Baby Talk May2019
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Feature<br />
Other points to consider:<br />
• What are the office hours?<br />
• Are there weekend and/or evening hours?<br />
• How do you make an appointment?<br />
• How long does it take to get a check-up<br />
appointment?<br />
• How long does it take to get a sick-child<br />
appointment?<br />
• What about payments and billing?<br />
• Is this pediatrician listed as a provider on your<br />
insurance plan? In regards to this, which hospital is<br />
the pediatrician affiliated with? Is this compatible<br />
with your insurance plan?<br />
• How long do you have to wait in the office before<br />
you are seen?<br />
• Is there a separate waiting area for sick children?<br />
• Do the office staff seem friendly and interested in<br />
children?<br />
Points to consider when<br />
deciding on the ideal<br />
pediatrician for your baby<br />
Location: You may want to<br />
find a pediatrician near your<br />
home. Some parents may<br />
prefer to find one near to their<br />
place of work.<br />
How long does it take to get<br />
there? You might have to<br />
consider how long will the<br />
journey be during peak hours<br />
as well.<br />
Parking convenience. Although<br />
you’re not anticipating on<br />
visiting often, the ability to<br />
park nearest as possible to the<br />
doctor’s office will surely matter when<br />
you do visit with your baby.<br />
Does the practice have more<br />
than one office/more than one<br />
doctor? This will be important<br />
if you wish to see the same<br />
pediatrician for each visit.<br />
Things you might want<br />
to know about the<br />
prospective pediatrician/<br />
practice<br />
• The pediatrician’s training and<br />
experience. Does he have a specialty<br />
or area of interest?<br />
• What are his views on<br />
immunization, and use of<br />
medications, particularly<br />
antibiotics and over-the-counter<br />
medications?<br />
• Will he be willing to prescribe<br />
medications over the phone?<br />
• Will he be the only one to see<br />
your child for all visits?<br />
• Who should you call if<br />
your child gets sick during<br />
the night or on weekends?<br />
As you talk with the pediatrician and the office staff,<br />
you’ll soon know whether they have the same train of<br />
thought as you regarding your child’s health care. Before<br />
you decide on anything, you may also want to consider<br />
consulting with other parents to find out their experiences<br />
and recommendations.<br />
<strong>Baby</strong><strong>Talk</strong> | May 2019 31
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