HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT FOR YOUR BABY

Choosing a pediatrician is one of the most important choices you’ll make for your baby. But where and when to begin? According to Bert Mandelbaum, MD, of Princeton Nassau Pediatrics in Princeton, expectant moms should choose a pediatrician before they deliver. That’s because many times a pediatrician will see the baby in the hospital after you give birth.

“Newborn infants need close follow up once discharged from the hospital and often have to see their pediatrician within one to two days of discharge, so making a decision on your pediatrician in advance can be extremely helpful,” Mandelbaum says.

Basil Bruno, MD, medical director of Pediatrics, Optum Pediatrics in Rochelle Park, says it’s never too early to start looking for a pediatrician. “Start making appointments for interviews, either in person or remotely, during the second trimester if possible. Ask to take a tour of the offices you visit.”

Here are some tips for finding the right fit:

Of course, you’ll want to find a pediatrician who accepts your health insurance and who is located within a short distance from where you live since there are plenty of visits, especially in the first year of life. It’s vital that you feel comfortable with the doctor and staff at the office.

“Understanding the office hours and availability is essential as well, as infants and children get sick often,” says Mandelbaum. “It can be helpful to look at the pediatrician’s training as well and whether they have any special interests that might align with your concerns. Parents can inquire about immunization policies, whether sick children and healthy children are kept separately in the waiting areas and about the average length of time for an appointment as well as the average wait times.”

Bruno says that parents should remember that their pediatrician is their partner when it comes to their child’s healthcare. “You need to feel comfortable having a conversation, and not be intimidated to ask questions.” Ideally, they should be board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. “You want to make sure the doctor is accessible,” says Bruno. “Do they use e-mail or texting apps along with phone calls? Is there a nurse

By Ronnie Koenig

or medical assistant available in the office to answer non-urgent questions? What are the doctor’s views on using antibiotics and/ or over-the-counter medications?”

Some additional questions to ask include:

What is your philosophy on immunizations?

How long have you been in practice?

What are your office hours?

Do you do same-day sick visits?

Is someone available after hours to answer phone calls?

Do you have evening, weekend or holiday availability?

Once you’ve ensured that the practice meets your requirements for geography, practice hours and insurance, most of the “fit” issues are about style and communication. “Going to an open house and meeting the pediatrician can be very helpful,” says Mandelbaum. “It gives you a sense of the office, the staff and a feel for the communication style.”

You can usually get a good idea if you feel comfortable with how the doctor answers your questions and seems willing to engage in conversation with you. “If they seem genuinely interested in your concerns and questions, then they are a good fit for you,” says Bruno. Having a sense of confidence with the doctor’s answers is always a good sign. If the office meets your access and insurance needs, that only adds to your comfort level.

“Red flags include if the doctor seems rushed and seems short in answering your initial questions,” says Bruno. “If you’re feeling intimidated or afraid to ask questions, then they are not a good fit for you.” If possible, take time to visit the offices and take notice if the staff as well as patients in the waiting room seem happy to be in the office.

Mandelbaum says parents should trust their gut. “You are creating a long-term partnership to provide comprehensive care to your most precious asset: your newborn. You want to ensure that you feel comfortable trusting this person and heeding their advice. If you don’t feel as if you can trust your pediatrician, you should consider that it might not be the right fit.”

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