Finding a good pediatrician.

• How do you locate a pediatrician that makes both you and your children feel at ease?
• Start by asking friends for names, checking with local hospitals or going to the American Academy of Pediatrics Web site, www.aap.org
• If you are moving, ask your current pediatrician for a referral.
• Look for the letters “FAAP” after the pediatrician’s name. This indicates that the pediatrician has passed the American Board of Pediatrics Exam and is now a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Choosing a pediatrician.

• The next step is to conduct interviews with several pediatricians. Most pediatricians do not consider it an imposition on their time and do not charge for the visit.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents ask the following questions
• Is the pediatrician accepting new patients?
• Is he or she covered by your insurance or managed care plan?
• What are the office hours?
• Is emergency coverage available 24 hours a day, seven days a week?
• Is the pediatrician available by phone or e-mail? If so, when?
• Does the practice have an after-hours answering service? Is that service linked to a university or children’s hospital?
• Where are patients referred after hours?
• Is there access to pediatric specialists, if needed?
• What hospital does the pediatrician prefer to use?
• How does the office handle billing and insurance claims?
• Is payment due at the time of the visit?
• If your child has special medical needs, ask about the practice’s overall orientation and philosophy about caring for special-needs children.
• Can it provide the support you need to coordinate medical care for your child?
• A family’s relationship with its pediatrician can be a lasting and rewarding one. That’s why it’s worth taking the extra time to find a pediatrician that is a good fit for you and your children.

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