Expecting Your First Child? Why You Should Talk With Potential Pediatricians
It is recommended that you pick out a pediatrician between your 28th and 34th week of pregnancy. If you are expecting your first child, you may be unsure of how to go about selecting a pediatrician. Getting a list of pediatricians that your insurance covers that are accepting new patients is a great way to start. Once you have this list, research and read reviews of the doctors. From there, consider scheduling an appointment with the doctor. Since your child has not yet arrived, you may wonder what you can gain by scheduling an appointment with a potential pediatrician. Here are a few of the things you can learn about the office and the doctor through an appointment.
The Location and Convenience of the Office
When you are looking to hire a pediatrician, you want to consider the proximity of the office to your home. But, until you actually drive to the office and try to park there, you may have no idea just how long this task will take. Some offices may look to be close, but may be farther than you realize. And some locations may charge for parking or have limited parking available, making it expensive or a hassle just to go to the appointment. This is information you can ascertain by scheduling an appointment before you hire a pediatrician.
How the Office Operates
Another key bit of information you can obtain by scheduling an appointment with a potential pediatrician is what the office looks like and how it operates. Does the office look clean and well-kept? Do they separate sick children from well children? How friendly is the staff when you sign in for the appointment? Does your appointment start on time? You can obtain answers to all of these questions and more by scheduling an appointment with a potential pediatrician.
If You Get Along With the Pediatrician
Lastly, you will have the opportunity to interview the pediatrician before you hire them when you schedule an appointment with them. You can make sure you are on the same page as far as vaccinations, medications and parenting styles. You can also tell if you feel comfortable with the pediatrician and whether you get along with them. Some personality types simply clash. You want to ensure you feel comfortable with the pediatrician and can talk to them about your child's illnesses and behaviors. Scheduling an appointment allows you to ensure your personalities are compatible and you feel comfortable with them.
It is important to note that most pediatricians will charge you for a consultation appointment, and most insurance companies will not cover this type of appointment. However, scheduling an appointment to meet a pediatrician before selecting them for your child can help you decide if the office and the doctor are a good fit for you.