Each Texas Childrens Pediatrics practice has a list of insurance plans it accepts, so its easy to see if a given practice takes your insurance. Do they take day-of appointments and have evening and weekend hours? Also look into the hospitals that your candidates are affiliated with you'll want one that's both convenient and reputable. He or she should be a person with whom you would feel comfortable discussing any issue concerning your child and your family. American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatrics. To remain board-certified, pediatricians must continue their education through classes and workshops, demonstrate quality patient care and maintain a valid medical license to demonstrate they are up-to-date on the most current medical practices, knowledge and skills for health care for children of all ages. The nature of appointments will vary as your child becomes older, but theyll have their first checkup within 5 days of delivery. Also, mention all of your concerns when setting up the appointment. @MamaToABug, I'm at ft Bragg and actually have had better experiences with military doctors. If our child has behavior problems that we can't control, how comfortable will you be in helping us with them? Is the doctor willing to explain things carefully? Otherwise, the routine newborn examination can take place anytime during the first 24 hours after birth. Try to collect at least three names of physicians from friends, family members, or even coworkers, or by using our provider finder to find local SSM Health pediatricians. If you have three concerns, but only mention one when scheduling the appointment, your doctor might be ill-prepared. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Does your pediatrician explain the side effects and risks of various medications? You must feel that you can trust her and that your questions will be answered and your concerns handled compassionately. While youre pregnant, you can research pediatricians in your area to find one who accepts your insurance and is close to home or work. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. If youre unsure of where to begin looking for a pediatrician, seeking advice from neighbors, family members, your current primary care provider, or your OB/GYN can be a good place to start. Please feel free to contact us to set up an appointment or learn more about our pediatricians. But theres at least one big thing left on your to-do list: choosing a doctor for your baby. How well do you know the infant and toddler programs in the community? If you want a physician whos focused on kids health, choosing a pediatrician for your baby can be a great decision. Just note that some doctors charge for these visits, while others offer free initial consultations, so youll want to double-check before you book. talk about health and safety. In many ways, your baby's pediatrician is more than her doctor he or she will guide you through runny noses and unexpected coughs, yes, but will also be there to answer your questions about postpartum depression or anxiety and assure you on the bad days that you're actually doing a good job at this whole parenting-a-new-human-being-thing. Dont Miss: How Much Should A Newborn Eat In A Day. Many teams consist of clinicians with differing areas of expertise. With a list of doctors in hand, call the office of each. Ask them what they like best about the practice and why they feel good about the care the doctor provides. Choosing a pediatrician is one of the most important decisions youll make regarding your childs health, and it can be a difficult one. Its OK if doctors and parents have different viewpoints, says Dr. Giuliano. Recommended Reading: How Many Wet And Dirty Diapers Should A Newborn Have. Youll also have time to shop around and get recommendations without feeling rushed. Does the office return calls in a timely manner. If your child is seen by another doctor at night or on the weekend, you should check in by phone with your own pediatrician the next morning (or first thing Monday, after the weekend). If your insurance changes, you may find yourself looking for a new doctor. In that case, youll see the pediatrician you chose at your first well-baby visit outside the hospital, which takes place around a week after your little one is born. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively for 6 months, then be given breast milk along with solids until at least his first year. What kinds of tests or blood work can be done in-house? Good old-fashioned of word of mouth is probably the best way to find a great doctor. Family physicians take care of patients of all ages, from kids to seniors. we went on our insurance website and found one in our plan close to us and called them and they gave us an intro appointment with their office. Is there an onsite lab? Recommended Reading: How To Take Care Of A Newborn Baby. Also, make sure you understand any instructions you receive about your childs care. after the name, that means the doctor belongs to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Both have the same years of training, but pediatricians specialize in children. The doctors medical background and training. Some practices differentiate by offering special services to their patients. The nature of appointments will vary as your child becomes older, but theyll have their first checkup within 5 days of delivery. How to Know If Your Baby Has Sensitive Skin. At South Shore Medical Center, you can find a list of pediatricians who are accepting new patients on our website. Theres also another benefit of finding a pediatrician early: Dr. Alessandrinis recent study, which she co-authored, found that babies who see the same doctor for their first 6 months are up to twice as likely to receive important health tests before they turn 2. But you do want to make sure that your child's pediatrician is board certified. Your pediatrician might appreciate the feedback. Before you talk to your baby's potential pediatrician, do your research first. From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When Youre Expecting. If youre a stay-at-home parent, this may not be an issue, but if you and your partner work and your doctor is only available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, you may find yourself in a bind when it comes to scheduling appointments. Pediatricians also care for adolescents up to age 18 and sometimes beyond. No Doctor: A Third of Pediatricians Won't Treat Families Without Immunizations Pediatricians say they won't treat families whose children aren't. Dont be afraid to ask for recommendations from other parents. Ideally, we like to see newborns one or two days after discharge from the hospital. No matter what medical school a pediatrician graduated from, it really all