Finding the Doctor for You

You may wish to go ahead and schedule a consultation visit with your prospective pediatrician(s) prior to your due date. In addition to helping you make your final selection, this meeting can help insure that your pediatrician's practice will be able to examine your baby as soon as possible after his or her birth. Making the choice of pediatrician prior to your due date also enables the pediatrician to become acquainted with existing medical circumstances that might warrant his or her presence during labor and delivery.

Things to Consider

Do you feel comfortable with this pediatrician? Do you share similar philosophies on issues that are important to you, for example, breastfeeding, sleep issues, nutrition and temper tantrums?

Many parents choose to maintain lasting relationships with their pediatrician it makes sense to consider location as a factor in your final decision. Why? In emergency situations, time can be important. Also, it might be initially convenient for the office to be located close to your child care facility, but it may prove inconvenient in later years if the office is located a great distance from your child's school.

What are your first impressions? A waiting area designed with children in mind should be welcoming and provide a space for some quiet play. Similarly, office staff should be courteous and readily available.

Specific Questions to Ask

If you choose to schedule a consultation, either by phone or in person, here is a list of questions that may help you select the doctor that is right for your family.

Does the practice participate in your insurance plan?

What are the office hours? Is a physician available after hours for emergencies?

How long does it take to get an appointment?

Will my child be examined by one physician or will he/she meet all of the physicians in the practice?

Is there a preferred calling hour or does the doctor encourage parents to call or visit whenever questions or concerns arise?