Looking for a pediatrician

J Lynn · Jun 17, 2004

If you are living in KY, try posting this in the KY forum. I live in LA, so I really can't help recommend a peds doc.

Repat · Jun 17, 2004

Thanks! I am not really looking for a recommendation, but more advice on how people find their doctors. Where I used to live has a very different philosophy about health care, and one I am much more comfortable with (less interventionist), and I really feel I need to be able to find a doctor who is interested in working with me. How do people find doctors? Do people interview them? How do you know what the practice philosophy is?

J Lynn · Jun 17, 2004

Oh, then maybe I can help.

I never interviewed my pediatrican. I sort of stumbled on her by accident. You see, I was seeing which ever dr was available since my daughter was usually sick when I went. Then after seeing all the different docs in the office, I choose one and stuck with that one even after my second daughter was born. I always recommend her to new mothers who ask me. Sometimes to start, you have to ask around. If you don't feel comfortable (like if he/she rushes you, doesn't ask you if you have questions, seems uncaring, etc.) then you can ask for another dr next time. It's a trial and error kind of thing. But listen to your gut feeling.....drs don't always know everything about a patient....but you know your child.

Good luck to you in your search.

fotografe · Jun 17, 2004

My pediatrician has "meet the docs/np's night" once per month fro prospective patients. I had heard about the practice through my ob. They explained the office procedures and practices. I love this office, as my ped told me, he is the advocate for the child first and the parent second. They do what ever it takes to care for my kids, including a lot of education for me. Each Pediatrician is paired with an NP, and we alternate seeing providers for well visits. A triage nurse takes sick calls, and gives info and schedules sick visits if necessary. They also have set "walk in" hours early in the am for those things that happend over night. As to why your current office would not accomodate your son's wishes to deal with him alone, that is surprising. THis practice has the child seeing the provider alone when they think they are mature enough. Then the parent is consulted after the initial exam. Ask these questions of the receptionist when you call. See what office policies and procedures are and see if they have what you want! Good luck.

Repat · Jun 17, 2004

Thank you, thank you! I was beginning to think that I was off the wall as far as what I am looking for - your practice sounds like what I am looking for here. I am reasonable, and informed, and I feel that I am treated at the moment as a number (and a dumb number, at that). I just hoped that I wasn't living in cloud cuckoo land hoping that there would be a practice that believs in collaborating with both my children and me. Thanks again!

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Jun 18, 2004

Another tactic that is usually helpful is to ask nurses who they take their kids to. Especially peds nurses. They will know who is knowledgeable, skilled, compassionate and has people skills too. They will also be able to tell you who NOT to take your kids to. I work in a teaching hospital; it's easy to pick out the residents who will be good pediatricians. We're often the first ones on the doorstep when they hang out their shingles!