I know this probably sounds very silly, but I'm pregnant with my first child and in the pre-admission paperwork for my hospital delivery, I need to designate a pediatrician. How do I go about choosing one? My doctor's office gave me a list of referrals, but what do I do with that? Eeny-meeny-miney-mo? Or should I meet with each of them to decide which would be the best fit? Help!
I ended up getting a great referral from a woman I work with. We tentatively listed her pediatrician on the hospital paperwork, and we've been going to her ever since. She is fantastic! Thank you to all of you who offered your advice on the matter!
I was in the same situation and asked my OB/GYN for his recommendation which worked out well. Hope this helps.
When I moved to Chicago I asked my husband's co-workers for a referral. I asked a lot of questions about their Doctors, the practice, etc.. I met with 4 Pediatricians and chose the one that fit with my needs the most. The true test is when the baby sees the Doctor for the first few times but your first impression is usually the right decision-maker. I hope this helps. My Doctor is Dr. Daphne Hirsch with NW Childrens Practice @ 680 Lake Shore, Chicago.
After getting the list from my OB/GYN, I started asking friends with kids if they knew any of the doctors - or referrals from their doctors. Then, I did a little on line research for names, honors, articles, and finally I met with a few to see if their philosophy fit with mine. If you are a laid back mom, the last thing you want is a regimented pediatrician. Hope that helps a little bit.
Hi, P.,
I had the same question. I ended up interviewing a pediatrician and asked to put her name down. Someone from her practice then visited my baby at the hospital. I thought it was a big deal, but then I saw that these practices just make rounds. So, whoever is on rounds from the practice sees your baby and sometimes leaves you with a brochure to sign up at their practice. So, the doctor we spent time and $$ on a consultation with didn't even remember us. That was very disappointing. so, I'd say if you are able and have time, keep asking around. Referrals from real moms are still best. But if you don't have time, go ahead and eeny-meeny your way based on whose practice is closer to you, is connected with your hospital, a good children's hospital (Children's Memorial), etc. If you want my referral, we went at first to Dr. Clark at Child and Adolescent Health Care Associates. Dr. Clark ended up making me too nervous. She wasn't the warm-and-fuzzy I needed but VERY experienced and respected. I didn't like the nursing care, there, though. So, I went for warm and fuzzy after meeting Dr. Scott Goldstein at a presentation he made. He is wonderful. And the practice is responsive and has great nurses -- who end up answering most of your calls anyway. His practice is the Northwestern Children's Practice at ###-###-####. My caveat there is that I was told it was pricey. I don't know any better now and like the practice so I'm sticking with it. But just a warning.
Most important, do not be afraid to change doctors if you are not comfortable with your first choice. I'm glad I switched. Good luck!
depending which hospital you are with - they might have a website where you can learn more about each doctor online and then schedule an interview with the ones you were impressed with - also, word of mouth is a great way to choose a doctor and if that doesn't work you could always post on here asking for a recommendation based on your hospital or on the referrals you were given - hope this helps.
Hi P., I know what you mean. I was equally flummoxed and my own Dad is a pediatrician! He suggested that I just pick a few (I was inclined toward a female and someone close to our home) and start scheduling some appointments to meet with them. I had a list of questions, which you can find in the American Academy of Pediatrics First Five Years book, and the drs I called were happy to meet with me. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be b/c we loved the 1st dr we spoke with & picked her. Good luck to you! - M.
I think that the list is for which doctor will see your baby when she/he initially arrives. What I did was I choose a doctor that was affliated w/the hospitals I wanted "just in case". I never visited my pediatrician but I loved him until he retired. Good Luck! Let me know if I can assist you with anything else.
First, I go for geographic convenience. When your kid is sick, you do not want to be driving a long way to see a doctor. Do you have any friends who are in medicine or have friends who know anyone in medicine?
A referral from someone in the field is extremely valuable. If you decide to interview from the list your OB gave you, the only thing you can base your observation on is whether or not you like them personally. An upgraded eeny-meeny-miney-mo. I used a doctor who was referred by my doctor friend. He changed who he was in practice with and I also like the others in his practice. I've happily used this doctor for 17 years ( my kids are 17 & 14). Try to get a referral from another medical professional because they'll know who is really competent and who is just a nice person. Good Luck!
I asked my OB who he recommended. Also, ask your friends. Many people on this site ask for recommendations in a certain area. I did not interview my pediatrician but I know other people do.
Absolutely meet with them. Find the referrals that sound good to you and meet with a few. I go to Town and Country on north lincoln. They also have a location on Clybourn. Web site is townandcountrypeds.com. I love them.
