Interested in talking to other parents to find out what Doctors they use? Come to a Parent Child Playgroup, where you can meet and interact with other parents of birth-5 year olds.
Three months before Lorraine’s due date, she had a bassinet, tub, mobile, and
toys ready and waiting. The baby’s room was painted, furnished, and decorated.
And she had crammed for the parenting experience by reading a half-dozen
books on the topic.
Only one essential was left undone – choosing her baby’s doctor.
It wasn’t that Lorraine had forgotten. But unlike painting, decorating, and
shopping, selecting a doctor was unfamiliar, confusing territory.
She is not alone. Many parents find choosing a doctor confusing, even
daunting. It need not be.
First, decide what kind of doctor you want. Do you want a pediatrician who
is specially trained in infant, child, and adolescent medicine and
development? Or do you prefer a family or general practitioner, perhaps one
that all family members use?
Gather recommendations. Ask other doctors, such as your obstetrician, and
ask about specific training and certification. Consult other parents who
share your values and ask why they recommend the doctor, because what is
important to them may not be as important to you.
What to look for in a doctor depends largely on your preferences.
Having a doctor whose office is nearby is important to many new parents. It
is convenient and you’ll be able to get to them quickly in times of crisis.
It is also helpful if a doctor can be reached 24 hours a day and has a
phone hour on weekdays to answer your questions.
Approach to treatment varies, so choose a doctor whose style you are
comfortable with. Do you prefer a doctor who is quick to order diagnostic
laboratory work, to treat an illness, and to put a child in the hospital?
Or do you prefer a more cautious, wait-and-see attitude?
It is also important that your doctor discusses your concerns with you.
Some talk, some listen, some ask questions, some give alternatives, some
recommend treatment. Choose a doctor who matches your preferences.
You expect doctors to be concerned with your child’s physical development
and preventing and treating illness. But you will probably also want a
doctor who is concerned with your child’s mental development, behavioral
problems, and other issues.
Schedule a preliminary visit or interview to determine the doctor’s
manner and to see if you are comfortable with the doctor’s style.
Regardless of your preferences, be a serious shopper. You probably
wouldn’t buy a car without checking it out first. Be just as thorough
when choosing your child’s doctor.
This column is written by Robert B. McCall, Co-Director of the
Office of Child Development and Professor of Psychology, and is provided as a
public service by the Frank and Theresa Caplan Fund for Early Childhood Development
and Parenting Education.