i am due in september and my ddc group urged me to begin this search now haha. so...here are some things i found online
1. Is the doctor's office conveniently located?
2. How early does the office open, how late does it close -- and do they have weekend/holiday hours?
3. How are phone questions handled?
4. How long do you have to wait in the office?
5. Does the waiting room look nice and have enough toys to make the wait less painful?
6. How are bills handled?
7. Is the doctor board certified in pediatrics?
8. Where does the doctor have hospital privileges?
9. If laboratory tests are needed, can they be done right in the office or will you have to go elsewhere to have them done?
10. How are urgent/emergency matters handled? If you are referred to the ER, will your doctor meet you there or have the ER staff take care of it?
11. When your child is ill, do you call to make an appointment or just come to the office and be seen first-come-first-serve?
12. Who covers for the physician when she is sick or on vacation?
PHILOSOPHY
1. Breastfeeding: If you are very eager to breast feed or have strong feelings about how long you want to breastfeed, you will want a physician who knows a lot about the subject and is supportive.
2. Circumcision: It is your choice, so you want a doctor who will support your decision.
3. Special circumstances: Being a vegetarian, having specific religious beliefs, etc., will require both knowledge and understanding from the pediatrician.
4. Immunizations: Most pediatricians are very aware of the need for immunizations, but asking about their immunization rates would not be improper.
5. Antibiotics: When your child gets a cold which does not require antibiotics, you do not want a physician who is all too ready to give them to you for no good reason.
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