Pediatrician

Hey everyone! It's been a while since I have been on hear - life has been hectic. More importantly I hope all is well with everyone.

I know I can rely on you when I'm stuck at a brick wall!

I have a consultation with a local pediatrician and was wondering if there is a generic list of questions to ask him. I don't want to go in blind and empty handed - I want to be somewhat prepared but I have no idea how....lol.

Thanks in advance for all your advice!!

Re: Pediatrician

I think I got mine off *******.com.

Re: Pediatrician

About the Practice
You might want to ask the doctor's office staff these questions before you decide whether to interview the physician.

1. Do you take _______________ [name of your insurance]?

2. Is this a solo or group practice? solo / group
If solo, who covers when the doctor isn't available?________________________
If group, how often will we see other doctors in the practice? _________________


3. How long has this doctor been in practice? ______ years

4. Does the doctor have any subspecialties? _____________________________________________

5. What are your hours? _____________________________________________________

6. What evening or weekend hours are available? _________________________________

7. Does your practice encourage parents to call for routine/non-emergency questions? yes/no

8. How will we reach you if my child gets sick after hours? __________________________

9. How can I reach the doctor in an emergency? __________________________________

10. When the doctor's not on call, who covers? ________________________________________

11. Which hospitals is the doctor affiliated with? ____________________________________

12. Does the doctor see newborns in the hospital or at the first office visit? ______________________

13. Does the doctor respond to e-mail? yes / no

14. Does the practice have a Web site? yes / no
If so, what's the URL? _______________________


15. How does the practice handle payments, billing, laboratory charges, and insurance claims? ____________________________________

About the Doctor
Most doctors have only about ten minutes to spare for an interview. If the interview takes longer, some physicians will charge a consultation fee.

1. What do you like best about your job? _________________________________________

2. Do you have children? ______________________________________________________

3. Will you be available for discussions on my child's behavioral developments (discipline issues, social development, etc.)? yes / no

4. Where are your views on:
• bottle-feeding _________________________________________
• circumcision __________________________________________
• antibiotics ____________________________________________
• immunizations ________________________________________
• parenting methods _____________________________________
• childhood obesity _____________________________________
• getting babies to sleep___________________________________
• alternative medicine ___________________________________


Questions to Ask Yourself
If the doctor answers all your questions effectively but your intuition tells you that the relationship won't be a good fit, examine why, and trust your instincts.

1. Was everything clean? yes / no

2. Is the waiting room pleasant and kid-friendly? yes / no

3. Were toys and books available to occupy your child? yes / no

4. Were the office staff and nurses helpful and patient? yes / no

5. How long were you kept waiting? _____ minutes

6. Does your child seem to respond well to the doctor? yes / no

7. Does the doctor seem to welcome questions? yes / no

8. Does the doctor seem to know about the latest medical advances? yes / no

9. Is the doctor's style of communication a good fit with yours? yes / no

10. Is the doctor more inclined to give you directions or offer you options? directions / options

11. Did you feel comfortable with the doctor? yes / no

12. Was parking readily available? yes / no


eta: from babycenter.com

Message edited 1/23/2009 5:55:01 PM.