Pediatrician

[Mrs_Hall2014]

Hello, When's the best time (and how) to start finding your child's pediatrician?

[Mrs_Hall2014]

Thanks Kaila, we just moved out of state and know NO one so it'll be more of me going out and calling on my own. My husband is just down for the ride lol. Our older son's pediatrician in the area doesn't seem to be a good fit for my new son so ill.take your advice and set up interviews with pediatricians.

[Kailalaa]

Anytime, probably best to do it at least a month or so in advance just in case. I know it isn't the case everywhere, but my hospital was insistent that if we didn't have a pediatrician when my daughter was born we would not be taking her home. Honestly the best way to find a good one, is by word of mouth. Ask friends and family members with kids where they go, who they see/recommend. Do you research online once you have a few places/people in mind. Your insurance probably has a website and there you can look to see if a certain place takes your medical insurance and information on the doctors.

Once you've decided on someone, call to see if they're taking new patients, mention it if someone recommended you (my pediatrician only takes new patients that were recommendations by current patients). Set up a meeting with a doctor (or a few) and see which one you like best. Once you've found and office and doctor you might have to do some paperwork and you'll have to tell them when you're due. They'll put you in the system and when you have your baby give them a call. They'll put the baby on file and schedule a brief check up a couple days after birth