Choosing a Pediatrician

Selecting a pediatrician is an important family decision. Whether you are new in town or expecting a baby, the best time to choose a pediatrician is before you need one. Your pediatrician is an important family resource not only for medical care, but also for advice and information through the various stages of your child's growth and development.

Recommendations for a pediatrician can come from various sources including obstetricians, family practitioners, friends, relatives or neighbors. Good candidates should be medically qualified and open to parents’ thoughts and feelings, and share similar views regarding childhood development. It may be important to consider insurance coverage in the choice of a pediatrician.

Many pediatricians will agree to meet you for a short visit beforehand to get acquainted. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the office firsthand and learn about the pediatrician's credentials and style of practice.

It may be helpful to prepare a list of questions prior to meeting with the doctor. These may include:

• What are the doctor's usual hours?
• Are there weekend or evening hours?
• Who answers calls after hours? If there are other doctors involved, who are they?
• Where should you take your child in an emergency and can the doctor take care of your child there?
• If you are expecting, will the doctor be present to evaluate the baby after birth at the hospital?
• Does the office accept your insurance?
• Does the office bill the insurance company? Is there someone to help with insurance if there is a problem?

Meet the Doctors Event

Expectant parents and parents new to the area can meet community pediatricians at our Meet the Doctors event, held quarterly. For more information, contact [email protected].