Interviewing Pediatricians

I am currently over 31 weeks and figured it was about time I started interviewing pediatricians. I know this is something that is quite standard and done frequently, but for some reason I feel so weird "interviewing" a dr. I went on baby center and printed out their list of questions so I ask some of the important things...

Did/does anyone else feel awkward about this too?

And for those who already went, please let me know if there are any questions in particular that are important that I ask.

TIA

Re: Interviewing Pediatricians

I thought it was going to be weird, but we were really comfortable interviewing the pediatrician we chose! I think that when you're comfortable with the person though, it's a good fit. Pediatricians get questions all the time, and even if you feel dumb asking certain things, you want to be with a doctor that you don't have to second-guess calling. There's a good question sheet pinned to the top of the pregnancy board here on LIF, but my friends also encouraged me to ask some of the following:

-(If you are breastfeeding) is there a lactation consultant that works for/with the pediatrician? What are some of the specializations, if any, that the office has?
-When are newborn appointments usually scheduled? A lot of times, doctors try to have newborn appts in the morning before any sick patients come in (something I wouldn't have ever thought of).
-What happens if I have questions or an emergency after hours? Will I immediately be told to go to the ER?
-What is the offices policy on vaccines? Some offices won't accept you as a patient if you don't want to have certain vaccinations for your LO.

Re: Interviewing Pediatricians

I felt weirded out when I scheduled the interview. Going in and meeting the Pediatrician was a different story. He went through all of those questions on babycenter without being asked them and then some. He took the time after hours and met with us which was great. He also took phone calls while we were meeting with him from worried parents. I had no problem with that because as a parent with a sick child, I wouldn't want to have to wait for the doctor to get back to me. I think that's why I chose him. I didn't need to look any further.

Re: Interviewing Pediatricians

I felt weird going to interview, but then she answered all the questions that I really wanted to ask, before I even asked them! I was highly impressed.

It felt weird in the other doctor's office, and I wasn't too comfortable with that office, so it was very interesting to see how when things are right, they just work out.

Message edited 2/20/2011 8:46:54 PM.

Re: Interviewing Pediatricians

DH thought it was weird because he had never heard of it. If it hadn't been for LIF, I wouldn't have either.

However, when I called the offices to set up appts, they all called them pre-nantal appts and were more than happy to set them up.

We've already interviewed one and we have 3 other practices to meet with tomorrow. Then, we'll decide.

We're using the questions we found on LIF that people recommended we ask.

So far so good.

Re: Interviewing Pediatricians

Can someone post the link to the LIF questions? Thanks

Re: Interviewing Pediatricians

This may seem like a silly question, but are you billed for these appointments? I feel weird about doing this as well, but the more I read about them, the more I am actually looking foward to choosing a pediatrician!

Re: Interviewing Pediatricians

Re: Interviewing Pediatricians

Re: Interviewing Pediatricians