KNOW WHO’S HERE TO HELP
PREPARING FOR BABY
CHOOSING A PEDIATRICIAN: WHAT SHOULD I ASK? by KARALEE KULEK-LUZEY, M.D. Medical Director Pediatric Health Care Alliance, P.A.
Congratulations! A new baby on the way is an exciting time, and there are so many decisions and choices to make, including selecting a pediatrician.
Parents-to-be are invited to schedule a complimentary prenatal visit at any of our offices, where you can meet our staff and pediatricians, tour the office, and ask any questions you may have about care for your new baby. Learn more at pedialliance.com/expecting
HILLSBOROUGH Apollo Beach Office • (813) 493-1779 116 Harbor Village Ln., Apollo Beach Big Bend Office • (813) 672-3497 10729 Queens Town Dr., Riverview Brandon Community Office • (813) 685-4553 811 S. Parsons Ave., Brandon Citrus Park Office • (813) 968-2710 6550 Gunn Hwy., Tampa FishHawk Office • (813) 571-6800 5621 Skytop Dr., Lithia North Carrollwood Office • (813) 968-6610 3638 Madaca Ln., Tampa Northside Office • (813) 971-6700 4446 E Fletcher Ave., Suite A, Tampa South Tampa Office • (813) 872-8491 3222 W. Azeele St., Tampa
PASCO Lutz Office • (813) 948-6133 1942 Highland Oaks Blvd., Suite B, Lutz Suncoast Office • (813) 475-7100 1850 Crossings Blvd., Unit 100, Odessa Trinity Office • (813) 731-0944 1812 Health Care Dr., Trinity Wesley Chapel Office • (813) 973-0333 5259 Village Market, Wesley Chapel
PINELLAS Crossroads Office • (727) 381-1147 6671 13th Ave N, Suite 1-D, St. Petersburg Walsingham Office • (727) 391-0158 12951 Walsingham Rd., Largo
Parents-to-be should consider selecting a pediatrician toward the beginning of your third trimester. This is an important decision and you will want to allow yourself time to meet with the pediatricians in your area, see their offices, and have peace of mind with your choice well in advance of your baby’s arrival. Below are some sample questions you can ask at a prenatal visit and interview.
After Baby Arrives • What are your hospital affiliations? • How soon after the baby is born will he or she be examined? • When is my first visit in the office with my new baby? • How often are visits needed?
About the Office • How can the pediatrician be reached? • What are the office hours? • Are there early morning, evening, or weekend hours for working parents? • How long does it take to get a routine appointment? • How long is a typical visit? • Is there always time for questions? • Who covers for the pediatrician if he or she is not available? • Are all visits with a pediatrician, or are some visits with a nurse practitioner?
About the Pediatrician • How long have you been in practice? • Why did you decide to become a pediatrician?
Urgent Needs and Illness • When my child is sick, can I get an appointment the same day? • Is it policy to have “telephone” hours or can we call with questions anytime? • How are after-hours calls handled? • Is there a pediatrician on-call 24 hours a day?
Caring for Your Baby Discuss your prospective pediatrician’s views on breastfeeding and infant nutrition, circumcision, immunizations, sleep, use of medications and antibiotics, and any other specific health concerns you may have. THERE ARE OTHER ASPECTS TO CONSIDER, WHICH YOU CAN OBSERVE OR ASK ABOUT DURING YOUR VISIT: • Do they accept my insurance plan? • Is the office staff warm and friendly? • Are there separate well and sick waiting rooms? • Is the equipment modern? • Are hallways and rooms clean? • Is the office child-friendly, with cheerful examination rooms? • Do you feel safe going to the office? • Is there adequate parking? 17