Finding the right doctor to care for your newborn baby is an extremely important decision. The pediatrician that you choose will come to know your family well, and you need to be comfortable with your choice.
During the first year alone of your baby, you will have to visit the doctor at least six times for well-baby checkups, not to mention the unplanned visits for a fever or a first cold. Thus taking some time to think about the pediatrician and making efforts to find the right one is crucial. Here is a guide to find the right pediatrician in Charlotte for your child:
- Let the hunt begin: The first rule is start while you are expecting. Once baby’s here, there will be no time to conduct a proper search. You can take the suggestions from your friends, family members and colleagues, especially those who parent the way you want to. Also, you can ask your ob-gyn for recommendations. Chances are she’s a parent too. And if you like your doctor, you just might like her doctor too.
- Research about the doctors: You should collect at least three if not half a dozen names from friends and coworkers since one person’s pick is sometimes another’s pan. Call your insurance company about any doctor you are interested in but don’t see on the list. Provider lists change frequently, and the pediatrician may have been added recently. Next, look out for the location of the pediatrician’s office. Given how often you’ll have to visit there, you’ll want a short commute. Also look into which hospitals your candidates are affiliated with. You’ll want one that’s both convenient and reputable.
- Check for experience: A pediatrician specializes in the care of infants, children and adolescents and has completed training in pediatrics following graduation from medical school. Also take into account the range of experience and how long the pediatrician has been in practice. Has the doctor worked only in a private practice office setting, or is there some experience in a group practice, urgent care, hospitals or emergency departments? Working in different health care environment can broaden a pediatrician’s knowledge.
- The doctor should be comfortable with your child: Most pediatricians go into this specialty because they love being with kids. But during your first few visits, assess how your doctor interacts with your child to ensure if it is a good fit. Your infant will develop a special bond with your pediatrician, and you want your little one to be comfortable with your choice as he/she grows and develops.