Picking a Pediatrician

What are some questions to ask when choosing a pediatrician? 

Newborn

Choosing a pediatrician is one of the most important decisions parents will make. Since pediatricians care for children from birth through young adulthood (many into their college years), families often form long-lasting relationships with their pediatrician and their practice. It’s essential to ensure that the pediatrician’s values and approach align with your own when selecting the right care for your child. Whether you’re seeking a pediatrician for your newborn or have recently moved, taking the time to thoroughly research and meet with potential pediatricians is just as important as selecting a daycare provider.

Here are seven important questions to consider when looking for a pediatrician:      

1. What is your approach to preventive care and wellness visits?

• Understanding how the pediatrician handles regular check-ups, vaccinations and developmental milestones is key to gaining insight into their overall approach to healthcare. Regular check-ups, or well-child visits, are an opportunity for the pediatrician to monitor your child’s growth, physical health and development, ensuring they’re on track with their age-appropriate milestones.
• Additionally, understanding how the pediatrician handles developmental milestones, such as language, motor skills, social development and educational progress will provide insight into how they approach your child’s emotional and behavioral health. A pediatrician who takes a holistic approach to these milestones, offering advice and guidance on how to support your child’s growth, while being receptive to your observations and concerns, can help set a strong foundation for your child’s future well-being. 

2. How do you handle same-day/sick appointments, emergency situations and after-hours care?

• It’s essential to know if you’ll be able to get an appointment quickly (even same day) when your child is sick, especially during peak illness season.
• It’s crucial to understand how the pediatrician manages emergencies outside of office hours as well. For example, do they offer direct access to your pediatrician through an on-call service, or is it a nurse hotline that provides support? Additionally, inquire about after-hours visits (including telemedicine appointments) or emergency referrals if needed.

3. How accessible is your pediatrician for an appointment? 

• How timely are their appointments and respectful of your busy schedule? Do they make every effort to ensure that your visits provide ample time to address even the most complex concerns? This allows you to receive thorough, personalized care and ensures that you and your child feel heard, supported and well-cared for during every visit.

4. How do they provide continuity of care, and what does that mean?

• Continuity of care is to have your child see their dedicated physician consistently, fostering strong, trusted relationships that support their growth and development over the years. This continuity of care allows your pediatrician to better understand and meet your child’s unique needs at every stage of their journey.

5. How do they communicate with parents?

• Effective communication is a crucial part of a successful partnership between parents and their pediatrician. Some pediatricians may prefer traditional communication methods, such as phone calls, while others may utilize more modern tools like email or an online patient portal for non-urgent concerns. Understanding the different channels they use for communication will help you decide if their approach aligns with your preferred methods of contact.

6. What is your experience with children who have special health needs or chronic conditions?

• If your child has special health needs or chronic conditions, it’s important to understand the pediatrician’s experience in managing these specific issues, such as asthma, allergies or developmental delays. A pediatrician with experience in these areas can offer more comprehensive care, reducing the need for outside referrals and long wait times for pediatric specialists, who are often in short supply and overbooked. Some pediatric practices even facilitate expedited referrals, making it easier for your child to get specialized care when necessary. They may also assist with locating hard-to-find medications, coordinating care with specialists and advocating for your child with insurance providers. Additionally, pediatricians can help communicate with schools, employers and third parties when necessary and assist with paperwork for medical or family leave. This level of support ensures that your child receives timely, holistic care, even in urgent or complex situations.

7. How do you handle behavioral or developmental concerns?

• It’s essential to understand how the pediatrician addresses behavioral, emotional or developmental concerns in children, as these areas are integral to your child’s overall well-being. A good pediatrician will take a proactive and empathetic approach, carefully evaluating any signs of concern during well-child visits and offering guidance on how to support your child’s growth in these areas.

Dr. Suzy McNulty is a general pediatrician in private practice and the co-founder of Mia Bella Pediatrics (miabellapediatrics.com), located in Mission Viejo.