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Choosing the right pediatrician for your child might sound like a daunting process, but it’s more simple than you might think – as long as you do your research and plan ahead. There are probably a million and one questions that you will want to ask when choosing pediatrician services in your area. Here are 7 of the most important.
Common Pediatric Questions
1. “What are your office hours?”
This is a practical question to start off with, but still an important one – especially if you have a job with long hours where it’s difficult to get time-off if your child is sick. Find out if the pediatrician’s office is open during the evening and weekend, and inquire about holiday periods too.
2. “Have you been certified by the AAP?”
The American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP is the certifying board for pediatrics in the United States. You will want to find out if the pediatrician is a member and has passed the relevant exams in this field. You’ll usually be able to tell if the doctor has an “F.A.P.P” after their name, but if you don’t see this, you can always ask anyway. If the doctor is a member of this board, it means that they have established standards for providing the highest quality of healthcare to your child.
3. “Do you have any specialized training?”
Not all pediatrics are the same. Some will have trained more extensively than others, and specialized in different fields. Ask the pediatrician if they have undertaken any specialized training, and why they differ from other medical professionals in the area.
4. “I see you’ve been certified by the ABFM. What does this mean?”
If a family doctor has been certified by the ABFM, or American Board of Family Medicine, they won’t necessarily have specialized training in the field of pediatrics. However, they can still provide care to children.
5. “What are your thoughts on the following topics…?”
Asking a pediatrician what their thoughts are when it comes to healthcare-related topics can help you decide if they are the right professional for you. For example, you might want to ask them their position when it comes to sleep disorders, alternative medicine, vaccinations, or breastfeeding.
6. “How do I report an emergency?”
Different pediatricians will want you to report a medical emergency the right way so that the problem can be dealt with quicker. Find out the correct procedure to report an emergency, particularly if it occurs out-of-hours.
7. “When can I call you if I have a problem?”
Find out the best time to call the pediatrician’s assistant if you want to book an appointment, as there might be a specific period each day in which you will need call.
Kids First Pediatrics
At Kids First Pediatrics, we realize that choosing a pediatrician is a big decision as a parent. When interviewing our pediatricians, we want you to ask all questions you may have. These questions are a great place to start, but we recommend adding these to a list of your own questions. Bring this list to our practice for the interview. Our pediatricians will consult with you and address any questions, concerns or requests. For more information or to set up a meeting with a pediatrician, contact us today.
*This article is informational but is not a substitute for medical attention or information from your provider.
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