Choosing a Pediatrician
by pediatric nurses from the St. Louis Children's Hospital AnswerLine

As a parent, perhaps nothing is more important than your child's good health. And other than you, no one will be more involved in ensuring good health for your child than your pediatrician.

Most parents and children develop close and lasting relationships with their pediatrician.If you take care to select a pediatrician who matches your personality and needs, working together to keep your child healthy will prove to be an enjoyable experience.

Your pediatrician will become much more than a person who cares for your child when he or she is sick. Your pediatrician will be a friend who offers reassurance, advice, and guidance throughout your child's years of growth and development.

Things to Consider
Before beginning the selection process, parents should think about what things are most important to them when choosing a pediatrician.
¥ Would you feel more comfortable dealing with an older doctor or a younger doctor?
¥ Would you prefer a male or female physician?
¥ Is it important for the doctor's office to be close to your home? Work?
¥ Does your health insurance plan limit your choice of physicians?

When you've determined your preferences, there are several sources you can use to find the names of specific doctors. Your obstetrician, friends, and relatives may all have suggestions and recommendations. Or, you may contact a hospital's physician referral service. These services can find a pediatrician in your insurance plan and provide you with information about the doctor's training, board certification, office hours, and more.

Schedule an interview to meet the pediatrician you are considering. This introductory visit will help you determine whether you feel comfortable asking the doctor questions and whether his or her answers make sense to you. Many pediatricians will schedule an interview with you at no charge.

What Should You Ask the Office Staff?
It is not uncommon for parents to talk with a pediatrician's office staff as often as they talk to the doctor. You'll want to feel comfortable with your pediatrician's staff and ask them some important questions about the practice.

Here are a few suggestions: ¥ How many patients are usually seen in an hour? ¥ How long do patients usually wait to see the doctor? ¥ What are the office hours? ¥ Are there designated phone hours to speak to the doctor? ¥ Will you be able to speak with a nurse to seek routine information? ¥ Will your child have a primary physician, or do several doctors share patient care responsibilities? ¥ Is someone available to handle emergencies during evening or weekend hours?

What Should You Ask the Doctor?
Mothers and fathers have hundreds of questions about their child's health and development. Be assured that pediatricians are accustomed to answering lots of questions – and most delight in sharing their knowledge and experience to help children start healthy lives.

When you talk with the doctor, don't be shy about asking questions. Pediatricians understand how important a child's health is to parents.

Here are possible questions to ask when interviewing a doctor: ¥ Is the physician certified by the American Board of Pediatrics or other specialty boards? ¥ Where did the doctor attend medical school and receive postgraduate training? ¥ When hospitalization is necessary, does the pediatrician admit patients to a hospital specializing in pediatric care? ¥ What other members of the staff assist the doctor in caring for patients? What are their roles and qualifications? ¥ What are the doctor's views on issues like breastfeeding and bottlefeeding? Opinions vary among pediatricians, so it may be helpful to have a pediatrician who shares your feelings. ¥ What are the doctor's views on well-baby care? Early childhood development? Answers to these types of questions may tell you whether your philosophy of child-raising corresponds to the pediatrician's.

Having a baby can be one of the most exciting times of your life. It can also be one of the most frightening. Having a good pediatrician you can trust and rely upon is a great step toward a healthy, happy baby.

Editorial provided by pediatric nurses from the St. Louis Children's Hospital AnswerLine for BJC Health System.