7 Tips How to Choose Your Pediatrician

Welcome, parents and guardians! The journey of parenthood is fantastic, filled with numerous decisions that shape your child's well-being. One crucial choice among these is selecting the right pediatrician. This decision isn't just about finding a medical professional; it's about establishing a vital partnership that nurtures your child's health and peace of mind for you as a parent. This blog will highlight many topics and tips to help you find the right pediatrician.

What's the Difference between a Pediatrician and a Family Physician?

Pediatricians specialize in children's health, from birth to adolescence, focusing solely on pediatric care. On the other hand, family physicians offer care to individuals of all ages, including children. While both are adept at handling childhood illnesses, pediatricians possess specific training and expertise tailored to children's unique medical needs.

What Does "Board Certified" Mean? MD or DO: What's the Difference?

"Board certified" signifies that a pediatrician has undergone rigorous training, passed exams, and meets high standards set by a professional board. Both MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) are qualified medical doctors. Still, DOs receive additional training in a holistic approach to medicine, emphasizing the body's natural ability to heal itself.

When Should I Start Looking for a Pediatrician?

It's recommended to begin your search for a doctor approximately three months before your baby's due date. Seeking recommendations from various sources, such as relatives, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and familiar doctors, can provide valuable insights. After gathering suggestions, verifying whether these doctors are within your insurance plan is crucial by checking your insurance company's website.

For those new to an area, initiating the search for pediatricians can start by exploring the listings on your insurance company's website. Alternatively, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers a helpful tool called "Find a Pediatrician," helping in searching for suitable healthcare providers.
While online reviews and ratings can offer additional perspectives, it's wise to approach them cautiously. Understand that opinions and expectations shared on these platforms may not necessarily align with your own. Prioritize review sites that exclusively feature feedback from verified patients to ensure authenticity and reliability.
It's important to note that doctors aren't the sole professionals within a pediatric office who tend to children's health needs. Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) play critical roles in providing care to young patients. Their training enables them to execute vaccinations, conduct health check-ups, prescribe medications, and perform many tasks typically handled by doctors.

What to expect from your pediatrician?

Your pediatrician will oversee your child's health from birth until they reach 18 years old, conducting numerous visits to monitor both their physical and mental development.
As your child grows, the nature of these appointments will evolve. However, the initial checkup usually occurs within 5 days after birth. Following this, your doctor may schedule a 1-month appointment, followed by visits every 2 months until your child reaches 6 months old. Between 6 months and 18 months, appointments typically occur every 3 months and extend to every 6 months until your child turns 30 months old. Subsequently, your pediatrician will usually arrange annual wellness checks.

Throughout these visits, your doctor will:
• Perform a thorough physical examination
• Take necessary measurements
• Assess your child's developmental progress
• Administer vaccinations
• Discuss various aspects of health and safety
• Address any concerns or questions you may have
Each visit incorporates anticipatory guidance. This entails offering advice on your child's anticipated developmental milestones and providing guidance on maintaining their health and safety between appointments.

What should I ask the pediatrician during the interview?

Many pediatricians' offices offer scheduled times for expectant parents to visit and get acquainted with the practice. During this visit, you can tour the office facilities and engage in conversations with the doctor and/or a nurse.
Some healthcare providers offer group classes tailored for expectant parents. These sessions focus on educating parents about the practice's approach to newborn care. Alternatively, certain pediatricians may opt for one-on-one interviews with expectant parents. It's worth noting that many insurance companies encourage these prenatal appointments or classes and might cover their associated costs. However, confirming this coverage with the doctor's office and your health plan beforehand is wise.
Here are a few factors to take into consideration asking during the interview:

• Office hours: Ensure the schedule aligns with your preferences, such as availability during weekends or evenings.
• Solo or group practice: Understand the support system available when your primary doctor isn't accessible.
• Hospital affiliations: Check if the doctor is associated with a pediatric hospital in your area. Handling
• Phone calls: Inquire about the protocol for both office hours and after-hours communication, including response times and telemedicine options.
• Communication methods: Explore the feasibility of emailing your doctor and accessing electronic medical records for your child's health information and test results.
• Emergency care: Clarify how emergencies are managed and whether the doctor handles them or refers patients to emergency rooms or urgent care centers.
• Financial aspects: Understand the cost of services, payment options, and the practice's policies regarding specialist referrals.
• Vaccination policies: Inquire about the practice's stance on vaccination alignment with CDC guidelines.
• Newborn examinations: If your baby hasn't yet arrived, check if the doctor will conduct an initial examination at the hospital.

