Choosing a pediatrician is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. Your child's pediatrician will be there for everything—from regular checkups to illnesses, injuries and preventive care. It's important to find a doctor you trust to help keep your child healthy.
Nazima Zakhidova, M.D., Pediatrician at Children's Health℠, shares tips to help you find the right pediatrician for your family.
Ask for recommendations
A good place to start is by asking family, friends, neighbors or coworkers if they recommend any pediatricians. Online reviews and parenting groups can also give helpful information. Once you have a list of doctors, research their experience and see what other parents have said about them.
Consider location and convenience
Choose a pediatrician whose office is easy to get to, whether it's near your home, daycare or your child's school. This is especially important if your child needs frequent visits or has a medical condition. You don't want to drive too far if your child is sick or injured.
Check office hours
Look for a pediatrician with office hours that fit your family's schedule. Some doctors offer early morning, evening or weekend appointments, which can be helpful for working parents. Also, ask if they offer same-day sick visits or telehealth appointments for when your child gets sick suddenly.
Make sure they accept your insurance
Before you decide, confirm that the pediatrician accepts your health insurance. Ask about their fees for after-hours care or missed appointments, so you won't be surprised by unexpected costs.
Look for Board-Certified Pediatricians
Make sure the pediatrician is board-certified, which means they've had special training and passed exams to care for kids. Pediatricians with this certification are trained to handle the unique health needs of children, from newborns to teenagers.
Ask about after-hours care
It's important to know what to do if your child gets sick after the office closes. Ask if the practice has an after-hours nurse line or an on-call doctor to help with questions. Some offices partner with urgent care centers or have telehealth services for after-hours care.
Consider your child's specific health needs
If your child has a medical condition, such as asthma or allergies, ask the pediatrician about their experience treating those issues. It's helpful if they have connections with specialists who can provide extra care. If you're expecting a baby, ask if the doctor will visit your newborn in the hospital and how soon you should schedule the first appointment.
Visit the office
Many pediatricians offer a meet-and-greet appointment, which lets you see the office and meet the staff. This is a great way to see how the office runs. Pay attention to how clean and organized it is, how long the wait times are, and how the staff treats you and your child. It's important to feel comfortable and welcomed.
Trust your instincts
Above all, trust your gut. You should feel comfortable with the pediatrician and confident in their care. You'll be seeing them often, so it's important to have a good relationship with them.
Find a pediatrician
Children's Health Primary Care offers comprehensive health care for children from birth through young adulthood. Our pediatricians combine quality care with evidence-based practice to meet your child's medical needs. Learn more and find a pediatrician.
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