Pediatricians have special training in the health and illnesses of children from birth through adolescence and into the young adult years, and most are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics after passing a comprehensive examination covering all areas of health related to infants, children, and young adults. See A Pediatrician’s Training.
By your child’s middle school years, you have likely already found a pediatrician you are happy with. However, an occasion may arise where you need to find a new doctor—perhaps you have moved to a new city or your pediatrician has retired.
In circumstances like these, try to obtain a referral from your present pediatrician. He or she may know a colleague in the city where you are moving, or one who is taking over the retiree’s practice. Friends and family members might also recommend one or more pediatricians for you to consider.
How to Find the Names of Qualified Pediatricians
- The
American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthyChildren.org can supply you
with names of board-certified pediatricians in your community through
our Find a Pediatrician tool.
- Note: Only Fellows of the American Academy of Pediatrics or “FAAPs” are listed in our Find a Pediatrician tool. Only board-certified pediatricians can add the designation “FAAP” after their names, which means they have reached the highest status of membership in this professional organization.
- Most local/county medical societies provide referral services to pediatricians in their area who are taking new patients.
- If
you are located near a major medical center, community hospital, or
teaching hospital, contact its department of pediatrics for the names of
doctors in your area.
Interviewing Pediatricians
With a list of doctors in hand, call the office of each. Explain that you are looking for a pediatrician for your child, and inquire about the doctor’s background and training, as well as general office procedures. If you are impressed with what you hear, arrange for an interview during which you can meet the doctor and ask some additional questions. It may be more convenient to do this interview by telephone.
Here are some key questions to ask and things to consider during this first meeting:
- What
medical school did the pediatrician attend, and where did he or she
undergo postgraduate and residency training? (Medical directories in
many public libraries and online—such as the American Board of Medical Specialists Directory—can also help answer these questions.)
- What
are the doctor’s present hospital appointments? If it becomes necessary
for your child to be hospitalized, where would he or she be admitted?
- Is the pediatrician’s office conveniently located? Is it easily accessible by car or public transportation?
- Are the office hours convenient for your own schedule? If you are a working parent, you may desire evening or weekend hours.
- What
is the doctor’s policy on taking and returning phone calls? Is there a
nurse in the office who can answer routine questions?
- Is
the doctor in a group practice with other physicians? Does another
physician cover for the doctor at times? Who handles phone calls when
the office is closed or during vacations?
- Do you
sense a genuine interest by the doctor in the problems of your child,
including particular health disorders he or she may have?
- Do
both the physician and the office staff appear amicable and courteous?
Do they demonstrate compassion and patience? Or do you feel rushed in
the office, as though the doctor is eager to move on to the next
patient?
- How are visits for acute illnesses handled?
Can you make an appointment on short notice if your child needs to see
the pediatrician because of a sore throat, cold, or a potential ear infection, for example?
- Does
the doctor communicate clearly to explain illnesses and treatments, and
does the doctor make an effort to ensure that all your questions are
answered?
- In what managed-care programs does the
doctor participate? What is the office policy regarding the processing
of insurance forms?
- What will be the fees you will be responsible for when seeing the doctor for sick visits, routine examinations, etc.? See Understanding Cost Sharing: Deductibles, Copayments & Coinsurance.
- If your child ever develops a complex illness that requires he care of one or more specialists, will your pediatrician coordinate care among all the doctors providing treatment? See Your Child’s Medical Home: What You Need to Know.