7 Things to consider when choosing a pediatrician

1. Is the pediatrician recommended by your Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN)?
Fortunately, selecting a pediatrician doesn’t have to be a solitary decision. You'll likely build a warm, trustworthy bond with your OB-GYN during your pregnancy journey. In such cases, don't hesitate to seek their recommendations. Additionally, don't hesitate to ask for suggestions from your family doctor or primary care physician. Their insight could also be valuable in your search for a pediatrician.

2. Opinion of the Pediatrician vs. Formula Feeding
When interviewing a pediatrician regarding the use of Organic Baby Formula for your newborn, it's essential to inquire about their opinion regarding formula feeding. Clearly express your considerations for formula feeding and inquire about the pediatrician's approach and comfort with such choices. Express your intent to consider formula feeding if breastfeeding isn't feasible or transitioning from breastfeeding to formula becomes necessary due to work or personal circumstances. Establishing shared understanding and agreement between you and your potential pediatrician regarding using organic baby formula for your newborn is key. This ensures that you both are on the same page regarding your infant's feeding needs, fostering a supportive and collaborative relationship centered around your child's optimal health and well-being.

3. Is the office location convenient?
When you're finalizing your pediatrician selection, please consider the doctor's office's location because your newborn will have several appointments with the pediatrician in the initial year of its life.
Opting for a doctor near your residence, workplace, or childcare facility can offer added convenience and save valuable time. In case you don’t have personal transportation, selecting a pediatrician with offices easily reachable via public transportation might be a beneficial consideration.

4.. What are the doctor’s credentials and experience?
Every pediatrician graduates from medical school and fulfills a residency program, obtaining state licensing. However, only some pediatricians achieve board certification. As mentioned earlier in this blog, Board certification is proof that they showcased proficiency in the:
• Patient care
• Professionalism
• Communication skills
• Medical knowledge

5. How does their practice operate?
Take a moment to evaluate how the pediatric office functions to ensure it suits your requirements.
Here are some questions to consider:
• Is the office flexible with same-day or last-minute appointments?
• Do the office hours accommodate your schedule effectively?
• Does the pediatrician provide evening and weekend availability?
• In a group practice setting, will your child see various doctors or consistently visit the same pediatrician for each appointment?

6. Is the doctor recommended by friends and family?
It's advisable to seek pediatrician suggestions from relatives and trusted friends.
If they have a positive rapport with their child’s pediatrician, you may likely have a comparable experience.

7. How was your introductory visit?
The first visit to the pediatrician's office can help determine if the doctor is the right match for you and your little one. Selecting a doctor with whom you feel at ease is essential, and allow yourself to trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy or uncomfortable following the visit, it might indicate that this pediatrician isn't the right fit for your family.

What do you do if you want to switch practitioners?

If your pediatrician isn't meeting your expectations, feel free to seek a new one. To locate a new pediatrician, consider reconnecting with your OB-GYN or family doctor for additional recommendations. They might offer valuable insights into other pediatricians who could better suit your needs.
Additionally, revisiting your network can be helpful. If comfortable, consider choosing another pediatrician within the same group practice, which might alleviate any awkwardness.
Another avenue is reaching out to The American Board of Pediatrics. They can assist in finding a board-certified pediatrician within your area, ensuring a certain level of expertise and competence.

Your Pediatrician is Here to Help

In Conclusion, Choosing the right pediatrician can feel daunting, but at the end of the day, they are an essential team member and are there to ensure your baby is on the right track with health and development. Choose a pediatrician you find most compliments you and your little one's needs, and don’t be afraid to look around before making your decision. Cheers to finding your pediatrician soulmate, and may your child's journey be filled with giggles, growth, and abundant joy!

Organic Formula Related Questions?

Do you have any formula-related questions? Contact our dedicated customer support team for expert advice and guidance tailored to your baby's needs. They have earned hundreds of 5-star reviews from our customers, helping you to provide the best nutrition for your little one. Contact us here or shoot us an email at support@organicformulashop.com. We're here to help!