boils down to patients reports. Get references. In the waiting room, chat up other parents and ask what they like and dislike about the practice. If you choose board-certified doctors, then they will all generally have the same experience. Write down your concerns before each appointment so that you dont forget to ask an important question. This is especially true for babies younger than 6 months old. Many parents think choosing a pediatrician for their newborn is the only option, but thats not true. All pediatricians graduate from medical school, complete a residency program, and receive state licensing. Sticking with the same doctor also prevents wasted time on things like going over whether immunizations are up to date, she says. The doctors medical background and training. This is the key to a trusting and effective relationship., And dont panic if the doctor doesnt see eye to eye with you on everything. Adapted from Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age Five 7th edition (Copyright 2019 American Academy of Pediatrics). But if theyre not affiliated with your hospital, dont worry. Now that your precious cargo is here, it's only natural to feel protective. Who should I call when youre on vacation or the office is closed? How are emergencies handled on the weekend or after hours? Once your baby arrives, the most important test of the pediatrician you have selected is how she cares for your child and responds to your concerns. Narrow down your list to two or three pediatricians and set up a meeting with each one. At the same meet-and-greet appointment, you can get an idea if you feel comfortable and supported by the pediatrician. Here are some tips on how to choose the best provider for your family. She will know local pediatricians who are competent and respected within the medical . These are things you wont get from a website or online reviews written by strangers., If youre pregnant, when you pick a pediatrician is important. Many parents think choosing a pediatrician for their newborn is the only option, but that's not true. You might want to consider someone who is easily accessible and to whom you are comfortable talking about your child's health. If youre pregnant, when you pick a pediatrician is important. Whether this is your first baby or you're an experienced parent, it's important to try and find a pediatrician while you are still pregnant. What about expertise where did they do their training, are they board-certified? Many physicians have a practice website or are included on a health system website. When it comes to questions, here are the top ones to ask staff: Read Also: What Do You Give A Newborn For Constipation. Many times, doctors practice in groups and not as individuals, so if you dont find a good fit with the pediatrician youre meeting with, that doesnt mean there isnt one in that particular office. Board certification is a voluntary process that requires additional training in pediatrics. Speak up if youre unclear about something. Do you have evening and weekend hours, and do you accept day-of appointments if my child is sick? Sometime after the 30th week of pregnancy, make an appointment for you and your partner to meet with a pediatrician or a few pediatricians in your area. Jul 27, 2023 at 3:20 PM. Good old-fashioned of word of mouth is probably the best way to find a great doctor. This is advice about whats to come developmentally for your child and how to help keep the child healthy and safe between visits. Do you have evening and weekend hours, and do you accept day-of appointments if my child is sick? Do you have to wait a long time to see the doctor? Other parents prioritize location close to home, close to school or close to the office. Every doctor wants your child to get high-quality care, and for that to happen, you and your child need to be happy. Does he or she listen to you when youre talking or do you get the sense that you're being rushed? Does your pediatrician respect your opinion? Common symptoms of hMPV include cough, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Also check out the area: Are there books, toys, or a TV to distract children? And your childs school nurse and teachers assistant. But check first with the doctor's office and your health plan. Things to consider when choosing a pediatrician, Questions to ask a potential pediatrician and your family, What to do if you want to switch practitioners, How to communicate well with your pediatrician, scripps.org/news_items/4943-five-things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-pediatrician, healthychildren.org/English/family-life/health-management/Pages/How-To-Choose-A-Pediatrician.aspx. Other ways to find the best pediatrician for your baby? If youre expecting a baby (or already have a child) with special healthcare needs, bring this up. What time does the office open and close? If you're new to an area, start by searching for pediatricians on your insurance company's website or try the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Find a Pediatrician tool. Ask for recommendations from relatives, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and doctors you know. Are you confused about where to start? Whether you bring your child or not, it will be much better than trying to sift through the online reviews of varying quality. During your baby's second year of life, they should be seen by your pediatrician at ages 15, 18, and 24 and 30 months, followed by annual visits from three to five years of age. Pediatricians can graduate from medical school with either an MD (doctor of medicine) or a DO (doctor of osteopathy) degree. Some pediatricians will visit your baby shortly after delivery, but only if theyre affiliated with the hospital youre in. Enter zip code Tip: Expand your results into surrounding areas by only using the first 3 or 4 digits of your zip. The Nemours Foundation. Does he or she dismiss your concerns or speak to you condescendingly? Its a good idea to make sure the pediatrician you would like to meet is board-certified. Evidence suggests that they also reduce wait time and increase patient satisfaction. It can be helpful to have a list of questions to ask as you consider potential pediatricians. Many pediatricians will check the baby daily in the hospital, and then conduct a thorough exam on the day of discharge. Some parents prefer a general practitioner, family physician or chiropractor. Many physicians have a practice website or are included on a health system website. They don't just care for babies and toddlers, though. Do your research 2. Pediatricians are doctors who work with babies, toddlers and big kids exclusively, making them experts in developmental milestones, as well as treating a range of conditions in kids. The number one thing that I wish