What are good questions to ask when interviewing pediatricians?

If you call and your child is sick, how soon can they get them in? Are there gaps in the doctor's schedule so you can be seen within a few hours? Is there a nurse practitioner who your child could see that works under the doctor so your insurance will cover it?

Is there a 24 hour nurse line associate with the clinic at all?

Of course, does the doctor practice at the hospital you plan to deliver at.

Then if there are "controversial" parenting methods you plan to follow, will your doctor support your choices? They don't have to agree, just support. By controversial I mean normal things like delayed vaccinations or extended breastfeeding or cosleeping, things like that.

I'd also check their bio online (most hospitals have online bios of their doctors) so you can see when and where they graduated. You have to decide for yourself if you want someone with more experience or someone who is young enough to be your child's doctor for 18 years...

I'd also ask what happens when you have another child in 2 years and the doctor isn't accepting new patients at the time. Do they make room for siblings?

Definitely ask about office hours, how accomodating and flexible they are with appointments, and how emergencies will be handled. This is especially important if you're interviewing a pediatrician who's in a partnership, or one who uses other doctors to "fill in." Find out how they handle late arrivals - will they take patients in the order they're signed in, or in the order of the schedule? Ask if there are on-call doctors and nurses after hours who can handle anything from emergencies to just questions. It never hurts to get a background on the doctor, either - ask how long they've been in practice, different places they may have worked, what hospitals they have privileges at, and whether or not they plan to stay in your area for an extended period of time. Use your own judgements, too...if the pediatrician seems rushed, eager to get you out of his office, or distracted take that as a sign that maybe you won't be comfortable there. He or she should be open, listen to and answer your questions thoroughly, and make sure that you've gotten all the information you came to get. Medicine is a business like any other, and you're the customer in the situation. Be wary of any office that attempts to charge you for a consultation-only visit - such a meeting should be completely free of charge, and you should not have to provide any more information than your name and address when you make the appointment! Good luck to you - my husband and I just went through this, as we're expecting our first baby within the next three weeks!

Some questions we asked pediatricians when we were interviewing them:

1. Hours of operation (we wanted a pediatrician that was open on Saturday)

2. Procedures for after hours if something happens

3. How many doctors are in the practice just in case the doctor we usually see isn't there

4. Do you take same day appointments

Just a general idea of questions to ask.

Good Luck! :)

I agree with the first poster but also disagree to some extent. WIth my daughter, I picked a younger doctor for her. While I like her I sometimes disagree with her. I know that she does not have kids and I feel that she cannot sympathize with me on some things. On the other hand, older pediatricians have more experience and possibly have children as well and will be able to possibly relate to you if you have questions/concerns.

1. What hospital do they have admitting priviliges to.

2. how do they handle after hours/emergency calls

3. Do they see sick children separately from well children?

4. How many docs are in the office

5. Will they come and see the baby in the hospital once it is born

6. what are their views on vaccinations? Are they the same as you and your partner?

7. Do they offer same day appointments for sick visits?

For more help Baby 411 (book) has a great chapter on this subject.

I asked my OB who she liked and said the practice I had picked was top notch, and very experienced

First and foremost, go with your gut. Do you like him/her? Do you feel comfortable in their presence? Do they seem understanding? Can you imagine telling him/her about sensitive topics (post pardum depression, etc.) and they'd be supporitive? And so on.

This person will be a big player in your and your kids' life, so make sure they are someone you can trust.

I'd ask them their hours, their emergency hours, after-hour care, how many doctors are in the practice (if it's a practice). Our ped's office has a 'well' and 'sick' rooms that are closed off and I really like that.

The doctor should also take ample time to get to know YOU, too. They should ask about your pregnancy, how it's going, whether you plan to bottle or breastfeed, any concerns about delivery, family history, etc.

In my opinion, the younger doctors are better for children. Ive had both, and the younger doctor is more attentive and doesnt put things off like the ole wives tales. Other than that, get references, and after talking to him for awhile, you will make your impression on him, and gut feelings are important with us mommys.

What happens if my baby is sick on a weekend / holiday?

How do you feel about _________(fill in personal important item here: breastfeeding / immunizations / early weaning)

http://www.ratemds.com/

Always good to hear the good and the bad!!