Page 10 How To Guide • Thursday, March 13, 2025
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Choose a Pediatrician
Choosing the Best Pediatrician for Your Child
For a child, visiting a doctor’ s office might seem like a terrifying prospect. initial visits can make an indelible mark on children for future treatments and the cold, clinical atmosphere of most medical clinics can be an immediate source of fear.
Fortunately, pediatricians are trained not only in medical treatment for children but how to make them most comfortable during their visits. Welcoming, child-friendly waiting and exam rooms, along with caring, friendly staff work wonders on children.
if you’ re looking for a pediatrician for your child, here are some tips on how to get started.
Recommendations
Family, friends and acquaintances will likely have recommendations about good pediatricians in your area. Parents will be happy to share about their experiences at the pediatrician’ s office.
You can also check with your OB / GYn. they will have informed recommendations to help you select the best doctor.
don’ t just collect one or two names. ideally, you should have a list of at least three professionals. it will help you compare and make the right selection.
if you are new to town, consider joining a local forum such as Maple Grove Moms or next door for recommendations on a great pediatrician in your neighborhood.
Insurance next, look at your insurance policy. Find out if any of the people on the list are part of your network plan. remember that children visit the doctor more frequently than adults because they catch a lot of viruses while building up their immune systems. doctors not covered by your insurance should be crossed off your list. You might also reconsider your insurance policy.
Narrowing the List it is time to arrange a“ Meet You” visit with each physician to help you determine who will work best with your child.
Look at their office locations. they should be in a convenient location, not far from your home. You will probably visit this doctor quite often, so convenience is a big factor. consider factors such as how long did you wait on hold when you called and how quickly you could get an appointment.
When you meet with the doctor, ask about his or her philosophy. Some physicians prefer to run lots of tests. Others have a more relaxed and watchful waiting approach. collaborate with this physician to determine the best treatment for your child.
Parents who follow a holistic philosophy might have to look harder to find a doctor who is open-minded about alternative medicine. if you are interested in alternative vaccine schedules, be sure to find out if your doctor is receptive to this idea.
The Visit Bring your child along for this meeting. it will help you gauge their interaction. the doctor should make your child feel at ease. He should be patient, tolerant and friendly.
You must feel comfortable with this medical professional as well. He should take the time to answer your questions thoughtfully. inquire about their emergency and acute illness availability. if your child gets sick in the middle of the night, can you call the pediatrician or nurse? Find out about office hours and when you need to visit the hospital instead. is the office decorated with children in mind? is it a safe, inviting atmosphere? does the practice use modern equipment? are exam rooms clean?
Many pediatricians now offer separate waiting rooms for children who are not sick. these“ well child” waiting areas help stop the spread of viruses.
With this strategy, you should have an easier time selecting a pediatrician. choosing well now will save you time and trouble in the future.
Dr. Lisa Batchelor South Lake Pediatrics