Questions to Ask Pediatricians

M.,

I live in Deerfield and I really like my Dr. You do want to ask questions, but just talking to them and getting a feel for the kind of person they are is good to do too. I go to Glenbrook Pediatrics. They are in the Glen and you can also look them up on the internet. They have a very nice website which did not exist when my daughter was born. I know they are not as close as I would like, but I really like the care they have given my daughter. They are very good about talking about the whole child. The Dr's. ask all sorts of questions and at the right times too! I would highly reccommend them. I hope you have an easy time making this decision, it will be one less thing to worry about. Good luck!

I have 3 boys (ages 5, 2 and half, and 10 months)
I used to use Lake Forest Pediatrics - and they are very good but they are a very large practice with LOTS of doctors. When I had baby #3 in July I switched to Vernon Hills Pediatrics (they have offices in Vernon Hills and in Gurnee) because they are a smaller practice - with only about 5 doctors. I like to be able to build a relationship between the kids and the doctors. Also, whenever I call in because the kids developed a fever or something they always get them in the same day. My favorite doctor at the office is Dr. Brian Sapp and their ph# is ###-###-####

When I interviewed our doctor, I thought that it wasn't really necessary...she and the practice were great. But when I had my baby she wasn't around, and her colleague came check on us. It was after the 2nd night in the hospital, and my baby went through what they call "2nd-night syndrome", which is when they realize they're not in the womb and cry all night long. Of course, now I'd probably be used to that, but just after giving birth you are still pretty clueless! Anyway, when we asked the doctor what might be wrong, he was very insensitive and said "baby's cry, that's what they do." Someone had actually recommended this doctor to me and he was from the same practice as the other; imagine if I had never interviewed him! I was really glad he wasn't the doctor I had chosen, because he was so insensitive. So, yes, I think it's a good idea.

I don't have a list but if you are considering or determined to breastfeed you have to ask about their beliefs, etc in regards to breastfeeding. Not all peds see it at the same level. I was determined to and my doctor is very much for it. At my first postpartum visit she had me nurse and watched to see how my son was latching etc. It was so wonderful that she was there to help and give support!!

You do not have to interview a pediatrician - but it is helpful. It is a good idea to be comfortable with your baby's Dr. before they are born.
Some questions to ask:
1. Will He/she come to the hospital when the baby is born -
2. What happens when you call the office
3. Who is available for emergencies
You will be calling this Dr. when your baby gets a fever for the first time - it is good to know what to expect. Every doctor is different.

Also - it is good to see if you are a match with your doctor regarding parenting philosophies -
Do you have questions about vaccines?
Nutrition?
Sleep schedules?

Doctors have very different practice styles and philosophies - so good luck finding a great match!

Hi M.,

I never interviewed my doc b/c I knew her when I used to babysit for her friends (Dr Hochberg). I use Pediatric Partners (www.pediatricpartnerssc.com) & they are in Highland Park. Besides Dr Hochberg, I see Dr Mukherjee (that's who my son sees mostly). My friend happens to be one of the nurse managers there too. They also have an office in Vernon Hills. They are nice about giving formula samples if they have them too...just ask.

Good luck & congrats to you!

I did not interview my current pediatrician. I had my ob/gyn recommend one to me, because I trust him completely. He and I are on the same page about basically everything, so I figured he would put me in touch with a ped who had similar values. I love our pediatrician!

Almost as important as asking questions would be to take mental note of the following:

-waiting area: childproofed? areas set up where children can play while they wait? is the floor/carpet clean?
-reception staff: very important - they'll be setting your appointments. Are they cordial and patient in dealing with a first-time mother?
-nursing staff: how 'hands on' are they? are they cordial over the phone (many times, your calls with questions are answered by the nurses)? do they respect you and are patient with your first-time mom inquiries?

Ask your pediatrician what they think about:
-breastfeeding versus formula feeding
-sleep philosophies
-vaccination philosophy

Just a few things to begin to think about. I know I'm probably forgetting something. Good luck to you!

M.,
It is a really good idea to set up what is called a "prenatal interview" with a pediatrician whom you are considering. They do not cost anything, as they want your business. If you really do not want to do this, I would trust your closest friends w/ kids referrals over your OB's referral. (they OB's referrals are generally business favor referrals, unless their kids see the pediatrician).

1. You will be visiting the pediatrician frequently during the first year of your baby's life for routine exams, vaccinations, the occasional ear infection, virus, and first time mom concerns. You should note how long it takes to get to their office on your way to the interview.

2. Notice how clean the waiting room and exam rooms appear...
3. Notice/ask if there is a separate waiting room for sick kids and new babies.
4. Ask the office what their average wait time is before a doctor will see your baby once you arrive. You don't want to be waiting a long time with a baby in an office with sick kids.
5. Ask where the doctor sends kids that need to be admitted to a hospital? A Children's Hospital is always the best option!!!!
6. Ask if there is a charge for after hours phone calls to the doctor? We all call our pediatrician after hours with questions! Some of them have started to charge a fee, which insurance usually won't cover.
7. Regarding the pediatrician seeing the baby at the hospital where you deliver, it is not a huge deal. If your chosen pediatrician does not go to your delivery hospital, the hospital pediatrician will see your baby until she/he is discharged, and then you will take your baby to your pediatrician a few days after you are discharged from the hospital, along with all the paperwork the hospital gives you. Don't let that be the "selling" point for a doctor.
( I am a local labor and delivery nurse and this happens all the time!! Your baby will be very well taken care of!).
8. Ask about the pediatricians feelings about breastfeeding and immunizations, and make sure they match your feelings.
9. Decide if you prefer a large or small (solo practitioner) practice. Some people do not like to have a practice with 8 or 9 doctors in it, the communication btwn docs is not always solid. You probably know what is right for you.
10. During a face to face interview, you can see if it "feels right" between you and the pediatrician.

I know many of the pediatricians in the North Shore and Evanston and can give you a solid referral if you need one.
Dr. Roma Franzia in Winnetka is absolutely fabulous, as is her staff.
Glenbrook Peds has gotten good reviews in the Glen...but they are a large practice.
I also know some docs in Evanston.

Let me know if I can help in any way.
Congratulations on your pregnancy, M.!!

K.
Baby Feat, LLC
www.babyfeat.net