Between a recent measles outbreak in southern California that his since spread to 11 other states, to a particularly severe cold and flu season that left countless children hospitalized, choosing a pediatrician for your child’s needs is more important now than ever before.
Pediatric doctors are similar to family or primary care physicians in that they treat a wide variety of common ailments, however, pediatric doctors focus on treating patients from 0 to 18 years of age. However, as with shopping for any kind of goods or services, finding a pediatrician takes some time and research.
When choosing a pediatrician, it’s important to assess your own parenting style in order to determine what kind of pediatrician will be best for you and your children.
For example, many parents are staunch proponents of anti-vaccination, meaning they choose not to vaccinate their children for fear of the chemical compounds used in vaccines. However, some pediatric offices refuse to treat or see children that are not vaccination. If you take a more alternative or holistic approach to your child’s health, it’s essential to find a pediatrician who both respects and understands this.
When choosing a pediatrician, it may help to get some advice or personal recommendations from other parents in the area. They have personal experience that will allow them to vouch for pediatricians in the area. If you’re fairly new to an area and haven’t gotten a chance to meet your new neighbors, ask your children’s teacher or daycare providers if they can make a recommendation.
As always, the internet provides a plethora of information on pediatricians that may be helpful in reaching your decision. There are also a number of online parenting forums that may provide further insight.
When it doubt, it doesn’t hurt to call the pediatrician’s office directly. There are a number of questions to ask pediatricians, especially if your child has unique of special healthcare needs. Voicing your questions and concerns will allow you to build a stronger working relationship with your child’s pediatrician. To see more, read this.
