What makes a good pediatrician? Is it a short wait time in the office? Are they referred? Is English their first language? Are their offices clean with a courteous staff? I used to think I knew. Now I am not so sure.
When Leo was born, we picked the doctor that was on duty at the hospital, I had no idea who to use. Turns out his office was kinda gross and I didn't feel comfortable. Then my SIL referred me to her pediatrician. He was good. We just had different philosophies. He liked to prescribe medication for everything and was quick to assume my child was developing Autism because he wasn't speaking more than 15 words at their last visit. I was really upset by our last visit and decided I would no longer go to him. It was just an accumulation of things. That one just pushed me over the edge. Plus he was really far.
Now, I am in need of a new pediatrician. Leo has his 18 month check-up this month and I need to make an appointment. Then for the last 2 days, his left eye has been very red, looking irritated, and is now beginning to tear. I am really starting to wonder if he may have a scratched cornea or something like an infection...I don't know I'm not a doctor! I tried yesterday to get him into 2 different doctor's, both of whom were referred, but no one could take him for days. I hate to say it, but if I were to call the quacky Dr. Ong, I would have had him an appointment and been seen within 2 hours.
So again, I ask...what makes a good pediatrician and how do I get an appointment?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
I guess that's the answer--the good ones never have space.
We are forced into Jonathan's pediatrician by our insurance, and I don't like them very much at all. Oh well.
Call Irene, Lettie, Leo's sister & anyone else who you trust and have the same values with. They all have to have good ones. I like Dr. Davis in Riverside for my kids, but he wasn't taking any more patients. There are GOOD docs everywhere. You just got to ask around. You'll find one, I'm sure of it.
That Dr. Ong sounds like an idiot. Stay away from him.
Hmmm I am about to meet Eddie's new pediatrician soon. We had one in the hospital where he was born. But I don't like going there because the office is so far away. Did I like him? He was ok, but they are so "industrial sized" that they were so cold (VERY COLD) when they met with us. It's understandable. Their waiting room has at least 25-45 people at a time, every time we've been there! I hope I made the right choice to move. I am in the same boat you are, Liz.
Oh gosh, I hope you find a good one for little Leo. He deserves it.
That's how I felt about Leo's first pediatrician too. I guess I'll start asking around at church.
I found this online answer:
When picking out a pediatrician, it's best to start with suggestions of other mothers. See if you can find a mommy's group or a play date group to join and ask them. Ask them what they think of their pediatrician, why they chose them, what are they like etc. After, compose a list of the ones you're most interested in or just all of them and from there you can check with the FSMB (Federation of State Medical Boards) http://www.fsmb.org/ to see if any of them have been involved with disciplinary action or if there any profession reviews about them. Once you have narrowed your list down, set up appointments so you can interview them personally and see how you interact and how things will work out. You can decide who is best for you and your kids from there!
Here is a link on how to interview a pediatrician:
http://www.babycenter.com/0_pediatrician-family-doctor-interview-sheet_1452019.bc
Post a Comment