Questions to Ask When Choosing a Pediatrician for Your Baby
If you’re pregnant, you’ve been carefully monitoring both the health of your growing baby and your personal wellbeing. Regular appointments track your child’s development, monitor vital signs, and check for developmental markers. But what about after your baby is born? Have you found a pediatrician?
Finding a pediatrician is just as important to your baby’s health as choosing the right OB/GYN for your prenatal care. Pediatricians guide and track your child’s health from birth through young adulthood. Especially during the first few years of life, a pediatrician marks physical, behavioral, social, and cognitive developments for your child.
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Questions to consider:
What is the physician’s care philosophy?
Care philosophy refers to the physician’s approach to caring for children. During the early weeks following birth through the first years of childhood, there will be decisions you must make regarding your child’s upbringing. Topics such as co-sleeping and antibiotic use will require careful consideration. Understanding your potential pediatrician’s approach to these topics will help you find the best fit for your child and you.
Is the pediatrician readily available?
Access to consultation or care is one of the biggest topics to consider when looking for a pediatrician. If your child wakes up with a fever in the middle of the night, you will likely be concerned and want to speak with your doctor. Will yours be available? Also, how easy is it to schedule an appointment? It is important to ask these questions before choosing a pediatrician to avoid frustrations and concerns further down the road.
Does the doctor encourage questions?
Asking questions about your child’s development and health is natural and should be encouraged by your pediatrician. If you have questions regarding your child’s care, you should be comfortable asking the pediatrician for further information or clarification. Also, your pediatrician should offer necessary information—you should not feel like you have to request details about your child’s health. Your pediatrician should also direct you to supplementary information if necessary.
What is the provider’s reputation?
One of the greatest resources you have when selecting a pediatrician is your social circle. If you have friends with young children, ask if they are familiar with the pediatrician you are considering. Feel free to ask them which pediatrician they visit and why they chose him or her. Asking these simple questions can quickly narrow down your list of potential providers and help you make the right choice.
This article was written by The Longstreet Clinic in North Georgia, a fully-integrated multi-specialty medical group, offering quality services and healthcare for patients, families and the community. The Pediatricians at Longstreet Clinic are committed to delivering the highest quality care for children, from the age of newborns to adolescents.
