When you’re expecting a child, taking care of yourself and preparing for the baby’s arrival are your priorities. You also have many decisions to make, including who will provide your child’s medical care for the years to come. This is not a choice to make after birth, however. Choosing a pediatrician is a process not to be taken lightly and should be done before your baby arrives.
Why Choose a Pediatrician Early?
Ideally, it’s recommended that you choose a pediatrician between the 28th and 34th week of your pregnancy, but to be cautious, you should start on the earlier side of that range for several reasons.
- Time to Research and Interview
You’ll want to have adequate time to find a few candidates, research their credentials, experience, and reviews, and to interview them to find one that you can trust.
- Hospital Care
If you have a pediatrician in place before birth, they may be able to come to the hospital to check on the baby and provide any care that they may need.
- Newborn Care
Newborns need to see a pediatrician shortly after birth and several times during the first weeks and months of life. You don’t want to be scrambling to find a pediatrician in those first precious days when you have your baby at home.
How to Choose a Pediatrician
Choosing a pediatrician is a step-by-step process.
- Ask for referrals from people you trust
You can request referrals from your OB/GYN, family, and friends to get a list of options. Try to come up with a list of four to six.
- Check your insurance for coverage
Call your health insurance company to see if the pediatricians on your list are covered, and to get more pediatrician options if you need them.
- Check locations
It’s a good idea to have your pediatrician close by for convenience and in case of emergency, so check their locations.
- Do some research
Check their websites to learn about their experience, qualifications, board certifications, hospital affiliation, and services offered. Also check their online reviews from other parents.
- Schedule interviews
Make appointments with the pediatricians on your list so that you can interview them. Most pediatricians are more than willing to meet with you.
Interviewing Potential Pediatricians
When interviewing a pediatrician, you should be armed with a list of questions. Some things you might want to ask include:
- What is your care philosophy?
This is a multi-faceted question that should include things like how they feel about vaccinations, breastfeeding and nutrition, and any other matters that are important to you. You’ll want a pediatrician whose care philosophy coincides with your own.
- What are your office hours?
Find out how convenient their hours will be for you, such as for evening or weekend visits.
- How far ahead do I need to schedule well visits?
Busy pediatric practices sometimes require scheduling ahead by a week or two. You’ll want to get a feel for how difficult it will be to get your child’s checkups scheduled on time.
- Do you offer same day sick appointments?
When your child is sick, you’ll want a pediatrician who will accommodate your needs and see your child quickly.
- Is your practice a group practice?
If the pediatrician is part of a group practice, you’ll want to learn about the other pediatricians in the group who may care for your child when your regular pediatrician is unavailable.
- How do you handle questions?
Learn about how you can ask questions when you don’t actually need an appointment. They may have a digital communication system or a nurse helpline.
- Do you separate sick and well visit areas?
Some pediatrician offices have separate areas for sick visits and well visits to reduce the risk of your child catching another child’s illness.
- Do you offer virtual visits?
Some pediatricians offer virtual visits when no vaccinations are necessary.
- How do you handle newborn care?
Ask if they will see your baby in the hospital, and when the first office visits will be scheduled.
During the interview, you’ll also be able to evaluate their communication style and personality, but your instincts will also guide you. You want to feel a sense of comfort, trust, and connection.
What to Expect from Your First Pediatrician Visit
At your first visit, which should occur within five days of birth, your pediatrician will weigh your baby, examine them from head to toe, and ask you about how they are eating, pooping, and sleeping. The hepatitis B vaccine may be given if it was not done at the hospital. The pediatrician will also likely offer advice about daily care and safety.
Most importantly, this is your time to ask questions. New parents often worry about little things, so don’t be afraid to take some of their time to ask about all of your concerns. They should be more than willing to answer all of your questions.
In Closing
Choosing a pediatrician should happen sooner rather than later, so start the process well before your due date. This gives you time to really do your homework and interview candidates. At Health Service Alliance, our pediatricians are here to answer your questions and to care for your new baby. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized, and accessible care regardless of your ability to pay. Reach out today to learn more.
