Choosing a pediatrician for your child is one of the biggest decisions you will have to make in their early years, so it is vital that you take the time to get it right. There are many things to consider before you even visit the clinic. Ask around to see if your friends and family have any recommendations, search the internet and look for testimonials.
Once you have completed your initial search, you can draw up a shortlist of pediatricians which you would like to go and meet. This process will help you make a better decision and find the best pediatrician for you and your children. We can guarantee that the benefits of selecting the right pediatrician are worth the initial effort.
Long-Term Relationship
The last thing you want for your child is to regularly change their pediatrician, as this can disrupt their general treatment. Records get lost, doctors have different approaches, and kids don’t really like change when it comes to doctor’s visits.
Having the same pediatrician throughout childhood will help to build trust, and most importantly they will have a keen awareness of the overall health and development of your child.
As a parent, you will feel much more comfortable asking for advice and asking potentially embarrassing questions about growth, child care, puberty, and sex. All of these issues require trust in the pediatrician from parent and child alike, and this trust is built up over a period of years.
Up-To-Date Records
There are so many things you need to remember as a parent, so it is helpful to have someone there to remind you about well-child exams and immunizations. Your pediatric clinic will provide you with all the information you need regarding schedules and should be willing to offer flexible appointment times.
Having access to up-to-date records will help your pediatrician make a better diagnosis or treatment plan if your child gets sick or develops any allergies.
Expertise
By choosing a board-certified pediatrician or attending a highly rated group practice, you are investing in the long-term health of your child. Always look for the pediatrician’s credentials before arranging a visit and see if they are affiliated with any professional bodies such as the American Board of Pediatrics.
Highly qualified pediatricians will offer the latest treatment methods and will always look to provide the highest standards of care.
From the Cradle to the Big Wide World
Selecting a highly qualified pediatrician is not so good if they are not always available or only offer a limited range of expertise. Therefore, look for a pediatrician or pediatric group which provide a wide range of services.
Ideally, you want a clinic which can provide care from the moment your child is born until they are ready to leave home for college. As mentioned above, building a long-term relationship with the child will enable them to create a complete picture of their health.
Examples of services to look out for include:
- Newborn exams
- Well-child exams
- Immunizations
- Sports and School Physicals
- Growth and Development Assessment
- General Child Care and Advice