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Intro: |
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| If you have a family history of certain chronic conditions, like asthma or juvenile diabetes (or if your child has been diagnosed with one), make sure you look for a pediatrician with a subspecialty in this field. If you have more than one child, a group practice can offer each an opportunity to choose his or her own doctor as your family matures. |
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In addition to regular checkups, a pediatrician is responsible for treating illnesses, monitoring your child's physical and psychological growth and development, diagnosing and treating acute and chronic disorders (including providing needed referrals to specialists), and coordinating care if your child is being seen by more than one doctor. For these reasons, it's important to choose a pediatrician who shares both your child rearing and health care philosophies. Make a list of parenting issues that are important to you (circumcision, immunizations, or toilet training, for example). Bring the list to interviews you set up with your final candidates (see Step 4). If you feel more comfortable with a younger (or older) physician, that's fine--just be sure you don't base your decision solely on this characteristic. Likewise, consider carefully whether you'll feel more at ease with a doctor who's friendly and flexible or one who's more authoritative and clinical. Finally, some studies indicate that, as children mature, they tend to feel more comfortable around doctors with whom they feel a bond. In some cases, this can translate to a gender or racial preference. If you're seeking a physician for an older child, let him or her take part in the decision-making process.
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Assess your priorities
