Finding a Pediatrician
As a new parent, it’s important to find a pediatrician with whom you feel comfortable. If your child becomes ill, you want to have a good working relationship with a doctor you trust and respect, and who will be there to support you.
Begin by evaluating the pediatrician practices in your local area. Determine whether it matters to you if you have a male or female pediatrician. Be aware that while it’s all the same to infants, some children as they get older feel more at ease working with a doctor of the same sex. If possible, visit the offices and meet the physicians in person. Or find out if your hospital has a “Meet the Doctors” night attended by area pediatricians.
Since you’ll be visiting a pediatrician shortly after bringing your child home, don’t leave this task until the last minute. “You have nine months to plan. You should always choose your pediatrician beforehand,” says Dr. Bhutani.
Quick Tips: Time to Call the Doctor
Watch for these signs that it‘s time to call your pediatrician:
- Your newborn’s breathing is faster or irregular
- You notice blueness or a darkness on the lips or face
- Your newborn has a fever
- Your newborn’s body temperature has dropped
- You see signs of dehydration (less than 3 to 4 wet diapers in a 24-hour period)
- Your baby’s belly button or circumcision area looks infected
- Your newborn’s jaundice does not decrease by the fifth day
- Your baby is crying a lot or appears sluggish
- You think your baby is not looking or feeling well
Quick Tips: Choosing a Pediatrician
The following are a few questions from the AAP to help you select a pediatrician:
- What are the office hours? Is emergency coverage available 24/7?
- Which hospital does the pediatrician use?
- Do they accept your insurance plan and how does the office process billing and claims?
- What are the qualifications of the pediatrician? Is he or she an AAP member (i.e., “FAAP,”a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics)?
Last Updated 11/2/2009
Source Healthy Children Magazine, Back to School 2008
The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
