Choosing the right pediatrician for your child is a big deal. Not only will they be responsible for the health of your child throughout childhood and early adolescence, they’ll oftentimes treat them up to age 21. Your pediatrician will perform yearly checkups, treat ear infections, and everything else in between. 

Here are some tips for choosing the right pediatrician for your family. 

Take Your Time

Choosing the right healthcare professional is not something you should take lightly. It is recommended that you start looking during your pregnancy. Most children will see their pediatrician six times before the age of two. There are likely many options in your area, so don’t settle. 

Do Your Research

Here are a few things to research, so you can narrow your search before going in to meet different pediatricians:

  1. Check your insurance. You need to choose a pediatrician that participates in your plan, so you can pay as little as possible out of pocket. Finding all of the pediatricians included in your plan automatically narrows down your search, making it a bit less daunting.
  2. Ask around. You should start by asking your OBG-YN and your primary care physician. Because you chose these doctors, their opinion will be very helpful. Next, ask friends and family for their recommendations. They’ll be able to share their experiences, so you know what to expect.
  3. Look at location and hours. This may seem obvious, but make sure the pediatrician is in a convenient location, so you don’t dread the drive. Also, make sure they have office hours that work for your family’s schedule. Don’t forget to look into how they handle after-hours care!
  4. Evaluate credentials. Research potential providers’ credentials. See where they went to school and make sure they are board-certified. This assures you they completed medical school, a three-year residency, and passed their exams.

Choosing the Right Doctor for Your Child

You’ve done the research. You found a few options in great locations. What now?

Schedule appointments with your top picks to interview them. During your visit pay attention to how the doctor and the practice staff interact with your child. Your child may respond differently to the physician based on their age, gender, or overall disposition and it’s as important that they are comfortable with their doctor as you are. Ask questions about their philosophies on things like vaccines or prescribing medication to find out if they align with yours, and make sure they answer your questions in a way you can understand. Finally, make sure the practice runs smoothly, paying special attention to their scheduling process, their wait times, and that things don’t seem chaotic around the office. 

Once you’ve selected a provider, keep your notes from your search in case you need to make a switch. Sure, it’s helpful to have the same pediatrician long-term, so your child can get to know them and they can get to know you, but it’s always best to be prepared. 

Looking for a new pediatrician or just have questions about JCMC? Check out our website to make an appointment at jcmchealth.com.