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According to the latest data from the American Academy of Pediatrics, there are over 91,000 practicing pediatricians in the United States.
As a parent, you want the best for your child. And that means making sure they have the best possible medical care.
Therefore, choosing a pediatrician isn’t something you’ll want to take lightly. Keep reading to learn about five factors you’ll want to consider before picking a pediatrician.
1. Credentials
All pediatricians must undergo four years of medical schooling, plus specialized pediatric education and licensing. However, that should be the minimum.
A quality pediatrician is someone who spends their free time looking up the latest innovations so they can better help their patients.
So while you’ll certainly want to look at a doctor’s degree and licensing, make sure to look up additional credentials such as awards or extra licenses they may have.
2. Experience
When it comes to caring for your little one, you deserve the peace of mind that your pediatrician knows what they’re doing. And that goes double if your child struggles with health complications.
For instance, children starved for oxygen at birth will have different needs than a baby born without complications. Knowing that your child’s doctor can help you navigate difficulties makes a world of difference.
As a rule of thumb, the more experience a pediatrician has, the more confident you can feel about working with them.
3. Insurance Coverage
Let’s face it, taking kids to the doctor can be expensive. You’re already worried enough as it is, the last thing you need is a huge medical bill weighing you down.
While most practices list their accepted insurance partners on their websites, it’s always a good idea to call and ask just to double-check.
4. Referrals
References and reviews are great indicators of a doctor’s particular strengths…or weaknesses.
Start by speaking with your friends and family. Since you value their opinions, you can feel safe about their recommendations.
You can also ask for a referral from your physician. Though the medical field is large, there’s a good chance that your physician knows of at least one quality pediatrician in the area.
5. Communication Style
It’s 8:00 PM and your child can’t stop coughing. You’re worried that something is seriously wrong with your newborn, and you need reassurance and medical advice.
A quality pediatrician is available to help whenever you need them — whether that means they’re directly assisting you or a nurse is available to answer any questions.
Health scares don’t operate on business hours. You deserve to have a doctor who is quick and responsive.
Follow These Tips for Choosing a Pediatrician
When choosing a pediatrician, you’ll want to keep these five tips in mind. And remember, you don’t have to make a choice right away.
Trust your gut instinct and allow yourself time to find a doctor that fits your family’s needs.
Looking for more helpful content? Make sure to check back with our blog! We’re constantly posting new and exciting blog posts aimed at helping you and your family.
