8 Points To Choosing a Pediatrician

One of the most important decision that you as a parent will make in your child’s development is choosing a pediatrician. I say this because a pediatrician will be the right hand that you need to develop a healthy and vibrant child. This task should not be taken lightly. This relationship the child-parent-doctor relationship lasts from babyhood until adolescence. That being said, here are 8 points to choosing a pediatrician that is right for your child and right for you the parent.

1. Who is the pediatrician?

Let's first define who a pediatrician is. A pediatrician is a doctor who has specialized medical training caring for babies, children and adolescents. There are general pediatricians but also specialized ones such as pediatric cardiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, gastroenteritis, developmental experts etc.

So, who is the pediatrician that you are considering. Where did the pediatrician go to school? How big or small is the practice? This may be a big consideration because you may be making a lot of late night calls to your pediatrician when your child is sick and you want to be able to get in touch with someone in the practice.

2. How to find a pediatrician?

Even though your general practitioner may refer you to a particular doctor, you will want to ask around. The best way to find a pediatrician is through word of mouth from other parents, friends or family. Parents usually will not lie about the kind of service they received. They usually will brag about their doctors and be enthusiastic.

3. Location of practice?

Is the practice easy or difficult to get to? Having a practice close by can give you a cozy feeling that you are not alone if there is a problem with your child. But, if you find a pediatrician that is just to good to pass up then don't be afraid to take a drive. Other points to check out: Is there easy public transport? Is there a car park nearby? What are the hours of practice? Who covers over the weekends, after-hours or for emergency back up?

4. Type of practice?

Is it a solo or a group practice where there is a mix of recently trained pediatricians with latest knowledge and also older pediatricians with many years of experience? Are there both male and female pediatricians and do you have a personal preference? What languages do they speak? Has the pediatrician special privileges at the hospital covered in your Health Plan?
What is the fee structure?

5. What is the general management of the practice, are they concerned for the patients:

How old are the magazines in the waiting room?
Is their a childrens playroom in the waiting area?
Are there children's books and small sized furniture?
Available drinking water?
Boxes of tissues?
What was the telephone manner of the receptionist when you made the appointment?
Is their a sick call each day for non appointments?
Is it easy to make a appointment for the next day if needed?

6. Preparing for your visit.

Take pen and paper to write questions or to jot down notes. It is easy to forget information when under pressure or if your child is upset.

- Write down the reason for your visit and your concerns.
- Write down all your questions you want to ask.
- Make a list of all the medications taken by your child standard and alternative. Note the dose and how often it is taken.
- Notes about your child's eating habits and diet.
- Notes about your child's behavior.
- Make a list of complementary therapies.
- Take along your child's health record booklet if you have it.

7. During the visit.

Many doctors now expect their patients to have used the Internet to increase their knowledge regarding disorders and illnesses. Not everything is accurate so the pediatrician may ask you how much you understand about the disorder. I don't want to know everything about a disorder. I want to know that a doctor is able to explain the disorder in a way that I understand. I also want the doctor to take their time in explaining the disorders to me. If everyone seems rushed then this may not be a practice for you.

Write down anything which you believe is important or you might forget. Depending on the reason for your child to see a pediatrician, you will want to understand about various treatment options, drug regimes and their side effects, future implications, referral to allied health therapies such as physiotherapist or speech/language pathologists etc.

8. After the visit.

How well did the pediatrician communicate with both you and your child? Were your questions answered with patience and care? Do you trust the knowledge and skills of the pediatrician?

If you are unhappy about the pediatrician, you are able to seek a second opinion or discuss the issues with your general practitioner. It may be the case that the pediatrician has excellent knowledge and surgical skills but poor communication.

Ideally you are looking for someone whom you can trust with his or her knowledge and subsequent care of your child. You also want someone who communicates well with both you and your child so that each visit is as friendly and productive as possible. It is a special child-parent-doctor relationship.

One of the most important decision that you as a parent will make in your child’s development is choosing a pediatrician.

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