How To Choose A Pediatrician For A Newborn
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Finding your health care provider for your babe is a really big thing! If youre happy to use your general practitioner then stick with them, especially if youve had a really great run with them during your pregnancy! However if youre worried about specific things such as allergies, hip dysplasia, sleep issues, asthma, behavioural challenges, autism spectrum disorder / developmental disabilities & other disabilities more specific to your needs a paediatrician referral is a great place to start.This would require a visit to your doctor & they would then write up a referral which you would take with you / help you source an appointment.Most areas have a google search option for you to pop in your postcode and a whole list will pop up, then its a matter of finding someone suitable who fits in with your timeline / personal values / family philosophy. Its also really important to make sure that you understand how the payments will work, if its affordable for your family and if youre able to claim any of the money back through Medicare etc.
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How To Find The Best Pediatrician For Your Baby
Start by talking to parent friends who live in your area to see which doctors in the neighborhood they love and recommend. They might also be able to tell you about any negative experiences they may have had. Or just do a Google search of pediatricians close to home.
You can schedule visits ahead of your baby’s birth where you and your potential pediatrician meet, get to know each other, ask questions and evaluate whether it’s a good fit.
You might want to start by calling the pediatricians’ office staff to get some basic information before scheduling a virtual, phone or in-person meeting with the doctor. Just note that some doctors charge for these visits, while others offer free initial consultations, so youll want to double-check before you book.
These first meetings are a great opportunity to be honest about things that are important to you. If for any reason it doesn’t seem like a good match, its better to find out early on in the process.
Other ways to find the best pediatrician for your baby? Get a list of in-network providers from your insurance company. Or check the American Board of Pediatrics’ directory of board-certified practitioners.
If you see “F.A.A.P.” after the name, that means the doctor belongs to the American Academy of Pediatrics .
Plan To See Pediatrician Several Times During Babys First Year
Choosing a pediatrician to care for your newborn is an important decision that you will want to make before you give birth. The pediatrician you select will come to know your family well and provide you with medical advice during the various stages of your childs development.
During your babys first year alone, you will be visiting the doctor at least seven times for well-baby checkups. There could also be unplanned visits for a fever or a first cold.
Parents need to feel they can trust their pediatrician and that the doctor will consider how they want to care for their child, says Gurinder Dabhia, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo.
Dont skip any appointments for your child, especially newborns. You do not want your children to fall behind on their vaccinations, physical exams and screenings during their early development, Dr. Dabhia says.
Well-child care visits
The American Academy of Pediatrics says routine baby and child checkups are essential. Especially important are in-person visits and vaccines for children age 24 months and younger. A video visit may be appropriate or available for some health concerns and conditions.
The following five tips can help you in your search for a pediatrician as you prepare for the arrival of your child.
1. Do your research
2. Verify credentials and experience
Learn as much as possible about the pediatrician you are considering for your child.
3. Is the pediatrician available and easy to reach?
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Pediatrician Credentials You Need To Know
When searching for a pediatrician, look for these key designations attached to his/her name.
Board certified: A pediatrician has completed medical school as well as a three-year residency in pediatrics. A board-certified pediatrician has also passed a series of rigorous exams, which he’ll routinely retake.
AAP member: Check to see if a potential doctor belongs to the American Academy of Pediatrics, which indicates that he adheres to the organization’s guidelines and standards.
FAAP listing: These four letters mean that a doctor belongs to the AAP and is board certified.
What To Ask When Interviewing Pediatricians
Because your pediatrician will play such an important role in your child’s life, it’s a good idea to meet and talk with potential candidates before you make a decision. Prepare a list of questions that cover your major areas of concern. Here are some areas to consider.
Background and Credentials
Our Find a Doctor tool lets you look up Sutter-affiliated doctors by name or specialty to see a biographical sketch, including education, board certification, hospital privileges, special interests and other helpful information. If you have questions, you can also check the status of a doctor’s license online at The American Board of Pediatrics website.
Philosophy of Care
Discuss decisions likely to come up, such as circumcision , nutrition and vaccination. Some pediatricians also include philosophy of care as part of their online physician profile. It is important that your beliefs and philosophy on parenting are compatible with your pediatricians philosophy of care.
Office Procedures
Find out how well your pediatrician’s office systems work with your schedule and specific needs. Ask how to make an appointment, how far in advance you will need to schedule an appointment and how long you will have to wait to see the pediatrician once you arrive.
