Choosing a pediatrician is one of the most important decisions you make regarding your child’s well-being. When entrusting your child’s health to a pediatrician, you are bound to have concerns about whether you are picking the right practice or doctor.
After all, this is the person you may turn to for everything from routine checkups and childhood illnesses to questions about sleep, feeding, development and behavior. You want someone who is knowledgeable, accessible and, just as importantly, someone you feel comfortable talking to.
There is no single pediatrician who will be the perfect fit for every family. Your priorities, parenting style, location, insurance coverage and your child’s individual needs can all play a role in the decision.
If you’re interviewing potential doctors or visiting a pediatric practice for the first time, it helps to know what to ask. Here are five questions to ask when choosing a pediatrician. Although not exhaustive, this list points you in the right direction when it comes to selecting a doctor or practice for your child.
1. What Is the Pediatrician’s Philosophy?
What are the pediatrician’s views on parenting, medicine and treatment? This includes breastfeeding, circumcision, putting baby to sleep, co-sleeping, weaning, vaccination and administering antibiotics for common ailments. Is she open to other views? How long has she been in practice and what influences her views the most?
You don’t necessarily need a pediatrician who agrees with you about everything. In fact, you may appreciate a doctor who offers a different perspective when it is supported by medical evidence. What matters is whether you feel comfortable discussing questions and concerns without feeling dismissed.
You may also want to ask how the pediatrician approaches shared decision-making. When there is more than one reasonable treatment option, will the doctor explain the advantages and disadvantages and involve you in the decision?
A good relationship between parents and a pediatrician depends on trust and communication, so consider not only what the doctor believes but also how those beliefs are communicated.
2. How Available Is the Pediatrician?
How easy is it to get an appointment with the doctor? If there is more than one doctor at the practice, will you get to choose your preferred pediatrician every time? Will the doctor be available on certain days or at certain hours to answer questions over the phone? Does he return phone calls himself? Does the doctor accept and answer email questions? Does the doctor offer after-hours or weekend appointments?
Availability can become especially important when your child is sick. Ask whether the practice reserves appointments for children who need to be seen the same day and what happens if your child becomes ill after regular office hours.
It is also helpful to know who will answer your questions when your pediatrician isn’t available. Some practices have nurses, nurse practitioners or another pediatrician available to provide advice.
Consider the practical details, too. How far is the office from your home, school or daycare? Is parking convenient? Those factors might not seem particularly important during an introductory visit, but they can make a big difference when you’re trying to get a sick child to an appointment.
3. What Hospitals and Medical Facilities Is the Pediatrician Affiliated With?
Which hospital is the doctor affiliated with? How does the doctor or practice respond to emergencies — does the doctor who is on call pay a visit or can you request that your child’s doctor be present? Is the doctor affiliated with any other institution or research organization? What is her specific area of interest or study?
Hospital affiliation may be particularly important if your child has an existing medical condition or is likely to require specialist care.
You may also want to ask how referrals are handled. Does the pediatrician have an established network of pediatric specialists? How quickly can the office arrange a referral if your child needs to see a dermatologist, allergist, cardiologist or another specialist?
Understanding how the practice coordinates care can give you a better idea of what to expect if your child’s medical needs become more complicated.
4. How Does the Pediatrician Share Information?
Does the doctor volunteer information or encourage questions during the visit? Does he perform developmental tests or rely on parents’ observations and answers? Is he open to answering your concerns and participating in discussions regarding aspects of child development such as discipline, language, social behavior and sleep problems? Does he expect directions to be followed? Does he provide additional reading material and point you to helpful resources?
The way a pediatrician communicates can be just as important as the information being communicated. You should feel comfortable asking questions, even when you’re worried that they may seem minor.
Pay attention during your first visit. Does the doctor listen carefully? Does she explain medical information in terms you can understand? Do you feel rushed, or are you given enough time to discuss your concerns?
You may also want to ask whether the practice uses an online patient portal where you can view test results, vaccination records, appointment information and messages from the medical team.
5. What Will Pediatric Care Cost?
How much does the doctor charge for each type of visit? How often does the doctor schedule well-child visits, what is the duration of each visit and what kinds of tests are performed at each visit? How much does the practice charge for phone consultations? How does the doctor’s office handle billing, payments, lab expenses and insurance claims?
The answers will depend considerably on where you live and how your health care is funded or insured. Even when routine medical visits are covered, there may be additional fees for forms, medical records, missed appointments, telephone consultations or services that aren’t included in your health plan.
Ask about these policies before you need them so there aren’t any surprises later.
Choosing the Right Pediatrician for Your Family
These five questions to ask when choosing a pediatrician can help you compare doctors and practices, but don’t overlook your own comfort level.
After meeting the pediatrician, ask yourself a few questions, too. Did you feel listened to? Were your questions answered clearly? Did the doctor seem comfortable interacting with your child? Can you imagine calling this person when you’re worried about your child’s health?
Credentials, experience and office policies are important, but so is the relationship you develop with your child’s doctor.
The right pediatrician should be someone you trust to provide sound medical guidance while listening to your concerns and helping you make informed decisions about your child’s health. Since you may be seeing this person for many years, taking a little extra time to find the right fit can be well worth the effort.
