Maternal and Child Health (Maternity Services) - Choosing Your Pediatrician
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A pediatrician is a physician who specializes in the treating children. Pediatricians study the normal growth and development of children from birth through the teen years. They provide medications and treatment during childhood illnesses; provide immunization against many common infectious diseases and offer education on the health choices you will have to make throughout your baby’s childhood.
Choosing a pediatrician before you deliver is the first step in creating a healthy lifestyle for your baby. At Scripps, we recommend you begin the pediatrician selection process in your third trimester.
A partner in your child’s care
Your baby’s pediatrician is an important partner in your baby’s health. It’s important that you find a pediatrician that meets you and your baby’s needs so you may want to schedule meetings with a few of them to find the right fit.
When selecting a pediatrician, you may want to consider the following:
- Do they accept your health insurance?
- Have they been referred by a friend or family member?
- What are the office hours?
- What services are offered if your baby is sick after office hours? Do they have alternative contacts?
- Is there someone on staff to answer medical questions over the phone?
- Is it a group practice? If so, can you request the same doctor each time?
- What is the approximate waiting time for an appointment?
- How long do they recommend that you breastfeed?
- Do they offer breastfeeding services?
- Do they recommend circumcision for infant boys? Do they perform the circumcision in the hospital or in their office?
- What is their philosophy on care?
Find a pediatrician
Scripps can help you find pediatrician for your new baby. Call 1-800-SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777) to speak with an advisor about physicians, office hours, locations and types of insurance accepted, or visit our Doctor Finder.