As a loving parent, your child’s health should be your top priority, so you should know how to choose a pediatrician. You want to ensure you pick a doctor who can solve your child’s health issues. Here are tips to help you find the best pediatrician for your kids.
How to Choose a Pediatrician for Your Family
Consider working with a pediatrician with the knowledge and experience of the kid’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs. There are many factors to consider before the search for a pediatrician you can trust, including these:
- Location and Availability
- Insurance and Payment Options
- Qualifications and Experience
- Communication and Bedside Manner
- Medical Philosophy and Approach
- Referral Network and Specialist Collaboration
- Office Environment and Staff
- Emergency and After-Hours Care
- Vaccine Policies and Recommendations
- Child Development and Behavioral Support
1) Location and Availability
The pediatrician’s clinic should be in a strategic location for convenience. So, are you looking for a pediatrician operating near your home, workplace, or your child’s daycare center? Also, the pediatrician’s availability matters, so check the doctor’s office hours.
2) Insurance and Payment Options
Confirming if a pediatrician accepts your current insurance and payment option is essential. And if the clinic doesn’t take your insurance, inquire about the expenses you’ll incur during a visit. Ensure your insurance company knows about the medical costs.
3) Qualifications and Experience
Is the pediatrician qualified and certified to offer pediatric services? Ask the pediatrician about their qualifications and certifications before scheduling a visit. For example, a board-certified doctor must graduate from medical school and have completed residency programs in pediatrics. Besides, their experience should be remarkable, having operated in the industry for many years.
4) Communication and Bedside Manner
A good pediatrician should be able to communicate with clients effectively to establish a good rapport with them. So, look for a pediatrician that offers easy and convenient communication through various channels. That way, you can easily reach the doctor. Also, ensure the pediatrician has an excellent bedside manner.
5) Medical Philosophy and Approach
Kindly ask the pediatrician to explain their philosophy of care in medical practice. Discuss the number of visits to expect during the first year and what to do if additional, unexpected medical care becomes essential. In other words, the pediatrician’s treatment approach should be satisfactory.
6) Referral Network and Specialist Collaboration
A good pediatrician has an extended referral network and many collaborations with other health experts. That’s because some county or local medical societies offer referral services to pediatricians in the specific area. So, if you live near a major medical center, contact the pediatrics department for names of specialized doctors in your area.
7) Office Environment and Staff
Does the office environment meet the standards of a pediatric clinic? Is the staff qualified and friendly to the patients? Well, ensure that the office environment and room feel comfortable. The staff should also have the expertise to handle your children carefully.
8) Emergency and After-Hours Care
A good pediatrician offers emergency services, allowing patients to visit anytime during an emergency. So, inquire about your doctors’ emergency and after-hours care services. Ensure the office hours are favorable to ensure convenience.
9) Vaccine Policies and Recommendations
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), routine child checkups are essential, especially for vaccinating children aged 24 months and below. So, review the vaccine policies and recommendations of your pediatrician to verify compliance.
10) Child Development and Behavioral Support
A good pediatrician understands children’s developmental and behavioral issues and needs. Then, they offer personalized support services to ensure your child is healthy. Besides, the pediatrician should be ready to act in your child’s best interests.
Pediatric Care at Pasadena Health Center
Now that you know how to choose a pediatrician, it’s time to start looking for a pediatrician certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. PHC has board-certified pediatricians to help improve your child’s health.
Contact us today to schedule a visit to our health center.
