You should begin looking for a pediatrician about three months before your baby is due (in about the sixth month of your pregnancy). Conduct initial information research on the Internet or by asking friends, family, or trusted doctors for recommendations. Once you have a short list of potential pediatricians, call their offices to set up interview appointments to meet the physician and learn more about him/her.

Your first visit with your baby to the doctor should be within the first two weeks of life. However, if you are breastfeeding, it is generally recommended that your first visit be within a week of when your baby was born.

To find delivering practitioners that are affiliated with Martha Jefferson Hospital, please call our physician referral line at 434-982-7009 or 1-888-652-6663; or use our online Physicians Directory.

Pediatrician or Family Practitioner?

Both will go through four years of medical school. A pediatrician will have three years of additional experience with children (birth – 21 years of age), must pass an exam from the American Academy of Pediatrics, and will specialize in the medical treatment of children. A family practitioner will have three years of additional experience with all ages, must pass an exam from the American Academy of Family Physicians, and can treat your whole family.

Private or Group Practice?

In a private practice, the physician will be the only doctor who sees your child, which allows for a closer and more consistent relationship with the physician. A group practice will generally have more hours of availability and a team approach to healthcare.

Gender: Male or Female?

This may not seem important while your child is a baby, but as children get older, particularly in their pubescent years, they tend to prefer doctors of the same sex. Also, some mothers are more comfortable with and less intimidated by female doctors.

Age: Young or Old?

Older doctors will have more experience, but they may retire soon or be resistant to new trends and technology. Younger doctors may lack experience, but they probably won’t retire during the care of your child, and they might adapt more readily to the rapid advances in medical and behavioral studies.

Interview: Some Things To Consider

Logistics

• Is there more than one office?
• If so, where does the physician spend most of his time?
• How far is it away from home?
• What are the office hours?
• Do they have early or late hours for working parents?
• Can you call with questions or concerns after-hours?
• How do they deal with after-hours emergencies?
• Is there an answering service that can connect you to an on-call doctor?
• Who covers for your doctor when he is on vacation?
• How far in advance must you book an appointment?
• What about accommodations for emergencies or missed appointments?
• Are there any diagnostic facilities on site (x-rays, blood work, lab work, etc.)?
• Do they mail out reminders for scheduled immunizations and checkups?
• Are you taking additional/new patients?
• What does the medical staff consist of?
• Nurse practitioners, nurses, resident physicians, medical students.

About the Waiting Room

• Is the staff welcoming, helpful, courteous, friendly and accommodating?
• Is it clean and organized?
• Are there separate waiting areas for “sick” and “well” kids?
• Is there a play area (with toys, books, videos, etc.)?
• Is it crowded?
• How long do you have to wait?
• Ask other parents if they are satisfied with this doctor/practice?

About Payment

• Does your insurance company cover this initial interview visit?
• Does the doctor’s practice charge for this initial interview visit?
• How much are the fees for standard office visits?
• Do immunization shots cost extra, or are they included in the office visit charge?
• Does the physician accept your insurance?
• How are insurance claims handled? Will the physician bill your insurance company directly?
• Doe they accept checks and credit cards?
• Is the payment due at the time of the visit or will they bill you?

Ask the Physician

• How does he stay current with the latest trends in disease prevention, treatment, nutrition, behavioral problems, and child development concepts?
• What type of Continuing Education does he use?
• How does he feel about you getting a second opinion?
• Is he willing to refer you to a specialist?
• When and where did he complete medical school and residency?
• Is he a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Board of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, etc.?
• How long has he practiced pediatrics?
• Does he have any areas of subspecialty (particularly in areas that may be applicable to your child, such as asthma)?
• How soon after the baby is born will he come to visit it in the hospital?
• Is there a specific time during the day that he will take phone calls?
• Does he answer general questions via email?
• In the event of a hospital stay, where does he have admitting privileges?
• How do you feel about issues that are important to me (i.e. breastfeeding, circumcision, immunizations, antibiotics, etc.)?
• What is the recommended immunization schedule?
• How much time will he spend with you and your child on a typical visit?
• Will you do the baby’s first physical exam?

Other Considerations

• How does the physician make you feel?
• Do you feel like you can trust him?
• Did he ask you important information about your home and family?
• Does he make you feel uncomfortable or stupid?
• How does he interact with your child?
• Were you at ease talking to the doctor?
• Did you feel free to express your opinions?
• Was he patient with you? Did he cut you off? Do you feel rushed?
• Does he treat you as a partner in the healthcare of your child?
• Is he willing to listen to your concerns?
• Can you talk with other patients about their experiences with this doctor/practice?