Points to consider when searching for Pediatrician

PEDIATRICIAN
1. Is the doc taking new patients?
2. Is the doc BOARD specialized?
3. Is the doc a general or a specialize one (in some form of child treatment?)
4. Does the doc see the baby after his birth in the hospital or do we need to bring him to the clinic for the first visit?
5. Is he interested in meeting parents before accepting the child to his list? (to make sure the parents aren’t over cautious or of the careless category?)
6. Is there a nurse who handles questions over the phone during office hours?
7. How about after hours? Is there an after-hours clinic, or would we need to go to an emergency room?
8. Who will my child see if our doctor is not there?
9. What hospital or hospitals can the doctor refer patients to? (where does the doc have privileges to see the baby)
10. Does doc offer to see baby in evenings or weekend hours or holidays? Where?
11. Children’s hospital?
12. Swedish hospital?
13. Hospital closest to our new Family Home?
14. Any other specific place?
15. Does the doc come himself or allows the Emergency doc give orders for the baby; and then come himself the next morning?
16. What does the doc think about immunizations?
17. What is the average waiting time?
18. What is the doc philosophy? – antibiotics and medicines are the only cure or does the doc believe in natural treatments / natural healing by the body?
19. How can I know whether baby too also RH +ive?
20. Breast pumps – which ones suggested – Medalla / Aveno / others?
21. (can adults and kids be given the same nasal spray – or are there different potencies)
22. DPT(diphtheria, polio, whooping cough, tetanus) (4th, 6th, 9th, 12th months and then 5 years)
23. Does DPT include Polio – Also in India all kids below 5 need to get vaccinated
24. Diapers / Wipers – which brands suit babies best?

Considerations for parents –
ο Is the doc new or old in practice
ο Which school does the doc belong to? US / India?
ο Do you want a doctor who treats only children (a pediatrician)?
ο Would you like a doctor who treats the whole family?
ο Do you want a doctor who is close to your home or work place?
ο Do you need to choose a doctor from a list given by your insurance provider?
ο Do you want a doctor who?
ο Would you or your child prefer a man or a woman doctor?
ο Does your child need a specialist?
ο Do you want a doctor who speaks a certain language?