What do you look for in a pediatrician for your children ages birth to 18?
Answer:
I went with my daughter's pediatrician because absolutely everyone that I have talked to uses him or one of the two other doctors in his office. Both of my OB's recommended him and I have even asked strangers that I see who have children what pediatrician they use and they also all use my daughter's or one of the other two. Everyone that I talk to raves about the pediatricians and nurses in that office. I'm starting to think it's a problem though, because it is always extremely difficult to get through to their office when I have a question. It has taken me up to three hours of repeated calling to get through before. Sometimes I get a busy signal and sometimes I get a recording instructing me to call 911 if I have an emergency or to continue to call back if I need to speak to someone, you can't leave a message. When I have been able to get through it takes forever to get a nurse on the phone so I can ask questions - I have been on hold for over 35 minutes before. For my daughter's last appointment - her 2-month check up - we were at the office for about 2 1/2 hours because of wait time and we didn't even actually get to see a doctor, just a student nurse and then a regular nurse for a few seconds.
I'm looking for a different pediatrician for my daughter because I am fed up with not being able to get in touch with their office. Everyone says that her current pediatrician is wonderful, and he might be, but it doesn't do us any good if I can't ever get through to him. I really wish I could find someone who could recommend another pediatrician for us because I don't just want to pick one out of the phone book - that may be what I have to do though.
i look for her hours convenience to your hours and if she can be called after hours.
Someone who will explain things but not talk down to me. Someone who understands that babies and little kids will cry and knows how to deal with it. Someone with a lot of experience who has good bedside manners.
I was fortunate and had friends that had children before me and was able to recommend a wonderful pediatrician. So, to answer your question...first thing would be recommendation from someone that has been with him/her for at least a year. The rest would be personal preferences that I would look for, like being able to understand the doctor and will the doctor take the time to answer my questions and concerns ect.
When I turned probably 12 and was still going to a pediatrician I felt really dumb. When you look around and all you see are little kids and the waiting room is obviously meant for little kids, your child begins to feel stupid. Once they become a teenager I would recommend finding a family practice. This will make your child feel a lot more comfortable.
Someone who explains things to me and someone who is good with the children.
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