Need Help with Pediatrician Problems

Updated on May 07, 2007
J.H. asks from Medway, OH
27 answers

I am having troubles finding a decent pediatrician for my kids. We started with Pediatric Assoc. of Springfield and really liked Dr. Zainey but the office staff was horrible. so we went to see Dr. Chitkara in Springfield. He actually refused my kids treatment. I am requesting legal advice as well as suggestions on pediatricians. Here is the situation with the Dr. Chitkara. He had asked us if Melanie had any problems and we are like yes she has really bad problems having bowell movements. Takes her like 45 mins sometimes longer maybe even hours and she just screams. Well Dr Zainey put her on lactulose a stool softener which obviously isn't helping. Well Dr Chitkara said we will try her on some powder stuff and if that doesn't work then a diff. one. Well, Bryan said why can't we find out what the problem is and then treat the problem... not the symptoms. Well his reply was who is the doctor here me or you?? you think you have better suggestions. Bryan was like well no... but I don't like my daughter being tested through medicines while she is just suffering while passing a bowell movement. He got really angry and was like go back to Dr. Zainey I can't treat you. The kids were supposed to have there 15 mth shots and 2 mth shots and ethan had JUST gotten out of the hospital and needed his checkup. He refused treatment to both of them... so now I am in a bind. Neither kid has had their shots and ethan still hasn't had his checkup. The doctor can't legally refuse my kids medical treatment can he? I am so frustrated right now any help is very much appreciated.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.G.

answers from Dayton on

I have been going to a really good pediatrician in Piqua. She really good and everything I have suggest she has tried with me or has said I really do not think that is a good idea. The name of is Pediatric Group. I have been very in impressed with them. My son really like the people there too. There phone number is ###-###-####. Give them call. You can also go the county where you live and get the shot that the children intil you are able to find a new doctor.
Thanks
J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.T.

answers from Toledo on

I take both of my children to Franklin Park Peds on Woodley and I love them and so does my two little ones.
419-475-KIDD thats there number
dr aluibi is a mother of 5 and her husband as well works there great people very loving and caring. They will be there 24 7 for there little ones :O)

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.R.

answers from Toledo on

Wow...well although not the same situation by any means, but I have had Ped issues myself. To the point that one Ped refused to treat a problem that could have killed my son when he was a week old. So....first off MY opinion would be NEVER to go back to this guy for ANY reason. I did once while looking for a ped take my kids to the County well kids clinic. They gave the shots and stuff and was very inexpensive. The other option I would consider is an urgent care type facility for this ONE time.

I am originally from Marysville, so I am familiar with Springfield. I would only imagine that there HAS to be a Dr there even if it is a General Practice Dr that will see kids, that is really good.

On another note, my daughter had the same problem. Our ped had an upper and lower GI series done on her. Nothing was found but we discovered the (spelling may be off here) psyphincter muscle in her bottom was not opening when it should to release the poop from her body. So she would scream and scream and push but it would not come out. So we took a rectal thermometer and lathered it in vaseline whenever she was straining. We lay her down and insert it. It was just enough that the muscle would relax and open and the poop could come out. I'm not a Dr and I don't play one on tv. But this may be worth a try since it costs nothing and will at least TEMPORARILY relieve the pain she is in. I would recommend a Gastorenterologist as well. There are many good ones in Columbus and it would be worth the drive one or two times if need be.

Blessings.
M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.L.

answers from Steubenville on

I can't help much with the Pediatrician since I live in Steubenville but I can tell you what my son's doctor did for him. She perscribed a stool softener and x-rays. She was checking for a bowl obstruction. Everything came back ok and with in a couple of days, his bowls were back to normal. My sister-in-law always says that if you have a belly ache, lay on your left side. Anytime she or one of her children are constipated, she does this and it works. When she starts to struggle, you may want to take a q-tip with vasoline (or A&D ointment) and put it in her but. I know that sounds gross but I have been told by a dr. to do this to help. Keep a food diary and see if you can pinpoint which food or drink may be the problem.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

I am going to play devils advocate here...First I agree with all the other Mom's here that there are so many other good pediatricians out there to not be happy with yours so i would just move on. but i did want to respond to your initial ? Without looking up any laws even though i would be curious myself ..I am thinking of course he could refuse to take u on as a patient. If u are not wanting to follow his advice ( which i totally respect) he may feel not comfortable treating your children. He may not risk it. He may see you as a risk for a potential law suit if something goes wrong and if you don't want to do what he is sugesting then how is he supposed to treat your kids the way he sees fit. Just food for thought. he also sounds like he doesn't have a good bedside manner.... I think its important like the other mom's said to be your childrens advocate and be informed I work in healthcare and you have to be a squeaky wheel and be very involved in your familys care and i like to follow my gut so sounds like finding a new ped is the best for u.......

