One of the most important decisions you will make after having a baby may very well be the paediatrician that you choose for your child’s health and well-being.
Many parents may not consider it to be a very vital consideration. However, you may get to perceive the significance when you face a situation where the well-being of your child is in the hands of the paediatrician you have opted for and may not have put a lot of thought into while making that decision.
Why Making the Right Decision Matters
As mentioned, many parents do not estimate the importance of making well researched and informed decisions when it comes to choosing a paediatrician for their child. However, consider the following scenario. If your baby or your child is very ill, the first doctor you see may be making decisions that may be life-changing or may potentially impact the future course of treatment. There may be instances as well where the doctor could miss out on symptoms that may be derogatory and potentially life-threatening.
It is therefore absolutely pertinent that you do your research and makes a careful decision based on the information you have gathered.
We have compiled a list of seven things you need to consider when you choose a paediatrician for your child.
Access and Availability of the Pediatrician
During the first year of a baby, you may need to visit the doctor’s office frequently for regular checkups and vaccinations. That excludes the sudden trips you may have to take if your child has a fever or any other illness. Therefore it is important that the paediatrician’s office is in close proximity to your place of residence. Also, consider going for a paediatrician’s clinic that has an efficient correspondence system so that you can schedule appointments or check lab results etc. Physicians who offer same-day visits are great especially when you have an ailing infant at home.
Do Your Research
Before deciding who you want to go for, you may compile a list of doctors that meet your criteria and evaluate them along those to figure out the best possible paediatrician who will address your concerns and requirements. According to Mike Wong, a melaleuca oil provider in Malaysia, as far as compiling the list is concerned, you can ask friends, families or even people belonging to your neighbourhood. This will provide you with an extensive pool from which you can choose. However, you may have to cover certain aspects, for instance, do check whether the paediatrician is taking on new patients or not and also ask if your health insurance plan is acceptable for them.
Establish Credibility
In order to establish your selected paediatrician’s credibility, you may need to verify their credentials and whether they are certified pediatric doctors. You can ask questions and check information regarding their medical school and place of residency.
Consider Their Experience
If the paediatrician has had any experience working in different kinds of environments, it is a definite plus on their profile. This refers to working in emergency departments, urgent care or in collaboration in groups with other consultants. This would give them a diversified experience portfolio and possibly more proficient in the field and equipped with the skill set to handle any challenging situation.
Training Portfolio
Since the field of medicine and by extension paediatrics is evolving as new discoveries are made on a regular basis. This is another area to look into, i.e. if they are maintaining their pace with new medical practices and are receiving training on a regular basis.
Interaction with You
Consider how they interact with you. Do you feel comfortable voicing your concerns over your child’s health and well-being? Many paediatricians offer trial visits with them so that parents can evaluate if the relationship would work out and prove to be beneficial. If the doctor gives weightage to your opinion, addresses your concerns, and you are comfortable in communicating any concern you may have; you can be assured that the paediatrician will be a good fit for you and your child.
Interaction with Your Child
Another important thing to consider is the paediatrician’s interaction with your child. Since it is your child the paediatrician will be treated, you must pay special attention to how your child responds to the communication during the initial visits. If the paediatrician forms a bond with your child, your baby will be comfortable around them, it is a workable relationship and your visit to the doctor’s office will be stress-free and beneficial.
