Pediatrician-when to pick?

I was just wondering if anyone has advice about this? Everything you read tells you to pick your pediatrician and possibly even interview them before the birth? Has anyone every done this? I got a recommendation from someone who has twins and delivered in my hosiptal. Any thoughts on what to do?

 

I asked my ob about this at this weeks's appt and she said that "you need to get on this now, like this week". apparently they won't let you take the babies out of the hospital if you don't have a pediatrician. She gave me a few names, one of which she takes her kids to. I plan to call around today, but will likely go with the one that she takes her kids to as the location is convenient and heck, if a doctor trusts him, than I'm willing to give him a shot, I really like and trust my ob.

 

My OB gives you a list of pediatricians who have privileges at the hospital where they deliver at the same appointment where they give you your pre-registration documents for L&D and ask you to complete a birth plan. I think its the 24 week appt.

I figure once I get the list, I'll check and see who my health plan accepts, and then call and see who is accepting new patients.

Anyone in the northeast metro Atlanta (outside of 285) area should definitely consider Gwinnett Pediatrics. The docs there are SUPER! I wish I lived closer, I would definitely take my twinkies there.

 

With us, the same pediatrician sees my kids that saw me and still sees my siblings that under 18. He hasn't accepted new patients in like 15 years but he's still packed because he accepts referrals and family with history like ours. It's nice because he knows what kind of things are already in the family.

Something that might help you decide is. How far are they from you, are the affiliated with the hospital that you prefer? And, do they have partners in their office so in case their gone you won't have to go to the ER automatically?

 

I'd make some calls right away. I know you're on restrictions so call and tell them that and ask for a phone interview. A decent doc will accomodate your situation. You'll lose some of the interaction not having face-to-face but you can still get general information about how the office works as well as have any specific concerns addressed.

Recommendations are a great start but I know a good friend of mine has a pedi she adores whom I wouldn't even consider because of some of her advice. I actually had DH ask the other parents at work for recommendations since they're all using the same provider network and live in our general area. I had interviews with two of the docs people raved about and felt good about one of them so I quit looking.

 

I went with a ped who a few of my friends used and loved when I was pregnant with my oldest DD. I trusted their judgment and it worked out great, we are still going to him. In fact my two sisters now send their kids there as well. It wouldn't hurt for you to start thinking about it or making calls now though. Also check with your insurance to see if there is anything you need to do ahead of time.

 

i got the name of a ped. from my OB and i met with him last thursday, actually. i just wanted to get it out of the way, and in case i didn't like him, it would give me time to meet with someone else.

 

Great question!! I haven't even thought about a pediatrician!! YIKES!! Better get on this now!! I will be calling my OB immediately!! Thanks a bunch...man, do I love this forum stuff!! It really helps us all out!!

 

With my DD, we got some recommendations from friends and then we interviewed one (the one we ended up choosing). I think the interview part can depend on your parenting style. If you are the kind of person who just wants the doctor to tell you what to do and you listen, then it's pretty easy to pick one. We are a little less mainstream and wanted to not (or delay) vaccinate, aren't big on antibiotics for every little thing, etc, so we needed to make sure we found a ped who was ok with our choices and help guide us according to how we chose to care for our children. We've been very happy with him, and I just verified this week that he will also accept our twins as patients.

 

My sister recommended her pediatrician to me (highly) and I was fortunate that he was taking new pts. I think I had him lined up around my 5th or 6th month. Good luck!

 

Thank you everyone-this motivated me to call the ped that was recommened and I can go in and visit the office. Thanks for the help!

 

Yes -- it is time to start thinking about a pediatrician. You need to have identified one before the babies can leave the hospital. I think the best way to find a good one is through word of mouth. Ask your friends and other people you trust who their kids see and what they like or don't like about the practice. Although it's not necessary, it is a good idea to have a prenatal visit with the pediatrician to see if you like their style, if the office in convenient to you, etc. They'll ask you about your pregnancy, whether you will breast or bottle feed, any family medical history, and then probably go over the details of their office, staff, hours, etc. with you. The pediatrician will most likely come see the babies at least once in the hospital after they are born, so it's nice to already have established a relationship with someone. I had my prenatal at about 30 weeks....

 

Okay, thanks for prompting me, I just got off the phone with 2 pedi offices, and we have a clear winner. Stuff I ended up asking over the phone to the receptionist:

1. are you taking new patients?
2. do you take my insurance?
3. when do you want to see the babies after they were born?
4. do you have an after hours hotline/doctor available if needed?
5. do you have saturday hours?
6. is there someone to cover the practice if the doc is off on vacation?

I ultimately made my choice based on the fact that the office I chose has 5 doctors and 2 nurse pracitioners, so there was always someone available to call/go see if needed, the receptionist was a whole lot nicer and more knowledgeable (let's face it, it's the office staff that keep a place running), and their policies seemed pretty laid back as compared to the other place that mentioned cancellation fees and not being able to be seen if you show up late. Both pedi's were recommended by my ob, so I felt fairly comfortable with their medical expertise.