Hospital Affiliation
Additional Services
Payment for Services
Make sure the office accepts your insurance plan and find out how payment and insurance billing works.
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How To Choose A Pediatrician: What To Look For
So, your family’s about to get a little bigger. You’ve got the best gear, signed up for all the right classes, ordered the right books. … But how much thought have you given your baby’s pediatrician?
Choosing the right doctor for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for you and your baby.
Sure, you’ll want to consider convenience and office hours: Is it close to home, are they open late or on weekends? What about expertise where did they do their training, are they board-certified? Do they come recommended by friends and family? What’s their philosophy on things important to you?
And what about those hope-this-never-happens moments? Where will they send you if your child needs to see a specialist? Finding a pediatrician connected to a top children’s hospital can help remove some of the worries and the “what ifs.”
There’s a lot to think about with a baby on the way. So, the pediatricians at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have compiled the most important things for you to consider.
When Should You Start Looking For A Pediatrician
Prospective parents may start looking for a pediatrician in the second trimester of pregnancy, that is, about three to five months before the babys arrival. Finding the right pediatrician requires proper research. Starting the search early will give you plenty of time to assess all the options available before reaching a consensus. It is a good idea to meet several pediatricians before finalizing one. Check your comfort level with the doctor and build a connection with them.
If you have recently moved to a new location or are planning to move, it is best to start the search early. You may need a little more time to look for a competent childcare specialist in a new area .
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Choosing A Pediatrician For Your New Baby
From the day you learn you’re pregnant, you make decisions that last your child’s lifetime like the name you choose for your baby. To give your newborn the healthiest possible start, you’ll want to find a pediatrician to care for your child from their first wellness visit through the teen years. Here are tips on how to find that doctor.
Give Yourself Enough Time
The closer you get to childbirth, the less time you have to find a pediatrician, and you dont want to rush this important decision. Feel free to start earlier, but by your third trimester, your search should be in full swing.
If you recently moved or are just looking for a new pediatrician for older children or teenagers, youll also want to take the time to ask them their preferences. For example, some kids are more comfortable with a doctor of their same gender, which you should take into account, according to Dr. Puri.
Also Check: How To Get Your Newborn To Sleep In Crib
Count On Reliable Resources
A natural place to start is by asking trusted family members, friends or work colleagues which pediatrician theyd recommend and why. Next, read more about Levine Childrens pediatric services and search for a pediatrician near you. Its helpful to see which providers are accepting new patients and what credentials they hold, and you can also read the pediatricians online biography, which introduces you to their background and bedside manner.
How To Choose A Pediatrician For Newborns
Choosing a pediatrician can be difficult because there are many factors to consider. Such as location, insurance coverage, availability, and whether or not they accept new patients. When finding a pediatrician for your newborn its important to find the right one if you want them to be healthy. They understand what causes illness, how to care for them, and how to help them feel better as quickly as possible.
There are also many insurance company are available for your childs health. And they provide the best pediatrician with all relevant information like doctors working weekend hours or office hours and urgent care center, etc. Here are some tips on how to choose the best provider for your family
1. Ask other parents
Dont be afraid to ask for recommendations from other parents. And your childs school nurse and teachers assistant. If you already have a doctor in mind but would like additional input. Then dont hesitate to ask these folks if they can recommend another pediatrician. That might work better for you and your family.
2. Try doctors in your area
If you live somewhere where there are multiple pediatricians. Then just dont settle for just one doctor before checking out the others. If you choose board-certified doctors, then they will all generally have the same experience. However, there could be small differences between them. Also, look for pediatricians who accept your insurance and those that offer group practice, evening and weekend appointments.
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Do I Have To Choose A Pediatrician Can My Child See A Different Health Care Provider
A pediatrician is not the only health care provider trained to see babies, children, and adolescents. Some parents prefer a general practitioner, family physician or chiropractor. The same parents might visit a pediatrician only if their child experiences a serious medical problem or complication.
Want to Know More?
Parents Should Start Looking For A Pediatrician Weeks Before Baby Is Due Here Are The Most Important Criteria For Selecting The Best Pediatrician Near You
Choosing a pediatrician for your baby is no easy task. After all, this doctor will help your little one through childhood vaccinations, nasty colds, and everything in between. But when should you start looking for a pediatrician, and what criteria should you focus on? Here are our top tips for choosing the best pediatrician near you.
