or already have a child) with special needs, this step is especially important. You could ask them about their experience with treating children with special healthcare needs. From there, you can also ask them about their philosophy and procedures for care.
Where is their office located?
Consider the location of their office, as well. Your child will see their pediatrician several times a year — in their first year of life, they may need to go as often as every other month. Choosing a pediatrician who is fairly close to home or easily accessible can be more convenient and time-efficient for you.
If you have a preferred hospital, also find out if your pediatrician is affiliated with them — if so, they likely have a clinic or office with them.
If they are, this is convenient not only location-wise but also if your child visits the hospital for other reasons. If not, don’t worry. Your preferred hospital’s pediatrician can communicate with yours to relay and discuss relevant health concerns.
How does their practice operate?
Check how their practices operate and consider if it meets your needs. Your child may get sick suddenly, so some flexibility is important. You can ask if they allow same-day or last-minute appointments, if they offer evening or weekend hours, and if they receive medical questions after hours. If not, ask how you can contact them after hours in case of emergencies.
If it’s a group practice, check if your child will see the same pediatrician every time, or if they will be passed on to another doctor.
How was your introductory visit?
When vetting possible pediatricians, it’s best to have an introductory visit with your child. This will allow you to see their work in person, take a look at their office, and determine whether this pediatrician is a good fit for your child.
Some pediatrician offices offer an opportunity to meet with their staff, tour their office, and ask questions. Take this opportunity to find out what the pediatrician and their people are like.
Does the pediatrician make you feel comfortable? Do they encourage open communication? Does their office look clean, safe, and child-friendly? Listen to your gut — if you feel something is off, then this may not be the right doctor for you.
How do they interact with your child?
In your first few visits with your child, you should also pay close attention to how the doctor interacts with them. Do they show genuine interest and empathy with them? Do they ensure your child feels comfortable and safe during examinations and treatment?
Your child will develop a special bond with their pediatrician as they grow up. You’ll want them to feel like they’re in safe and capable hands — even when they’re sick and scared. A pediatrician who is great with your kid has the best chance at building up a healthy rapport with them.
Questions should you ask before choosing your pediatrician
While the above points can help you narrow down your choices, there are specific questions you can ask to further assess potential pediatricians. Here are a few examples:
- Which hospital network are you affiliated with?
- Does your office have separate waiting areas for sick and healthy kids?
- How long does a typical checkup take?
- Do you take my insurance?
- Where do you stand on important children’s healthcare topics? These may include:
- Immunization
- Breastfeeding
- Antibiotics
- Circumcision
- Why did you choose to become a pediatrician?
- Are there any areas in children’s healthcare that you specialize in?
- How far in advance do I need to schedule our appointments?
- Do you respond to emails or text messages? Can I contact you concerning urgent matters?
Key Takeaway
Your baby will need to visit their doctor throughout their childhood, and even in adolescence, to protect their health. Knowing how to choose the best pediatrician will ensure you pick a doctor that is the best fit for them and their needs. With an experienced and trustworthy pediatrician, you’ll be more confident that your child is getting the best care available.
Looking for a pediatrician? At Perpetual Health Medical Center (PHMC), we have a roster of talented pediatricians that you and your child can connect with and trust in — click here to see!
