I am beginning to schedule pediatric interviews tomorrow, what questions should I ask?

Question

I will be 32 weeks pregnant tomorrow and also will begin to schedule interviews with potential pediatricians. I have combed through what feels like hundreds of websites with question suggestions and have compiled quite a list. Of course I am going to edit this list down but I am also very worried I am forgetting some important questions. Can any seasoned or new mothers suggest any questions I should be asking either the doctor or myself after seeing the office and doctor? Questions maybe that I just cannot forget or questions that might not cross my mind but are good questions to ask. I'm trying to put together printed out interview sheets so I don't forget anything during the interview or after while trying to compare doctors. Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Is your partner going with you? My wife and I really enjoyed going to the visits with the prospective peds together. We were able to bounce ideas off each other, back each other up with questions (helped us both not forget stuff and to ask good follow up questions), and of course, allowed us to go home and decide who to pick together.



I'd also talk to others you know and see if they have any recommendations.



Make sure you know where they have hospital privileges as it really helps if they have privileges at the hospital you go to - if not you have to defer to the pediatrician on staff and he/she may be wonderful, but its a totally new person during what's often a very vulnerable time.



Um...... I'd also just see who you click with. I'm sure there will be one that will stand out and sometimes, that's the deciding factor with decisions like this - who you "feel" is the right one - cause they're all likely to have a lot of the same answers to your questions.



Best of luck - it can seem like an overwhelming decision - but, in reality you can always change docs if the one you picked doesn't work out.

Answer 2

Split your questions into ones that you can ask the staff (Is there a separate area for well and sick children?) vs. questions specific for the doctor (What is your view on vaccinations or info from internet?). Pick the 10 things that are most important to you. Base your questions on that.



We are TTC and I personally do not support the current well baby visit schedule. I think it is excessive (studies support this). I would want my pediatrician to recommend a shortened schedule and not hassle me about it since I would be delaying most shots. How does s/he feel about that? Poster Ellen has a great list and I totally agree with her that some pediatricians will not take you even if you choose a modified schedule, although that may be changing.



If you plan to breastfeed, how does the doctor deal with breastfeeding complications?



If you are having a boy and plan to have him circumcised, how does this doctor handle that?



Look carefully at your questions. Are your questions for medical issues or parenting issues? A doctor has no training in parenting. If you plan to cosleep with your baby, your doctor generally will just parrot the party line rather than tell you how to do so safely. Doctors aren't so good with feeding issues either. If you breastfeed and have problems, I've already pointed those out. If you want to feed your child homemade formula, will he parrot the formula marketing dept. line or review your 'recipe' to be sure it includes iron?



When you call the office to set up the appointment, the first thing to ask before you schedule is whether they take your insurance. As a new mom, I would also ask them if they have an after hours call line - babies only seem to get sick at 3 a.m. Your insurance company may actually have one as well.

Answer 3

When I call with a question, who will answer it? if I leave a message, how soon will I be called back?

What are the symptoms of illness that my baby would have that you want to know about?

How do I get to talk to *you* and not a receptionist or nurse?

Who covers for you if the baby is sick or in an emergency if you are not available?

How often are you not available?

if I am having trouble with breastfeeding, to whom do you refer me for help? What are that person's qualifications?

What are the symptoms that would require a trip to the Emergency Department?

If my baby is not gaining weight quickly in the first several weeks and I am breastfeeding, what will you suggest?

When do you feel a baby should start solids? Do you have some printed information you will give me about that at the time? Do you have any other printed information for me on normal growth and development?

Discuss how you feel about vaccinations. Some doctors will not continue treating your child if you do not vaccinate, but many are open to a modified schedule.

If my baby is ill after office hours, how is it handled? Weekends?

How long will I wait to see you after my appointment time?

Do you have separate areas for well and sick children in the waiting room?



These are just off the top of my head. I am sure you will want to ask other things as well, perhaps about insurance or payments. And make sure you write own as much as you can!!