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.L.

answers from Cleveland on

HI J. - I don't respond much to this site but if I feel I can help I am more than happy to lend a hand. I have a WONDERFUL pediatrician, I am not sure how far you are willing to drive since I noticed you are going to springfield but, I live in richfield but I take my two girls to the Cleveland Clinic Ped department in Solon. They see Dr. McCumber. She is an excellent doctor and knows her stuff. My kids have been to her for everything I can think of and she always seems to find the problem right away and the solution. She will sit with you for as long as you need and takes time like someone who actually cares about your situation. The number there is ###-###-####; just ask for the pediatric department and tell them you are a new patient and want to see McCumber. She's in her early 40's and I wouldn't take my kids to anyone else.

Good luck and I hope this helps. They do take new patients and accept most insurances.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.

answers from Cleveland on

J.-

Wow- that story is just unbelievable. That just goes to show you that doctor's really don't care about their patients. I would suggest looking very high on the chain..like the board of licensing for Dr's or something like that. Some agency that you can report him to. There has to be something out there.

In the meantime, could you just go back to your old doctor temporarily?? And as for being late for the shots, it's okay if they're behind. My son is too.

But I would look into reporting this guy because he has no place to reject your children medical care. I'm sorry, but what a jerk!

Best of luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.A.

answers from Dayton on

Dr. Conforti is an EXCELLENT pediatrician! He is with Primed. I am 33 years old, he was my ped and now the Dr. to my 4 girls. I would never go to another DR! He loves kids, loves what he does and is a very gentle natured person. I just can't say enough about him! I know that he has a couple of offices, Springboro, Kettering and Huber. The Springboro number is: ###-###-#### They should be able to help you with getting the huber number if that is closer for you!
K.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.T.

answers from Dayton on

I take my children to Pediatric Associates of Dayton. We see the nurse practioner and she has been nothing but wonderful. The office we go to is on Far Hills in Kettering, but they have other offices I believe. Give them a call ###-###-####)...I'm sure they would be able to help you! Good luck...and I hope your daughter feels better soon.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.

answers from Cincinnati on

1) No stress about the shots - you can always catch up on these, so there's really not a huge rush on that. Many people delay vaccinating their children for lots of different reasons, so a few weeks or months of delay is really not an emergency of any sort.

2) Be glad that Dr. Chitkara refused to treat your kids - it sounded like he wasn't addressing your concerns in the way you felt was best for your babies. A good doctor wouldn't get all defensive and cocky at the mere question of whether there are other possible approaches to treatment.

3) Bryan (your fiance, right?) is really asking smart questions: "why can't we find out what the problem is and then treat the problem... not the symptoms?" So, so important.

4) Look at diet. Constipation at that age is usually a poor reaction to something your child is eating or drinking. I personally would avoid the following foods until my child's stool softened up to where normal, painless pooping returned:
- cow's milk products can really constipate some children (so milk, sour cream, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, butter)
- applesauce
- most bread, crackers, cookies, white rice, etc. - especially anything refined (whole grains are better than refined)
- bananas (if she's eating a lot of these)

And I'd increase these in her diet:
- water (very important to be hydrated enough)
- vegetables like leafy greens (broccoli, spinach, swiss chard, celery, etc.)
- fresh fruits (peaches, pears, mangos, citrus)
- dried fruits (raisins, prunes, apricots)
- prune or peach or grape juice (100% juice)

5) Help her get comfortable, provide pain relief. You say, "Takes her like 45 mins sometimes longer maybe even hours and she just screams." Your poor little girl sounds like she's in a lot of pain! When this happens, have you tried warm baths that come up to just above her belly button, which can help with the discomfort? I'm *not* encouraging long term pooping in the bath, but I think until she can poop comfortably, it's important to help get her as comfortable as possible. Perhaps supporting her during pushing/pooping by holding her in a classic baby pottying position like we see here:
http://www.diaperfreebaby.org/pottypositions.htm?&MMN...