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How Can We Help
As your local pediatrician in Nutley, NJ we can help with all aspects of pediatric care from birth through to childhood, adolescence and the onset of adulthood. All with the highest standards of care in everything we do. If youd like to contact us about any aspect of this transition please dont hesitate to contact us today!
Insurance Covers And Costs Of Care
While exploring a pediatrician, check if they accept your insurance plan. It is also important to understand the services covered and those exempted. It is good to know the official policy for processing the insurance forms. Going ahead with a pediatrician compatible with your insurance plan can reduce your expenses. However, do not compromise medical care and choose a qualified, experienced pediatrician.
The overall costs of care also need to be considered. Understand the consulting fees, hospital care charges, fees for home visits, routine visits, and immunization charges. Check if they charge more for after-hours consultations .
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Everything You Need To Know About Choosing A Pediatrician For Your Newborn
Mothers-to-be have a lot of important decisions to make, from choosing a name to deciding who will take care of the baby if or when they decide to go back to work. If youre pregnant, one of the most important decisions you must make is to select a pediatrician for the crucial job of overseeing your childs health care.
Start the process early!
The best time to start your pediatrician search is about 3 months before the babys due date. Babies can come early, so you want to have someone picked out well in advance of your babys ETA. At The Childrens Medical Group, our pediatricians not only allow but encourage new parents to schedule a prenatal visit. This lets you get acquainted with us, tour our offices, and ask questions about the birth of your baby and our practice. Our complementary prenatal visits are held Monday-Friday at all of our offices, plus Sunday afternoons in our Poughkeepsie office.
Things to consider in selecting a pediatrician
It is important to find a practice whose philosophy, location, and hours work for you, and a doctor who makes you feel comfortable which can be as much a matter of personality as diplomas on the wall. A couple of other things to consider:
An interview checklist
Here are some key questions to ask at this first meeting:
Do you accept my childs medical insurance? CMG accepts a variety of over 70 private and Medicaid insurance providers just ask.
After the interview
Making The Decision: What Factors Should You Consider
Some parents simply have a gut feeling about the best pediatrician others weigh the pros and cons of each person. The following factors should also rank high on your list of priorities.
Does the doctor share your views? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively for 6 months, then be given breast milk along with solids until at least his first year. Doctors vary on how much they press the issue likewise, there are opposing sides to the circumcision debate. If you have strong feelings either way, make sure your doctor agrees with your viewor at least respects it.
Does the doctor match your other criteria? Other factors may seem superficial but can still affect your rapport. For instance, some people prefer a young female pediatrician, but others want a grandfatherly type. Some parents will only select a doctor with parenting experience, since they appreciate the extra empathy and hands-on experience that comes from being a mom or dad. The most important thing: Do you and this doctor click?
Does the office run smoothly? From this initial prenatal visit, you can evaluate how the office works. In the waiting room, chat up other parents and ask what they like and dislike about the practice. Also check out the area: Are there books, toys, or a TV to distract children? Do the receptionists seem on top of internal and external communications?
Recommended Reading: How To Boost A Newborn’s Immune System
Can I Switch My Pediatrician
Sometimes parents and pediatricians simply dont click. But unless a doctor makes a blatant error in diagnosis, consider giving her a few visits before switching.
If you do decide to “break up,” just call the office and ask them to transfer your records. Only do this after you’ve found a new pediatrician. If your criticism is something the doctor or practice could improve upon, like a cluttered waiting room or delayed call-back times, then it’s helpful to let the practice know, says Jennifer Shu, M.D., an Atlanta-based pediatrician and Dr. Jana’s co-author. “But if you just didn’t click, then move on.”
Is This Doctor A Good Fit For Me
After you’ve had a chance to talk with the doctor and other members of the care team, do you feel you will work well together? Is the doctor willing to explain things carefully? Does the doctor seem to be a good listener? Will you be comfortable asking questions? Do you think the doctor would mind if you wanted to get a second opinion?
Do you and your doctor share beliefs about issues that are important to you? For example, how does the doctor feel about circumcision? Breastfeeding? Alternative or integrative medicines or techniques? Use of antibiotics and other medicines? Remember that the doctor may be seeing your child for years to come.
Keep your notes about the doctors you didn’t select. If your insurance changes, you may find yourself looking for a new doctor. Or it may take a while to find a doctor you’re happy with.
Choosing a health care provider before your baby is born will help you feel confident about your baby’s care. Knowing you have chosen the right doctor will help you feel calmer and more in control.
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