The vast majority of pediatricians in the U.S. are caring, committed medical professionals who have dedicated themselves to safeguarding children’s health and improving their quality of life. Still, you always want the absolute best for your child, and most of the time, you’ll have a choice of pediatric physicians.
While it’s always best, if possible, to stick with the same pediatrician or pediatric clinic for your child’s care, who do you pick in the first place? How do you find a good pediatrician?
It may seem a bit daunting, but there are some great places to start. Follow the tips below to select a good pediatrician to care for your kid.
Start with Who You Know
Even in this age of instant global communication, word of mouth is still the best recommendation. Ask your friends and family about their experiences and opinions with local pediatricians in Lone Tree. You’re very likely to get some excellent leads.
Your own physician is also a good potential source of information. Doctors in an area often know and consult each other. He or she may be able to point you in the right direction.
You can also call up your local hospital and ask for referrals. They will have a list of pediatricians with admitting privileges at their facility and can provide you with their contact information.
Dig a Little Deeper
Once you have a name or two, take it upon yourself to do further research. A good next step is to visit the website for your state’s medical board. There you will be able to search by name to see if there are any disciplinary actions on record for a physician.
It’s also a good idea to search online reviews for pediatricians. If there are enough reviews posted to be significant, they can give you a decent idea of a certain pediatrician’s reputation. However, it is important to keep in mind that reviews can be highly subjective, and people are more likely to complain anonymously than to give praise. In other words, don’t completely rule out a potential doctor for your child based solely on online reviews.
The First Visit
Of course, you won’t truly know if you’ve found a good pediatrician for your child until the first office visit. There are several things you should note during this visit. First, is the pediatrician patient – both with your child and with your questions—or do you feel rushed? Is he or she kind and interactive with your child, or does the pediatrician ignore them? Do they seem knowledgeable and informed?
Remember, the job of a good pediatrician is not to simply tell you what you want to hear. They are responsible for helping and safeguard your child’s health. They may make recommendations or suggestions that are at odds with your current practices but are in your child’s best interest.
Once you have found a good pediatrician, you and your child will develop a lasting, beneficial relationship with them over time. They’ll be your partner in your child’s health and well-being for years to come.