....
I hope some of those suggestions help, and I hope you are able to find a pediatrician who is respectful of the patients AND their parents in his/her practice. It's such a gift to have a doctor who willingly and pleasantly answers questions and concerns, who considers more than 1 way to treat a problem, who will address the *root cause* instead of just throwing meds at something to address only the symptoms and not fix the actual issue at hand.

As a parent, I've found that I really need to educate myself and be my babies' best advocate. Our experience was that our newborn son was incredibly fussy, seemed really uncomfortable, wouldn't sleep for more than 20 minutes at a time, and was gassy. Our pediatrician immediately suggested possible reflux and offered a prescription of Zantac... I was shocked and not comfortable with prescribing meds to my 4 week old, so I asked if he could be reacting to something in my breastmilk, like cow's milk products or soy or eggs. Our ped then said, "Sure, you can try eliminating cow's milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, sour cream, etc.. It's certainly possible that he's reacting to something you're eating." And lo and behold, within 5-7 days of eliminating cow's milk products, my son became a happy happy baby, slept very well, and was comfortable and calm. If I'd just given him Zantac, it may have masked the symptoms of the *real* problem which was that he shouldn't have been getting ANY cow's milk proteins (either via breastmilk or by a formula) because he was sensitive or allergic. So continue to trust your parenting instincts, just as you have been - this should serve you well. :)

I applaud you for digging deeper for solutions to your daughter's constiplation and for expecting more from your pediatrician. Best of luck w/ the pooping issues, and congratulations on expanding your family to 4!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.K.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi J.,
I will recommend ours...we use the Childrens Hospital Physicians associates in green on turkeylakefoot rd.All of the CHPA drs. are part of childrens hospital-they go through training classes and are wonderful. They get my kids in whenever i need them, work late hours-until 8 i think and weekends. you can use their 24 hour nurse call line...and if you ever do use them and they recommend bringnig your child into the hospital you don't even have to wait. There are many offices-but probably ellet or green would be closest to you.
You can look the in to phone book or call children's and they will giv eyou the listings.

Also, you will probably think this is crazy...but I would recommend finding a chiropractor who works with children for your little guy. They actually do a lot with bowel problems and I even take my 2 year old to one for that and for asthma. some people like chiro's and some don't believe in them...but its always worth a shot...good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.J.

answers from Dayton on

I would cut out all dairy from her diet. Dairy can be laxitating or constipating...in my daughters case it caused terrible constipation--she sounded like she was giving birth and would have these aweful giant dry poops. I swear I couldn't pass something that big. The way it started was that I stopped nursing her at 3 (yes, 3 years...) and then gave her 'extra' cow milk to make sure she was getting enough vitamins etc...well, bad idea. Breast milk is very easy to digest and has a laxitive effect, so it balanced out the cow milk for her--until she stopped nursing and the 'fun' began. We've done miralax, suppositories, and enemas etc...best thing that worked was to stop the cow milk. We also greatly increased her fluid intake (water) and I've now noticed some benefits in giving her 'extra' vit C in chewable tablets...that causes runnier poop. Onew more thing to try--coffee...add sugar and a little milk and icecubes...it tends to have a laxitive effect :)
She also may have a hernia (did the dr check?)--my daughter had surgery for that...also could be an anal fissure...did he mention that as a possibility?
Its an awful cycle--hard poop makes kid scared to poop next time, kid retains, causes colon to get stretched out, causes her body to not 'recognize' she needs to poop since the stretching damages her ejection reflexes (temporarily)...just an ugly cycle.
So...if I had to go back thru hell with my daughter again, I would cut out all dairy, add extra water, try coffee and vit C, and keep her on miralax for a while to let the colon be able to recognize if its full and also to let any anal fissures heal...
Good luck to you... :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.A.

answers from Cleveland on

J.,

I don't know what legal rights you have against a Dr. that refuses to treat, so I would just suggest talking to a lawyer. Most lawyers will give free consultations. I do have a suggestion on the pediatrician problem. I had the same problem as you when it came to finding a good Dr. with a good staff. I changed doctor offices 3 times for my son before finally finding one I really enjoy taking my kids to. I was referred to Children's Hospital Physician Associates in Green. It's at the intersection of Arlington(619) and Massillon Rd. ###-###-####. I have seen just about every Dr. in the office and I like them all. The staff is great and you usually only wait 10 minutes or less to get to see the Dr. My daughter had the same problem with bowel movements and now she is doing fine. I hope this helps you out. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.N.

