How to Find the Perfect Pediatrician

Choosing the best pediatrician for your child is a very important decision for parents. Some choose pediatrician through referrals, directories, online forums or through hospitals. I interviewed some parents in my pre-school and I’ve come up with a useful guide to help you with your search for Dr.Right.

1. HMO partner - How important is an insurance affiliation to you? Mommy Leah told me that she wouldn’t even consider a pediatrician if she/he wasn’t included in her insurance’s list of doctors. It’s a privilidge that she worked hard for, why not utilize it? Parents can save P2,500 – 10,000 annually if they go to a pediatrician that accepts their health cards

2. Location, location, location - Is the office close by? You'll be going there more than 10 times in your baby's first year alone for checkups and shots, and it'll be a huge relief when the kid breaks out in a mysterious rash that you want looked at ASAP! Nevertheless, vicinity isn't the most pressing concern for everyone. Even though she had to drive 1 hour (traffic included) over to get there, Mommy Jill insisted on a pediatrician associated with natural and homeopathic remedies.

3. Clinic schedule - Do you want availability after-hours and on weekends? Since most of the parents in my school work, this is very important for them. Mommy Cathy had to ask her mother-in-law to accompany her son because she couldn’t get off work for a pedia visit. She said that no matter how good their pediatrician was, they had to look for a new one who can accommodate them on weekends because she felt less of a mother whenever she can’t go with her son to the doctor.

4. Appointment system - Some parents told me their child contacted illnesses after going to the pedia’s clinic. It is important to Mommy Chai, therefore, that their pediatrician follows an appointment schedule. It ensures her that there will be minimal sick babies in the waiting room. Mommy Abby, on the other hand, needs a pediatrician who accepts walk-in patients because of her erratic schedule.

5. Kind of Practice - Mommy Dina will only consider pediatricians with solo practices. She only wants one doctor to check her daughter to avoid mix-ups and confusion.

6. Field of Specialization – If your child has special needs or concerns, it would be more convenient if you consult just one pediatrician instead of 2 or more.

Regardless of how you search for the best doctor, the most important thing is that we choose one who’s competent and reliable enough to take care of our little ones.