Find a Pediatrician with Answers to These 10 Questions

In all the excitement of a baby’s pending arrival, one important task that’s often overlooked is finding a pediatrician. Other instances, such as a move to a new city, may also put you in the position of having to look for new healthcare providers for the whole family. While researching potential doctors for your kids can be overwhelming, having a list of interview questions to ask can help narrow down the candidates.

How to Get Started?

Ask your friends, family and neighbors for recommendations, then start doing your research. Contact pediatricians that you think might be a good fit for your family, and set up a time to meet. Some pediatricians have preset days and times for meeting prospective patients, some do not. Some doctors can accommodate a phone or email interview, and some don’t participate in interviews at all. It’s important to find a pediatrician that works with your schedule, can meet your expectations and will be forthcoming with their availability.

Interview Questions for Pediatricians

Make sure the pediatricians you choose to interview are accepting new patients and take your health insurance. Once you have a list of potential pediatricians for your child and are comfortable with their background, training and certifications, get to know them better by asking additional questions. Here are 10 interview questions to consider:

1. Do you have separate waiting areas for well and sick visits?
2. What is your policy on taking and returning phone calls? Is there a nurse line to answer routine questions?
3. Is this a group practice? Will another physician or registered nurse cover for you at times?
4. What are your hours? Are you available on weekends?
5. Will you be able to see my child for same-day appointments?
6. What hospitals are you affiliated with and/or will you be able to visit my newborn in the hospital?
7. Are there extra charges for things like calling into the nurse line, weekend office visits or after-hours visits?
8. What is your philosophy on vaccinations?
9. How long have you been in practice and what are your credentials?
10. What tests are handled in the office, and what tests, if any, are done elsewhere?

While there are no right or wrong answers, it’s important that you find a doctor that makes you feel comfortable regarding the care that your baby will receive as he or she grows. Establishing good communication with your pediatrician from the start will help build a healthy, trusting relationship for years to come.