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How to Find A Good Pediatrician
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How to Find A Good Pediatrician
By: Steven P. Shelov, M.D., M.S. (Chairman, Department of Pediatrics,
Maimonides Medical Center; Professor of Pediatrics at S.U.N.Y. Health
Science Center, Brooklyn, New York) for Your Baby Today
During the last trimester of pregnancy, many parents-to-be start
thinking about choosing a pediatrician for their baby. The idea
of finding the right doctor -- one who possesses all of the qualities
and necessary qualifications to help you care for your child --
can seem like a daunting task. But before you get overwhelmed, remember
that pediatricians are committed to helping parents raise healthy
children with the greatest possible ease, comfort, pleasure and
success.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, an organization of board-certified
pediatricians, prides itself in having superb childrenÕs
doctors as its members. A pediatrician who is certified by the American
Board of Pediatrics will have will have graduated from medical school
after four years, received three years of training in pediatrics
as a pediatric resident, and passed the American Board of Pediatrics
written examination.
One of the best people to ask for a pediatrician referral is your
obstetrician. During and following a delivery, obstetricians and
pediatricians must interact to oversee the care of both the mother
and baby. Other moms in your neighborhood can also be a good source
for referrals since they can relate their personal experiences.
Because you're looking for a doctor whose style and availability
matches your own expectations, you should try and meet with various
candidates for a brief informational interview. Here are some questions
you may want to ask:
· What hospital are you affiliated with? It's important that
you feel comfortable with this hospital in case your child must
go there to be treated for an illness or in an emergency situation.
· What are the costs of care? Find out which services are
covered by insurance which ones aren't.
· How available are you by phone? The pediatrician you choose
should be easy to reach and provide covering doctors when she can't
be contacted.
· What are routine child-care checks and when are they scheduled?
The AAP recommends checkups by one month, and at two four, six,
nine, twelve, fifteen, and twenty-four months.
In addition to the above questions, interviewing one or more pediatricians
gives you the opportunity to meet the staff, check out the offices,
and get a sense of a pediatricianÕs personality and style
-- all important factors to consider before selecting a doctor that
will care for your child.
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