Choosing a pediatrician: what to ask

The AAP suggests starting the search in the final months of pregnancy, when there is still time to meet a few pediatricians before the baby arrives. Gather names, check which ones take your insurance, then ask each office about hours, phone calls and who answers when the office is closed.

You are choosing someone you will talk to a lot, often at odd hours and on very little sleep. It is worth a couple of phone calls now.

Where to start

Names usually come from people you already trust. The AAP lists a few places to ask:

Other parents you know, and friends and family nearby.
Your obstetrician, who often knows which local pediatricians families are happy with.
The AAP’s Find a Pediatrician tool on HealthyChildren.org, which lists pediatricians who are Fellows of the AAP.
A nearby hospital, medical school or county medical society, useful if you are new to the area. Many medical societies run referral services for pediatricians taking new patients.
Your current pediatrician, if you are moving and already have one. They may know a colleague in the new area.

The AAP notes that many pediatricians will fit a short interview with expecting parents into their schedule. A phone conversation counts, which helps when getting across town is its own project.

Insurance and networks

Check this before you get attached to anyone. If you have a managed care plan, the AAP points out that you will likely be choosing from that plan’s network, so the list may be shorter than it first looks.

When you call an office, the AAP suggests confirming:

that the pediatrician is accepting new patients with your plan
which managed care plans the practice works with
whether routine checkups include immunizations
how billing and insurance forms are handled, and whether payment is expected at the visit

The AAP’s other point is timing: learn what your coverage includes before you need it, not in the waiting room.

Questions for the first conversation

The AAP suggests calling each office first, asking about the doctor’s training and how the practice runs, and booking a meeting only with the ones whose answers you like. From its lists, questions families often bring:

About the doctor

Where did they train, and where did they do their residency?
Which hospital do they work with, and where would your child be admitted if they needed to stay?
Will they, or someone from the practice, examine your baby at the hospital after birth, and can you be there for it?
What is their general approach, and how do their checkup times compare with the AAP’s schedule?

About the office

What are the office hours, and are there evening or weekend hours?
Is it easy to reach by car or public transit?
When is the best time to call with routine questions, and is there a nurse who answers them?
How are calls returned, and does the practice use secure messaging or telemedicine?
Which questions can be handled by phone, and which need a visit?
Can you get a same-day appointment when your child is sick?
If your child ever needs specialists, will the pediatrician coordinate their care?

The AAP suggests both parents come to the meeting if possible. Once you have chosen, it also suggests letting the hospital know the name when you are admitted, so the delivery nurse can contact the pediatrician or whoever is on call after the birth.

After-hours care

Babies keep their own hours, and so do their illnesses. The AAP suggests asking:

Who answers the phone when your baby has a problem after the office has closed?
Does the pediatrician take their own calls at night, and if not, who does?
Does the practice see patients after hours, or do families go to urgent care or the emergency department?
Who covers when the pediatrician is on vacation, and what are the names and numbers of the on-call doctors?

The AAP notes that an office visit is usually easier than a hospital visit. It also suggests that if another doctor sees your child at night or over a weekend, you let your own pediatrician know the next morning or first thing Monday.

Trust and fit

The AAP is clear that the real test comes after the baby arrives: how the pediatrician cares for your child and responds to your concerns.

At the first visits, notice whether the doctor explains illnesses and treatments clearly, makes sure all your questions are answered, and seems interested in your child rather than in the clock. The AAP also mentions the staff: friendly and courteous, and not leaving you feeling rushed. Priya and Sam, for example, came away from one interview liking the doctor and loving that the nurse line answered on the second ring.

If something does not sit right later, the AAP suggests raising it with the pediatrician directly. If it is not resolved, looking for another doctor is a normal thing to do.

Sources

How to Choose a Pediatrician — HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Finding a Pediatrician — HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics)

This is educational information from public sources, not a replacement for advice from your child’s healthcare professional.

In Withya, the pediatrician’s details sit on your child’s profile, ready for every adult who might need them.