When you’re a parent, the health and safety of your kids takes top priority over everything else. And while you might like to think that you can handle any problems that arise on your own, sometimes, you’re going to need some help.
This is where a qualified and trustworthy pediatrician comes in. With the right pediatrician, you can work together to ensure that your children are safe, healthy, and developing exactly as they should be. So, to find the best person to trust with this immense responsibility, you need to know your options and do your research. Here are three tips for finding the right pediatrician for your kids.
Talk To Other Parents In The Area
If this is your first child or you’re new to the area and don’t have a doctor for your little ones yet, one of the best places to start is by talking to other parents in your area. Usually, parents who’ve already taken their kids to a pediatrician or two can fill you in on who they like, how different offices run, and if anyone has a bad reputation for things like medical malpractice.
According to Scripps.org, asking around with your friends and family in the area will also help you narrow down what you should actually be looking for in your search, like an office that’s close by, is easy to get an appointment with, or has after-hours services. If you hear stories of things that make you worry, that’s a good sign that that office or pediatrician might not be right for your family.
Ask The Right Questions About Their Practice
Once you’ve gotten a few potential doctors or offices on your short-list, it’s time to start asking the tough questions about each particular practice.
To help you ensure you’re uncovering the right information, HealthyChildren.org suggests you call each office and ask questions like can you speak to the doctor on the phone, how the doctor feels about prescribing medication, how vaccinations are handled, and more. Especially if you have a child who always seems to be getting sick or has a chronic issue, you’ll want to be sure that these medical problems can and will be handled appropriately before you turn your child’s care over.
Match Your Family’s Personality With Your Doctor’s Personality
While you can learn a lot about a pediatrician and their office through your own research, there’s also something to be said for how you and this doctor mesh with your own personalities.
According to Dr. Dan Brennan, a contributor to WebMD.com, some families and their personalities will fit better with doctors with specific personalities or outlooks. So if everything looks great on paper but you just don’t feel comfortable or respected by the doctor once you’ve met them, feel free to transfer care to someone else that you match with better.
If you’re on the hunt for a pediatrician for your children, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you find the right person to care for your little ones.
