Selecting a pediatrician to look after your baby is not an easy decision to make as this is the person that will care for your baby if they are sick, vaccinate them and complete their yearly check-ups. Instead of simply googling ‘best pediatrician near me’, it is advised that you consider several factors carefully. Here at Pediatrics of Sugar Land, we understand how important choosing the perfect pediatrician for your family is, so we have compiled a list of factors to consider.
When to Choose a Pediatrician
The best time to start looking for a pediatrician is when you are expecting your child so that you can have one ready for once the baby is born, as they will need to see a doctor many times within the first six months. Having the same pediatrician throughout a child’s life is a great advantage as that doctor will be familiar with any medical conditions that they may have and already know their medical history. Naturally, you may change pediatrician if you move area, your pediatrician retires, or you simply do not get on with them.
Get Recommendations
One of the best ways to find a great pediatrician is through word of mouth. Your friends and family will not recommend someone unless they are entirely happy with them. Additionally, your own doctor may be able to suggest some good candidates that have a great reputation within the medical field.
Check Your Insurance
Your insurance company should cover treatment from most pediatricians; however, it is still worth contacting your insurance company to check this as their provider’s list can change.
Visit the Office
One of the best ways to get a feel of a pediatrician is to visit their office – check where it is located and ensure that it is close enough to your home to travel too frequently. Asking for a face-to-face meeting with a pediatrician or two that you are considering will allow you to ask any questions that you may have. You should be able to get an appointment within a few weeks, and some pediatricians will do regular meet and greets for groups.
During the visit, you can also gain an insight into how the office works. If other parents are in the waiting room, ask them for their opinions on the practice. Is the waiting room child friendly, and does it have toys or books to keep them occupied? Are the receptionists helpful and friendly? It is also worth checking the average waiting list time for appointments.
Ask Important Questions
Before your visit, you should write a list of questions that you would like answers that will help you make your final decision. It is important to ask about how to book appointments, who to call if you require an emergency appointment, and about the pediatrician’s experience in fields that are important to you. Keep a note of the answers so that you can compare these with other pediatricians you are considering.
It is also vital to take a note of the basic costs of treatments not covered by your insurance company, and any fees that the practice may charge. This will allow you to ensure that the pediatrician fits within your budget.
Check Their Values
Different doctors share different opinions, and it is important to choose one who shares your values. Think about your priorities and what you care most about, and check that the pediatrician that you are considering feels the same. For example, some doctors do not recommend certain medical procedures such as circumcision, while others do. It is important to choose a professional who can respect your views on the topic so that you feel comfortable discussing it with them.
It can also come down to preferences, some people prefer a pediatrician who is extremely serious when dealing with medical issues, while others prefer one with a more down to earth nature. Others look for a pediatrician who is a parent and understands the difficulties of raising a child. You should also discuss any other important issues when at the Pediatric Center – ADD VS ADHD, Asthma and Dyslexia rates are increasing in children, so you may want to find out their treatment plans in these areas.
Check Their Credentials
One of the most important things to check when considering a pediatrician is their credentials. Obviously, your pediatrician should hold a medical degree; however, also have a look for some other key designations attached to their details. Check that your pediatrician is board-certified this not only means that they have completed medical school and their residency, but it also they will have passed board exams that are taken regularly. This ensures that your pediatrician is up to date in their training and more experienced than non-board-certified doctors.
Additionally, if your doctor is an AAP member, it means that they belong to the American Academy of Pediatrics. To belong to this organization, they have to follow the standards and guidelines set out by the Academy. If a doctor has both board certification and is a member of the AAP, they may be described as having a FAAP listing.
Pediatrics of Sugar Land is proud to serve the local areas of Sugar Land, Houston, Rosenberg, and Richmond in Texas. Our Southwest Pediatrics Center is the best in the region, and our expert board-certified staff work with your family to ensure that your child has the best possible care.
