What to ask a potential Pediatrician???

DH & I have a meeting with a potential pediatrician for our little Bean scheduled to arrive early November.  I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions for what sorts of things we should ask him before making the decision as to whether he's the right one for us.  We found him upon a recommendation from my boss, but we still want to make sure we ask the right things.

Thanks!
~Amanda

[who_is_this]

Great question!  I'm sure you will get lots of input.

One thing I can think of right off the bat, is how are after hours emergencies/concerns/questions handled?  Some peds have a nurse or advice line 24/7, others rotate which doctors take after hour questions, but others seem to want to turf you off to the ER for anything at all after hours, which can cost you time and money for things that could have been handled easily.  

Seems like most parents have concerns about things that crop up, and it always is on the weekend or at night!

[Me2mommy2b]

Hi, Amanda.  There was a good article in the Babytalk magazine in the June/July issue called House Call, Finding Dr. Right.  There are a few helpful pointers in that article.  A few things to ask are: is the doctor board certified through American Board of Pediatrics?  What are the office hours and is the emergency coverage available 24/7?  What is the best time to call  with routine questions, who answers them and is there a charge?  What hospital does the doctor admit patients?  How many doctors are in your practice and will my baby ever see them instead of you?  Who "covers" for you when you're not available and can we meet them?  What are your views on breastfeeding, vaccines, colic, and infant sleep?  And last but not least, go with your gut feeling.  Did the doctor listen to you and seemed interested?  Did you like and trust him/her?  Did you feel comfortable with the atmosphere and the staff?  This is very important b/c my sister ended up going to the pediatrician who came highly recommended but she's afraid to call her thinking that it's a stupid question b/c the doctor has told her a few times that she's 'wasting her time".  I told my sister to drop her and run and I hope she'll find a better one soon. And oh, I forgot, very important, does that doctor accept your insurance?  Good luck.  I'm due with mine in October and I haven't met with the potential ped yet.  I need to do it ASAP!  Have fun!

[sam2]

also ask your OB for a recomendation.  This is how I found my pediatrician.  They are great for that as they know them.  YOu also need to make sure that they are affiliated with the hospital you are going to give birth in.  Also, I hate the automatic phone things, I like to reach a live person who answers your call, not press 1 for this and 2 for that.  Call the office and see how your call is handled.

[siren of the sea]

when i was pg with my son i had set up an appt to meet a potential ped. well it didnt happen i went on bedrest. since i had to have one i went ahead and put him figuring id change after if i didnt like him. well the dr on call came to the hospitol and i loved him! he was the best. had to change because of darn ins. but you know what made the biggest difference to me was he was on call and had seen him over the weekends if he was very sick. he also had a lactation consultant we worked with. he was so caring and so loving. he never treated me as a goofy mother when i had my freak outs in the beginning that something was wrong lol. i feel what is important too is that they spend the time with you and answer all of your questions not leave in a rush for you to feel you still arent sure. asking friends or coworkers who they like and use can help. there are pros and cons also to a place that has several dr.s making it easier to be seen same day if your dr isnt available. good luck and i do believe your gut instinct will be the way to go!

[amand221]

Thanks so much for your comments and questions.  I have my appointment tonight and feel much more prepared. :)

God Bless!
~Amanda