answers from Toledo on

I use Dr. Tracy Karolyi she's located with the Perrysburg Peds by Levis commons. Our son had problems going to the bathroom when he was first born. I like the fact that she really listens and doesn't seem to mind when I come in with a list of questions. There are about 6 diffrent doctors in her firm and there hours are wonderful. They are even open on saturdays. The number is ###-###-####. Just let them know what the situation is they are really good about getting you in. Hope this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from Toledo on

I take my son to Toledo Peds. I have like them from day one. I feel really comfortable with the doctors there. Also when ever i think something is wrong his doctor will listen and take everything i say to heart and check it out. The number is ###-###-####. It think they are amazing the just moved from Toledo Hospital to woodley drive. His name is Dr. Burlingame. They have about seven other doctors there. Hope this helps.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from Dayton on

Hi J.,
While constipation is a fairly common problem in children (not enough fiber, water, whatever) having a crummy pediatrician is not something you should have to deal with on top of that. My children go to Pri-Med pediatrics in Beavercreek, specifically Dr. Matt Hardwick. I love him. He is willing to listen to our concerns and look for any solution to the problem. My son also had a lot of bowel problems and still takes Mirilax powder for it, but we did rule out all other possibilities first. I especially appreciate that his staff is very nice and understanding, you can call and talk to a nurse any time. When my son was a little over a year old he got really sick through the night and when I called the nurse and left a message Dr Matt called me himself (from home at 4am). I took him in the office that morning and the Dr called twice later in the day to check on him. It was almost like having a home visit. I really appreciate them. People have their own preferences though, my girlfriend took her son (same age as mine) to Pri-Med (same doc)for his first year but they didn't like him very much and found someone else. You should certainly check out all of your options. Be sure that you are interviewing them. Ask all the questions you want, your paying the money, they are the service providers. Good luck
~L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

4.

answers from Toledo on

You are being mistreated and underserved by a negligent pediatrician and it's time to move on... quickly, and for the health and welfare of your children. Please don't hesitate to file a complaint with the American Medical Association. This is not a lawsuit, just a filing of inappropriate conduct.

You might also want to check on this doctor's patient rating, and rate him yourself at www.vimo.com. You can also check out new, potential doctors at this site.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.B.

answers from Cincinnati on

I don't think they can deny you treatment. But I'm not in legal so I do not know. We have never had an issue with any of our doctor's. We go to great pediatrician in Fairfield that we like very much. He is willing to listen and work with the parents. He is Dr. Scott Blankenburg on Nilles Road. We like using him, one he is the only one in the practice, and if he is on vacation then a his dad or brother (can't remember which one is a dr, think brother), watches his practice for him. Good luck.
T.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Cincinnati on

We go to Springdale - Mason Pediatrics. They are very good, excellent in fact. A friend of mine did go to Blakenburg and her son was having bowel issues and she switched to this group and has loved them ever since. They have an office in Tri-County and an office in Mason so I don't know what is close for you but I would give it a try.

NOw with that said my daughter went through the same thing but it started when she was 9 motnhs. We tried everything. The dr also gave us a prescribtion but we never got to use it because she was starting to get better. Now she is 3 yrs old and is much better. I believe now that it was a milk allergy that she has out grown. I have a son who is 10 months now and we discovered he has a milk allergy, he is on Soy formula now. I would try soy milk and see if that helps her out. Just buy a small amount to try it out the first time. Also watch how much cheese she eats and bananas. These are bonding foods. Even things like cereals and rice and potatoes can bond her. I know mom M gave you a lot of information which is good but these are a few quick things that may start to help out. Also these are not going to be a quick thing to fix you need to give her a couple of days. Some foods that will help loosen the stoles are apples and yogurt. We gave Alayna juciy juicy Apple juice and within about an hour or two she has a bowel movement with no problems. The other thing to watch for is that she may develope the fear to go because of it hurting so I agree with you in that you need to get this under control for her.

I hope this helps you out in this trying time.

