Finding a Doctor for your Child

No matter whether you are pregnant or a parent looking for a new doctor for your child, the decision that you are making is an important one. So feel free to meet a few different doctors and find the one that you are the most comfortable with. I often times will sit down with new parents as a “Meet and Greet” appointment, just so I can address any questions they might have and get a sense as to my work style.

    For pregnancy patients:

As a family doctor, I deliver babies AND I take care of kids too. Towards the end of your pregnancy, it is pretty easy for me to start talking about what kind of medical care the baby is going to need after birth. If you are currently seeing a family medicine doctor, pregnancy visits are a perfect opportunity to ask questions about child vaccines, circumcisions, and extra vitamin D for the baby.

For those who currently see an obstetric-gynecology (OB/Gyn) physician or midwife for their pregnancy, this is a terrific time to find a pediatric provider that you both trust and like. This will typically be either a pediatrician (who sees kids) or a family physician (who sees kids and adults).

    For all parents looking for a new kid doctor:

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a doctor for your baby or child.
1) If it is a family doctor, do they see a lot of kids in their practice?
2) Does the doctor see kids at your hospital and have convenient clinic hours for your schedule?
3) Does the doctor take time to answer your questions and concerns?
4) Do you feel like the doctor’s personality fits your own?

If often find that the 4th question ends up being one of he most important. Honestly, it might take a few visits with a doctor to get a sense as to whether the doctor “clicks” with your family, but once you find one that does, you’ll never look for another.
Happy Week Everyone!