When/How to Choose a Pediatrician?

[regbyandjulie]

So, I'm due in 11 short weeks, and going through my checklist and the mountains of things to do, I realize that at some point I'm going to have to choose a pediatrician. How do I do that?? When should I do that? I know some people do that before, but what do I do just call and say "You're in the running to be my pediatrician..."? I know it depends on my insurance, but I have a PPO and not an HMO, so I have some flexibility in who I choose. What should I keep in mind when looking for one?? I want my baby to have the BEST! LOL, I'm a crazy mom already...

Advice please!

[MrsPinecone]

Ask around. The name that comes up most often is the one to go with.

[mom2lucas]

we took a parenting class at our hospital, and they had different pediatricians come in and talk to us and answer questions. we choose an office we liked, and then DS came early before we had a chance to do any further investigating. one of the doctors from the office was on call. We loved him even though we intended to go with another doctor from the same office. We're still seeing him because he has been so good to the kids. He heard a heart murmur in DD that the pediatrician on call at the hospital did not hear when she was born, and he got us in the see the cardiologist within a week.

[aimeemarie]

Originally Posted by MrsPinecone Ask around. The name that comes up most often is the one to go with.

Hah, and also the busiest/hardest to get into!

We go the family Dr route. He sees all of us and delivered the kids. Love it that way. :)

[MrsPinecone]

We also go to a family practice, but she asked about pediatricians. :-)

[mom2lucas]

Originally Posted by aimeemarie Hah, and also the busiest/hardest to get into! We go the family Dr route. He sees all of us and delivered the kids. Love it that way. :)

Our pediatrician is one of the most popular in our area, and we never have problems getting seen the same day for sick visits or within the week for well visits.

DH and I go to a family practice, and the doctor delivered me when I was born. He's been my doctor for my entire life except for a short period when his office didn't accept my dad's insurance. I assimilated DH when we got married because he didn't have a doctor.

[aimeemarie]

Originally Posted by MrsPinecone We also go to a family practice, but she asked about pediatricians. :-)

I mentioned it because a lot of people don't think about doing that, it is also a lot cheaper here at least. Ped office visit is $110 while ours is $65.

mom2lucas I'm glad you don't have that problem!

[aeflower]

I didn't realize you were supposed to notify the pediatrician ahead of time! LOL!

I found my pediatrician through my best friend who has 5 children. Not only did I value her opinion, but I figured since she had been taking her kids to his practice for 10 years that said even more.

Good luck!

[mum2hba]

I picked my kids first ped, because he was the one my mom used(my youngest sister is only 2 yrs older than my dd). Ask around and see who is recommended.

[zoeys_mom]

I asked coworkers and interviewed the dr (before I had my baby) to confirm I would like him.
He is actually very popular and my kids LOVE him, so I was happy with my choice.