Choosing a pediatrician is one of the most important decisions a parent can make for their child’s mental and physical well-being. The pediatrician-child relationship is one of the most long-lasting medical partnerships in healthcare. Most parents must choose a pediatrician before their child is even born. Some parents know prior to birth if their child will need special care. For other families, illnesses like asthma and allergies might appear later in a child’s life, well after a pediatrician has been chosen. If you are an expectant parent looking for a pediatrician, here are three things to factor into your search.
Genuine Interest and Communication
Parents want to feel like their child is receiving the personalized care and attention that they deserve. Pediatrician interviews are a great way to get a feel for a provider’s personality. If you feel that your prospective pediatrician is taking a real interest in your family and concerns, you can be confident that this attention will carry through to the care of your child. Prenatal meet and greets are also wonderful opportunities to get a feel for an office’s environment and meet a practice’s staff. If an office doesn’t offer meet and greets, then browsing their website or social media pages is a good way to get a feel for the level of attention and care an office provides. Taking some time to browse a practice’s website will also give you information about the services they might provide, such as telehealth software or a 24/7 answering service, that can help inform further questions. The more information you can gather about a practice before you commit the better!
After Hours Care
Whether it’s hitting important developmental milestones or coming down with a bug, kids operate on their own schedules. Parents have to be flexible when it comes to the care of their children, and so do pediatricians. Make sure you find a pediatrician that offers some form of after-hours care. Whether it’s urgent care services, a 24/7 answering service, or a nurse triage line, when a pediatric practice offers after-hours care it’s a good sign they’re dedicated to the health of the children under their care. As a parent, finding a provider who is committed to addressing health concerns no matter when they happen will offer valuable peace of mind.
Telehealth Options
Telehealth options are a useful service for families who need flexible scheduling during business hours. Providers that offer telehealth software allow parents the flexible option of remote visits. Telehealth software is secure and HIPAA compliant, so parents can be sure their family’s sensitive medical information remains private. While Telehealth visits can’t completely replace in-person visits, they are an important part of ensuring continuity of care for your child. When it’s difficult for your child to be seen in person, having a pediatrician who uses telehealth software will ensure your child still receives the quality care you chose your pediatrician for.
Expectant parents have a lot of decisions to make before their little one arrives. Keeping these three things in mind while choosing a pediatrician will help you select a pediatrician more easily.