I would have looked for, and, I believe would have told me a lot about the pediatrician, was the office morale. Pediatricians routinely examine newborns and talk with parents before the babies are discharged from the hospital. Dont make the same mistake I did and choose the wrong doctor for your baby. Here are a few topics you may want to ask about: Babies and children get sick. Its not necessary to meet everyone on the staff, says Dr. Giuliano. Searching for a pediatrician may seem daunting, but with a little preparation, youll find the best pediatrician for your baby and your family. Choosing your pediatrician is an important task. He or she should be a person with whom you would feel comfortable discussing any issue concerning your child and your family. You arent alone. From the day you learn you're pregnant, you make decisions that last your child's lifetime like the name you choose for your baby. If your baby has unique issues, is the doctor familiar with these issues? Before meeting with the pediatrician, the office staff should be able to answer some of your more basic questions: Is the pediatrician accepting new patients with my insurance or managed care plan? For example, does the pediatricians office need to be convenient to your home, workplace, day care or other locations? If you live somewhere where there are multiple pediatricians. Your Baby and Your Pediatrician (and the Internet), Managed Care Plans: Getting Good Care for Your Child, reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts. You also should consider asking your obstetrician for advice. They perform physical examinations and immunizations, monitor development, and diagnose and treat illnesses. Does the practice offer, Can you email your doctor? When you talk with the doctor, you get a feel for their personality, their style and whether you click with them, says Dr. Giuliano. Do you feel rushed during your appointments? Erika R. Cheng, Ph.D., and Tracey A. Wilkinson, M.D., are assistant professors of pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Like. It's not a good sign if a doctor won't meet with you scratch him or her off your list! Doctors vary on how much they press the issue likewise, there are opposing sides to the circumcision debate. If its not too awkward, you can choose a different pediatrician in the same group practice. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information / Opt-Out of Targeted Advertising. Interviewing Pediatricians. Note: All information on Nemours KidsHealth is for educational purposes only. If there isnt enough time to address your other concerns, you might have to schedule a separate appointment. 2005-2023Everyday Health, Inc., a Ziff Davis company. Many parents dont know that you can set up consultations with pediatricians before your baby is born. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy. Most pediatricians' offices set aside times for expectant parents to visit. Remember, youre looking for a doctor whos a good fit for you and your family, so dont be afraid to see this as a job interview, one where youre on the search for the perfect candidate. Do your research. Five things to consider when choosing a pediatrician. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. If not, your baby will have the first checkup from a hospital-affiliated doctor and then have another checkup at your pediatricians office about 5 days after delivery. If you are impressed with what you hear, arrange for an interview during which you can meet the doctor . Do they have adequate parking nearby? While you're waiting, talk to the other parents. An out-of-pocket maximum? Look into insurance. Remember that the doctor may be seeing your child for years to come. The initial office visit helps you determine whether a pediatrician is right for your child. A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the physical, behavioral, and mental care of children. Finding a competent health care provider is necessary, but not always sufficient. Does the office allow same-day or last-minute appointments? Interested in working for SSM Health? If youre pregnant, your obstetrician may also have some recommendations. Understanding what bumps and rashes are normal for baby skin and when a doctors opinion is needed can help you feel better about your babys skin. If the doctor routinely schedules examinations more or less frequently than the AAP's guidelines, discuss the differences with them. Its also helpful to know exactly what youre responsible for: Co-pays? Its not uncommon to see your pediatrician more in the first year of your babys life. For older babies, call if they have respiratory symptoms that don't . What happens if my child gets sick in the middle of the night or on the weekend? With which hospital(s) is the doctor affiliated? Your pediatrician should have a standard fee structure for hospital and office visits as well as after- hours visits and home visits . If youre expecting, you should choose one about 3 months before your due date. If for any reason it doesn't seem like a good match, its better to find out early on in the process. Last medically reviewed on June 18, 2020. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. If you dont already have a pediatrician, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool. You might want to start by calling the pediatricians' office staff to get some basic information before scheduling a virtual, phone or in-person meeting with the doctor. You May Like: How Much Formula Should Newborn Have. Its a good thing to look for, but its not the only thing.. If you are unhappy with any aspect of the treatment you and your child are receiving, you should talk to the pediatrician directly about the problem. Programs for DOs usually focus on a holistic ("whole body") approach to medicine. Please enable scripts and reload this page. A good relationship with your childs doctor is essential now and as they grow.. Read Also: How To Treat Constipation In Newborns On Formula. or Country State City Tip: Cities with abbreviations may be listed in different formats. Additional appointments can be scheduled any time that you have a concern or if your child is ill. Also Check: How To Get Newborn To Go To Sleep. The closer you get to childbirth, the less time you have to find a pediatrician, and you don't want to rush this important decision. How easy is it to reach a person after hours? This is an exciting time, and we look forward to providing your family comprehensive, high-quality pediatric care in an efficient and professional manner. Parents should start looking for a pediatrician weeks before Baby is due. A pediatrician is not the only health care provider trained to see babies, children, and adolescents.
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