Choosing a Pediatrician - Prairie Village,KS

Updated on April 30, 2008
A.H. asks from Prairie Village, KS
12 answers

What criteria would you be certain to use when choosing a pediatrician for your first kiddo, first everything?? (i.e. someone always on-call, good office hours, well-child waiting room, young or old doc, etc.) Anyone have a good recommendation on a great pediatrician? We are adopting and do not have a baby yet, but could get a phone call and have one within less than a 24 hour period, so I need to do the legwork now. :)

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A.B.

answers from Kansas City on

A., I found the most wonderful pediatrician in Overland Park...first, he was a pharmacist, then went back to school to become a pediatrician...I am thrilled with this combination as he does not give medicine freely with every little ache and pain. He is so familiar with the drugs on the market and is not swayed by big pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Don Vannaman, 10600 Quivira Rd Ste 210, ###-###-####.

Best of luck on the adoption!!

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H.H.

answers from Kansas City on

If you are in the KC area, I highly recommend College Park Family Care Center. They have pediatricians, family care doctors, and also have several specialists. They have acute care hours as well and doctors on call. There are several offices in the area so you can choose the one that is closest to you. I know several families that go there for their medical needs and none of them have had any complaints. We also go there and like it.

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K.T.

answers from Kansas City on

I love Prefered Pediatrics in Olathe. We see either Voelker or Shanker. I love them because they return my calls quickly. They have never mde me feel silly or annoying when I call in about the little things.

When I was picking stuff for Jack, I read a lot of Consumer reports and talked to a lot of moms. In the end, it all comes down to what you and your husband. Trust your instinct.

Good luck :D I really hope everything works out for you. You deserve it!

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L.G.

answers from Kansas City on

I'm not sure what part of town you're in, but we go to Village Pediatrics in Prairie Village - Dr Slaymaker. They have urgent care hours every day & on Saturdays which was always great when I'd pick my son up from daycare not feeling well - I could just run in & get him checked out right away. Also, their after hours phone goes straight to Children's Mercy triage nurses who are great especially when your kid gets sick on a Sunday night or after office hours (which is the case 90% of the time, right?) Good luck!

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M.S.

answers from Kansas City on

I would also suggest getting a doctor who is the same sex as the child so that when they get to age for physicals they are more comfortable. I also think an office that has several doctors helps too. One that has walk-ins for sick kids in the mornings and Saturday hours is also a plus.

As far as reccomendations I would reccomend Childcare Limited at St. Joe. Dr. Patty Daniels & Dr. Greg Cirotski are the doctors we see on a regular basis.

Good luck and congrats on your upcoming adoption.

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C.R.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi A.,

When I was looking for a ped 8 years ago I wanted a young doctor that had an office with several other doctors. I decided to go with Dr. Heaphy located at 10600 Quivera suite 210. ###-###-#### I have been with him now for seven yaers and I love him and his office. His nurse is awsome and very friendly as well. There has been several occasions that I called the office late in the day and they even stayed late for us to get there. I like that they have several doctors in his office because if he is not available I can still see one of the other doctors. They do have certain times that they do the well-child visits that way your child is not exposed to all the sick kiddos. I have recommended him to many of my friends and I am VERY glad I chose him. My children really like him as well and the office is very kid friendly. All the walls in the child areas are painted with Wizard of Oz scenes which my 7 year old loves!!!! I would suggest setting a cosultation up with him or another ped. and see about your own feelings towards the doctor.

I hope this helps & best of luck with the adoption!!

C.

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A.S.

answers from Kansas City on

I think you should look for someone who works in an office with other pediatricians, that way if your doctor isn't available there will be someone else your child can see. Also look for a place that has someone on call at all times. Someone close to you at a convenient location is also good. Most of all if has to be someone you feel comfortable with. You can interview doctors before selecting one. Just call their office and set up an appointment. Also, if you have strong opinions about vaccines (like not doing them, or doing delayed vaccinations) you should find someone that shares your views. Hours are also something else that's important. Can you get in the same day if you need to? Are they open on Saturdays? Do they have walk-in hours? Also, a well-child waiting room is a plus, but it wouldn't make or break the deal for me.

We go to Dr. Edward Belzer, he works with the Pediatric Professional Associates, off of 106th & Quivira. We love him! The other doctors in the office are great too! They have walk-in hours every day, they're also open on Saturdays during the cold & flu season. Here's the website: http://www.ppadocs.com/

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J.B.

answers from Kansas City on

Not sure where you are in town, but we love our pediatrician - Dr. Wichman, ###-###-#### in the medical building by St. Luke's South in OP, KS. He's young and has a toddler and a baby so he's going through a lot of the same things we are first-hand. Plus he's great with our daughter. They have several doctors in the office (male and female, varying ages) and a fantastic lactation consultant. They have separate sections for well and sick children. And one of the things I really appreciate is that they are incredibly punctual. No sitting around for half an hour with a fussy baby waiting to get in to see the doctor!

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J.E.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi, A.. My decision was easy... my friend is our Nurse Practitioner. We go to Village Pediatrics (http://www.village-pediatrics.com/ - 7310 Mission Rd) and our primary doctor is Slaymaker. He is wonderful! They have urgent care Monday-Friday 8:00am-10:00am, Monday-Thursday 4:00pm to 8:00pm, and Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm; so if you have a need they're available. It's a great practice and they really do care about the kids they see.

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C.V.

answers from Kansas City on

Several things.I like a pediatrician who addresses the child,not just the parent.One that is friendly and doesn't make you feel dumb for having questions.One that takes the time to actually see your child like they are not in a hurry.I go t Cockerell and Mcintosh pediatrics and I love it.I have been there with my three children about 8 years.They have extended hours some nights and have urgent care.They have two locations,one is in independence and one is in blue springs inside of saint mary's(that one has a well child waiting room.)My absolute favorite doc is Kirby-Diaz,however the only one I don't care for is Mcintosh.

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T.M.

answers from Kansas City on

My son goes to the Lee's Summit Physician's Group. We love them. They have about 12 pediatricians all American Acadamy of Pediatricians certified. They have well and sick child waiting rooms, weekend urgrent care, a nurse help line M-F 9-4, some one always on call, and early and late appointments. Plus with the number of Dr. if you don't like one you can find a personality that you will mesh with, thought we have not had that problem. They are about a 20 minute drive from me but it is definately worth it. They offer a free prenatal interview to talk about the practice and talk through any concerns you may have. Hope this helps.

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K.S.

answers from Kansas City on

I love our ped!! We go to the Peadiatric Care North Center in Kansas City, MO on Barry Rd & Platte Purchase Dr. They have several drs there and everyone is very helpful. The wait is not very long for your appointment either. Good luck!

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