PS If a dr. is refusing to give your children treatments do you wonder what kind of dr. he really is? I would report him personally. I would not want someone else to go through the same thing you are going through. Also if you are in a local moms group ask around and see who they go to

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.W.

answers from Toledo on

I take my son to Peditaric Care assoc. on meijer drive. i have tons of friend that go as well we all see different doctors their. There is about 6 or 7 and have been great to all my friend and my son. Good luck
M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.D.

answers from Dayton on

I would recommend taking them to Children's in Cincinnati. DO NOT TAKE THEM TO CHILDREN'S IN DAYTON! EVERYONE I know who has taken their children to Dayton's Childrens Hospital has ended up dealing with children's services! Dayton turns EVERYONE in for EVERYTHING! Then I would suggest contacting an attorney dealing with medical malpractice. I do not believe he can refuse medical treatment just because he doesn't like the fact you are "taking a part" in your childrens health care. Hope this helps!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from Terre Haute on

Hey That sounds really crazy. I had a similar issue with a pediatrician on the west side of Columbus and reported him to the medical board and they did an investigation well nothing ever came of it but I found the best pediatrician out of the whole thing so I guess it was worth it.....I am not sure where you live since your doc was in Springfield but I take my kids to Northwest pediatrics as do all my friends and family members...If you want more info about them feel free to contact me back, and good luck with everything oh and congrats on the new baby

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.O.

answers from Cleveland on

I have a wonderful pediatrician in Tallmadge. Her name is Dr. Priebe. I had bowel problems with my son and she put him on a powder called Miralax. We used it about 6 months and he came off it and hasn't had any issues since. His problem was around one year of age when we switched from formula to milk. If the problem is with your older one it may be the same issue we had. Just an adjustment. The miralax works great and like I said, after about 6 months he was fine and hasn't needed anything since and he is almost 5.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Dayton on

Hello J.,
I have a sixteen month old daughter who had the same problem with her bowel movements. She done well when Dr. Rogers put her on the liquid lactulose. I have been taking my older daughters to him for 8 years now and I wouldn't want any other doctor for them. He has been really good with them. I know the office staff can be a pain sometimes but they are dealing with very many patients and parents every day. I know it isn't an excuse to be rude with other parents but they do get extremely swamped and stressed out like we do. Anyway, I wouldn't let the office staff get in the way of good medical care provided by your doctor. Maybe you could try and go back to Zainey or even Rogers. I wouldn't worry about going back to Chitkara. He does have a legal right to request that you seek another doctor for services. Even though he shouldn't have acted like that. Good luck on your search and getting your daughter's need taken care of. Sincerely, M. B

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.D.

answers from Cincinnati on

I don't know anything on this issue of doctors refussing to treat a child, but I do know that you local health department should be able to give your child their shots.I have always taking my children to our health department because the shots are only $8 each. All you will need to do is bring a record of the shots your child has already had. Hope that at least helps with the shots.
If you are having a hard time finding a ped, maybe you should look for a family doctor.I know my sister takes her kids to a family doctor that sees people of all ages. She is very happy with him. Just a thought!

Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.W.

answers from Cleveland on

Hi,
I work for a doctor, not a peds, but a neurologist. Leave your doctor immediately and keep searching until you find one you can trust and that you like. There is no reason a doctor should treat anyone like that. You may also want to call and file a report about the doctor, especially if they are affiliated with a certain network. They legally can refuse to be your doctor, but you don't want that kind anyway. Don't let a doctor who may think they are a know it all walk all over you. Stand up for you and your children and follow your instincts. This Doctor should have at least had your child have a cat scan to find out what the problem is. Remember, doctor's aren't always right, and there have been patient's dying due to negligence. Move on and let the next doctor know you are interviewing them for the job. A good doctor will be willing to do that.
S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from Cleveland on

As for the doctor ---REPORT HIM TO THE MEDIACL BOARD!!! AND FOLLOW UP EVERY 2 WEEKS OR SO! NO DR LIKLES HAVING THEIR RECOED TARNISHED WITH A COMPLAINT. I RECCOMMEND THAT YOU AND YOU FIANCE REPORT THE INCIDENT SEPERATELY. aS FOR THE SHOTS, YOUR LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT CAN DO THEM SO THEY WILL BE UP TO DATE, AND YOU CAN CONTINUE WITH YOUR PED SEARCH. I am also looking for a good ped. The 1st had a horrible staff (minus 1-2) and a basic chech up was 3-4 hours long! REDICULOUS! The second no long works at the same office, she moved out of state. I have heard really good things about the CHPA dr.'s all 3 of my sil's take their little one's to them, as well as dr. kline in the cuy. falls area.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches