What are some important questions to ask when interviewing a new pediatrician?

Question

I am due with my first baby in about 5 weeks and have an appt. to interview a pediatrician tomorrow. What are some useful questions and things I should take note of when visiting her office and staff?

Answer 1

How much do they charge for regular doc. visits? What is their take on breastfeeding? How much time is allotted per visit/needed for taking time to answer questions? Take on vaccines that are outside the normal scheduled ones? When are they available in case of emergencies and how easy is it to get ahold of them? What hospital(s) are they affiliated with? If she is out on vacation or for some other reason, will there be an affiliate pediatrician to be referred to? *You might want to interview that one, too.* How many years have they been in practice? What is their area of specialty when dealing with babies/children? How long can a child see the pediatrician (from birth to what age?)? How would they deal with a child who has a fear of the doctor, shots, medicine, etc.? What is their take on dental health (how soon and what to do?) Recommendations on brands for medicine and when to use/how often and when to wait?
*Take note of their patience, friendly demeanor, attentiveness, knowledge expressed, time for your concerns, professionalism, courtesy.*

Answer 2

Look around the office. Is it warm and inviting? Colorful? Or does it look like your adult doctor's office? Does the staff appear friendly? How do they interact with the kids?

When you meet with the doctor, you want to know if their philosophies work with yours. For example: if you choose not to vaccinate or want to delay vaccines, you don't want a doctor who's going to make you feel like you're an abusive parent. You want a doctor who is going to provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision, and respect your decision. You don't want a doctor who's going make you feel like an idiot for asking questions. Another thing to consider is are they quick to just medicate or do they do what's pertient to the individual case? (If they're writing antibiotics for a cold, move on. If they'd like you to wait at least 24 hours before giving antibiotics for a first time ear infection, while giving pain medication - that's appropriate in many cases, based on the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines.)

Another important thing is - accessibility? What are their office hours? Are they closed any day? What about at nighttime, or if they're closed - if you have an emergency in the middle of the night, will you be able to speak to someone? Will that someone be from their practice or somewhere else? Are there phone-in hours or do you have to leave a message? What hospital(s) do they have priviledges at? (You don't want the only hospital they're affiliated with an hour away from your home.)

Do they have an issue with referring to specialists? Some doctors feel a need to try to treat everything themselves. Many pediatricians know their limitations and have no problem referring a case to someone who might be more in tune.


Asking where they went to school is not such a big deal. You want to know how long they've been in practice, and how current their treatment philosophies are. You don't necessarily want the doctor who is going to jump on the bandwagon for every new medication on the market just because it's there. You want the one who knows the most pertinent protocols for anything your child might encounter.

Overall, you want to get a good vibe from the whole office in general. If the office staff is unpleasant, does that mean they're having a bad day or is the doctor a real SOB to work for? If you can observe them interacting with the patients, the better. Above all, trust your gut instinct. If you don't feel comfortable, keep looking.

Remember, as one of the doctors (who's been in practice over 40 years) I work with once said to me: "What do you call the guy who graduated last in his class at medical school? Doctor."

Answer 3

How long have you ever been training? Ask approximately vaccines and autism to ascertain what he/she thinks. What are your hours? How do you cope with emergency calls on weekends or after hours? you are able to constantly ask why they desperate to grow to be a doctor. tell them in case you intend on breastfeeding or bottle feeding. See what their reaction is. in the event that they frown upon one way or the different, then you definately comprehend your pediatrician isn't suitable for you. The well-being practitioner would desire to assist you the two way. How uncomplicated are you able to get in for an appt like in the adventure that your infant had a rash, chilly, etc.? And have they have been given a ill waiting room? At my pediatrician's place of work they have a area separated by ability of glass this is for ill sufferers. To me, this is substantial. good success and congrats!

Answer 4

I've included links to 3 places with questions that you might want to ask.

One question I personally would ask would be how willing is the ped going to go along with my modified vaccination schedule. I don't want to be fighting every appointment. If you have a boy and plan to circumcize, ask him/her whether it can be done in the office at less cost (lately insurance is not covering it for many and it costs double in the hospital).

If you plan to breastfeed, ask what this doctor's training is in breastfeeding. Most doctors have absolutely no training in nutrition and at the first moment of trouble recommend formula. This is a doctor that isn't going to be that helpful to you should you have breastfeeding problems, but may be a good doctor otherwise. Always keep in mind that peds are medical experts, not parenting experts.