Also check out the area: Are there books, toys, or a TV to distract children? Do the receptionists seem on top of internal and external communications? Board certified: A pediatrician has completed medical school as well as a three-year residency in pediatrics.
AAP member: Check to see if a potential doctor belongs to the American Academy of Pediatrics , which indicates that he adheres to the organization's guidelines and standards. But unless a doctor makes a blatant error in diagnosis, consider giving her a few visits before switching.
If you do decide to "break up," just call the office and ask them to transfer your records. Only do this after you've found a new pediatrician. If your criticism is something the doctor or practice could improve upon, like a cluttered waiting room or delayed call-back times, then it's helpful to let the practice know, says Jennifer Shu, M.
Jana's co-author. How to Select a Pediatrician. By Nicole Harris Updated January 10, Save Pin FB More. By Nicole Harris. Be the first to comment! No comments yet. Close this dialog window Add a comment. Pediatricians might seem like super humans, but at the end of the day, they are just like the rest of us. A day in the life of a pediatrician looks similar to many of our working days.
They can only work so many hours and get so much done before they have to call it quits. Additionally, you need to look deeper under the surface with this one. Not only do you want to know their overall load, you want to specifically ask the pediatrician when they normally see the most patients and when they currently have time for more clients.
If the answer they give means that you really can only see them during your lunch hour or at the earliest time of the day, you might want to reconsider. No pediatrician will be able to fit your schedule just perfectly. Still, though, you want a pediatrician who has some time and space to work with you.
How flexible a doctor is with you should be one of the things to look for in a pediatrician. A third piece on your list of things to look for in a pediatrician needs to involve whether your doctor welcomes your input or not.
This category follows along with our prior item about knowing if the staff is helpful and accommodating. Both things point to whether your pediatrician cares about you as a person or just sees you as another illness.
We all know that doctors treat illness. After all, you and your child are more than a problem to be fixed. You are people with emotions and input of your own. You need to consider whether your potential pediatrician sees you as a person to communicate with. Ultimately, your doctor should welcome questions from you as the patient. Since you plan on seeing your pediatrician for many years, you want someone that you can connect with.
They might not end up being a close friend. Still, they should know something of your likes and dislikes and your thoughts and opinions. To get to the bottom of whether or not a pediatrician welcomes questions, you really need to pay attention when you first meet them. During your interview with a pediatrician, do they ask you questions to see if you would fit in with their practice? When you try to engage them more than just on talking about disease, do they show genuine interest in your feelings?
These things matter because how your pediatrician sees your input can direct how your relationship with them develops. In addition to talking with the pediatrician, try your hardest to ask longtime patients how they interact with the pediatrician.
Many of these long-term patients can give you the best gauge of how the pediatrician really interacts with their patients. Ultimately, you act as the client to any potential pediatrician. You set up the appointments.
Board certification is a voluntary process that requires additional training in pediatrics. Upon completion, doctors take an examination to become certified by The American Board of Pediatrics. Board certification is a valuable tool because these pediatricians have demonstrated competency in:. The initial office visit helps you determine whether a pediatrician is right for your child. Observe how the pediatrician interacts with your newborn or child. Do they show a genuine interest in your baby?
If your baby has unique issues, is the doctor familiar with these issues? Listen to your gut. For expecting families, pediatrician offices offer similar visits where you can meet the pediatrician and staff, ask questions, and tour the office. During this time, your child will have numerous wellness visits to check their physical and mental development. After the initial checkup, your doctor may schedule a 1-month appointment. Every wellness visit includes anticipatory guidance.
For instance, there are many different methods of helping a baby learn to fall and stay asleep through the night. During your first few visits after your baby is born, pay attention to how the doctor interacts with your child.
Your infant will develop a special bond with your pediatrician. You want your little one to be comfortable with your choice as she or he grows and develops. Learn as much as possible about the pediatrician you are considering for your child.
Some pediatricians offer same-day visits. That too could make a difference for you.
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