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Top 5 Things to Look for When Choosing a Pediatrician

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Your baby is due in the next few weeks, and you begin to worry. You ask yourself, what will I do if my child has a fever? Who can I rely on for advice? Finding the right pediatrician for your child can be a tricky subject and usually requires a very extensive search. There are tons of qualified doctors in every area and choosing the one specific health provider for your child can often be a challenge. While talking to your friends and using word-of-mouth can be a good way to find trustworthy candidates, there are many resources and criteria to consider when selecting your child's healthcare provider. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a pediatrician.

Credentials

The first thing you want to find out is if a doctor is reliable. It is very simple to do this and you can do it from the comfort of your home. There are many websites available where you can look-up information on doctors and view rankings based on your area. One good website to use is ZocDoc. You can use these sites to find out where these people were educated, where they completed their residency and if they are board certified. Being well informed is fundamental for when you narrow down your final choices.

Response Rate

Sometimes a trip to the doctor's office isn't necessary if you're able to receive advice over the phone from someone knowledgeable. You want to select a pediatrician that is able to answer any questions or concerns you may have in a timely manner. Make sure that the doctor you choose, or someone covering for them, returns your phone calls within a reasonable period.

Hours and Emergency Availability

Another important thing to consider is your doctor's schedule. The doctor's office hours should complement your work schedule. If you have a preference for scheduling appointments before or after work, make sure the pediatric facility's office hours can accommodate this. In case they don't, find out if you and your child are able to be seen after hours or in case of an emergency.

Hospital Affiliations and Insurance Coverage

Winter Springs General PediatricianIt is very important to know if your medical insurance will cover the costs of the pediatrics facility you ultimately select. If you choose a pediatrician that is not covered by your insurance provider, find out how much it would cost to pay out-of-pocket. Your medical insurance should not stand in the way between your child and your preferred physician. In addition, make sure the doctor is affiliated with a hospital where you would like your child to be treated. Many doctors are connected to several hospitals, giving you different options to choose from.

Personality

The Winter Springs pediatrician you entrust with your child's care should also be a person you are compatible with. Your pediatrician will be spending a lot of time with your child so it's a good idea to seek out someone who you like and is agreeable to you. Your level of comfort regarding who cares for your child is a priority. Your child should feel just as comfortable with their pediatrician as well. A vibrant personality can ease a lot of the anxiety you may have visiting your new pediatrician for the first time.

Finding the right pediatrician for your child can be a tricky subject. At Family First Pediatrics, we put your child's health and well-being as our main priority. Call Family First Pediatrics at 407-335-4760 to schedule an appointment today.
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