Consults with Peds

I am a FTM and I have 2 consults scheduled with pediatricians next week. I have a few questions I plan to ask, but was wondering if anyone had some suggestions on other important things to ask. Thank you!

Consults with Peds

I will try to bump an old thread for you if I can find it. But week with a peds office and they pretty much had the answers to all our questions before we even asked them.
A big thing for me was they availability. We went with a group open 7 days a week for 362 days a year.
I also decided against a group based on the vibe I got...walked in and the receptionist seemed annoyed with life and the doctor we met with seemed cold for lack of a better description. So also go with your gut when meeting them

Consults with Peds

If you google it theres a list that comes up. Let me see if i remember:

Are they on call for emergencies or off hours?
Do they have a separate waiting room for sick vs well checks?
If you call will your dr be calling you back or their associate?
Will you always see your dr when you schedule an appt?
What are their feelings on vaccinations and schedules? (what are yours you should have a decision on what your comfortable with)
What are their feelings about homeopathic natural rememedies? medication? (ie antibiotics) (and meaning do they first try a natural way to relieve symtpoms before jumping to medicare a baby)
Do they accept your insurance? (though thats a front desk question)

When your there notice if the office is clean?
Are there any toys, tv, mags, books for kids to keep them entertained when you wait, cause theres ALWAYS a wait! LOL
Is the staff well dressed? Do they wear scrubs? Are they all clean looking? Polite? Their offices look clean. Friendly and willing to give info.
Ease of appt making.
Do they have walk in hours for emergencies or unexpcted sick visit (like my dr has walk in hours from 8-9 every morning)
Do they have weekend hours?
What are their normal hours?

Message edited 10/24/2013 2:36:29 PM.

Re: Consults with Peds

Honestly, you need to focus on the skill (hard to tell), and personality of the MD. This is a person who you are going to have to trust to guide you through decisions and give advice when there is no clear answer. You need to feel this out.

My ped has some snooty staff, an old office, one waiting room with sometimes a really long wait...

BUT, when I need them (like when DS was projectile vomiting, had colic, or when DD had a fever that wouldn't come down), I spoke to my ped multiple times, we made plans, and they followed up, & made good judgement calls.