Finding a Pediatrician

By Virginia Pediatric Group

Virginia Pediatric Group, Ltd.

. http://www.vapg.com/

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Finding a Pediatrician

Having children is a big investment and growing them into healthy adults is not a simple process. You need to have support, insight, and expert help. One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing a pediatrician. Your pediatrician should be able to help you in fostering the best physical and mental health of your children as well as being a trusted resource on all things relating to their medical care.

Finding a well-trained, American Board of Pediatrics Certified physician who has an office that is responsive and supportive of your family's needs is an important part of your responsibility as a parent. Your physician should become a trusted and helpful ally, helping you raise healthy and happy children.

Where Can I Find Help?

Sometimes the search begins with a newborn, sometimes a move to a new home, and sometimes because you are dissatisfied with the care of your prior pediatrician. Input is well-intended, but should not railroad you if your instincts tell you the advice may not be right for you. And although the healthcare law requires that all insurance plans cover preventive pediatric and immunizations, not all pediatricians participate with every health plan. Make sure you know what you are signing up for.

You will also likely have some resource to check quality such as a local magazine or bulletin boards that lists “Top Docs” in the area. Most of these lists are compiled from surveys of other local physicians or from write-in polls, which may not be the most reliable.

You may also go on the recommendations of your obstetrician or other physicians you use. If you know a nurse on the post-partum or pediatric floor of the hospital, sometimes they have firsthand knowledge of quality doctors through their interactions with them at the hospital. Generally, physicians who do follow their patients in the hospital are going to provide better care, especially when there is a crisis that requires ongoing special care.

Unfortunately, many pediatricians have elected not to go to the hospital so they can be available at their office and so do not interact with hospital nurses.

Raising healthy kids can be the most significant and rewarding part of your life, and it is important that you have the support and expertise that you trust. Finding a pediatrician you can trust and work with will be an important investment.