Should I Change My Pediatrician?

S.,

I have three children 23, 20 and 15. The 20 year old has been sick most of her life. We have seen many pediatricians, family doctors and specialists. The pediatrician put her (us) through a lot of unnecessary stress and still not finding the problem. It took a family doctor to diagnose my child with a rare problem - abdominal migraines, but sent us to a specialist to confirm her diagnosis. I have used a family doctor since.

D. S.

We switched from a ped to a family practioneer and couldn't be happier. Pedia's see sooo many kids everyday. They become just another "patient" the fam. practioners seem to really enjoy when the kids come in. Just as thorough!
I'd say go for it!!
Good Luck!

First, yes they tend to rush and only stop when questioned especially when they are packed. Go later in the afternoon or first thing in the morning and she may take more time for you otherwise stop her and ask questions.

Second yes the trying phase happens alot. Honestly you should use the trying phase. As a mom with two kids (that are sick quite often) I try to keep their taking antibotics, etc. to a minimum. Yes I may have to make the kids suffer with snot noses etc a little longer but when they really need the steriods or antibotics they will work because they havent built up an immunity to it. Sorry he was diagnosed with RSV.

Third no I have not heard of people using a family practicioner instead of a peditrician. I know that family pract are just that family doctors. But I personally would want my child seen by a ped especially having a condition like RSV. It is like he is being seen by a specialist instead of just a doctor. RSV is a baby age condition and unless the family prac you go to has taken tons of patients that have full ranges of kids and adults there is a good chance that he/she may not have seen lots of cases of RSV. I hate to tell you this but it seems that kids that develop things like RSV young tend to have more issues later through child hood like allergies, asthma etc. I have one child that has allergies (peanuts, etc.) and eczema and one child that has asthma and I am very glad that my ped sees them instead of my general practicioner that I go to eventhough I trust my doc. immensely.

Good Luck.

As far as rushing through the visit,I do believe she should spend more time on a five month old,but at the same time,she probably thinks that if you have any concerns,you will mention them,and at that time she will check on it,and explain things to you.

The RSV thing went the same way as it did with my daughter.She was extremely congested and my ped gave her saline and nasal drops,then a week later she was coughing really badly,and that night she stopped breathing in her sleep,thank God we were up talking and she was in our room when she did.We took her to the ER and at that time she was diagnosed with it.I dont think the PED did anything wrong at all in that circumstance.We loved our pediatrician,he was great.Just stop sometime and tell her how concerned you are with something,and if she doesnt respond the way you think she should,by all means find another PED because you as well as your child should be comfortable with the doctor.

As far as going to a family practitioner,I dont think there would be any problem with that.I believe the only time you should definately have a PED is for a newborn,and your son is older now.They know everything they need to know about children your sons age.Plus,you may actually like the family practitioner better.God Bless!

A.

Change immediately. Any pediatrician who overlooks RSV should not be practicing medicine on children.

My family has always been happy with a family practicioner---and we usually opt to see the Nurse Practicioner because NPs are usually more willing/able to sopend time answering questions and integrating the whole family health picture into a diagnosis. If she (or he)needs more information, the doctor is in the same office, so it's a winning combination.

I am sorry to hear about your circumstance and hope that I can help some. My family goes to a family practitioner. He and his partner are both certified as pediatricians and general practitioners. He mostly sees elderly/adult patients and she sees the babies and children, but they both are qualified to see either. We really like going to the same practice, if our daughter has an appointment and one of us has a question or concern we can ask while we are there and not make a separate appointment or pay a separate co-pay. I would look into it and find a practice where the doctor(s) are pediatricians and general practitioners.

Hi S.,

I used a family practitioner instead of a pediatrician (he was even in the delivery with me and my OB) and I was tickled with the personal attention. Because the doctor knew all of us, he could see things that another doctor might have missed. Family history was not just written on a piece of paper but experienced.

My only comment is that although your pediatrician might have put you through a "trying" stage with the saline drops, his ailment is a very common thing and unnecessary tests and meds can cause more trouble if not necessary. Meds and tests make doctors money and if she didn't do it on the first round, she might be thinking of your son more than her pocketbook. Yes, it's possible she's just arrogant and a know-it-all too, lol!

Hope this helps!

M.

I wasn't satisfied with my daughter's pediatric group. Never the same doctor twice, they NEVER remembered her. When she was five, she became very ill with strep throat and of course the pediatricians office was closed, so I took her to Access Medical Center where I go. I have not taken her back to her pediatrician since. These doctors always remember who she is, and any issues she has dealt with recently. They never rush exams, and always ask me if I have any questions. However, a lot of family doctors will not treat a very young child. Pediatrics is a specialty, and I think there is a liability issue involved. And since you're a new mom, I'll go ahead and let you in on the secret: Most doctors are going to be reluctant to give antibiotics unless the child is very ill. Ask the doctor to test the child's T cells (white cells). That way they will know whether or not the child really needs the meds. Good luck.

I know several people that take their babies to a family practitioner instead of a pediatrician, but it is really more common to take them to pediatricians since pediatricians specialize in children. It is more of a personal choice, and you have to do what is best for you in your situation.

As for the two concerns: Most doctors tend to rush through the visits since they have such a tight schedule demand. They will take extra time when it is necessary, so if you feel that you need more time just mention that you need something else checked and she is sure to take the extra time you need on that. The saline drops and syringe is usually a standard suggestion with nasal congestion and viruses unless the symptoms seem to be excessive. Most doctors wouldn't have checked for RSV right from the start unless there seemed to be major concerns with it. You probably would've had the same situation no matter which doctor you are at. I know this from experience.

That all being said, you should also know to trust your instincts. If you truly aren't happy with the pediatrician, then it's time for a change. If you feel like you would be comfortable enough at a family practitioner than make the switch. You might as well save the money if you will be happy with the switch (but I don't recommend choosing to save the money over feeling more comfortable with a doctor. Sometimes the extra money is worth the peace of mind.).

And no matter what you decide, always trust your instinct with your child's health. When my seven year old was fifteen months old, he became extremely sick with what the doctor diagnosed as a respiratory virus. From everything I had read, he had the signs of pneumonia, but the pediatrician wouldn't order a chest x-ray. He had me bring him back a week later for a recheck. When we went for the recheck, he finally ordered the chest x-ray. My son's lungs were completely filled with pneumonia. His pulse/ox levels were low enough that he should've been hospitalized. I later found out from our new pediatrician (yes, I made the switch after this happened since the doctor had ignored my concerns) told me that my son would've been hospitalized had he gone to just about any other doctor. The pediatrician had sent him home with a prescription for an antibiotic that he didn't even respond to, and we ended up in the ER three days later with a 104 fever and signs of dehydration. My point is this: If you feel there is something more going on, always voice the concerns. If the doctor ignores your concerns, he/she is not the best doctor to go to. A good doctor knows that a mother's instincts can be very valuable in diagnosing a child.

You have a right to every expectation of respectful, good care. "Drive-by" care was what my dr. attempted to provide, until my 2nd appt and I told him that he needed to sit down and listen to all of my questions and answer them to my understanding - because that's why he's here. He did so, and claimed he didn't know I felt that way. That was my last visit w/him and I did change but I stood up for myself and so should you. Whether to save on your family's budget or because you must feel understood, and respected, you should absolutely change doctors. When doctors poo-poo our concerns and let us suffer, only to admit the results we expected or described. If you don't remember anything else, always know that you are your child's hero. You are the difference between their suffering or not. As a mommy, you will be their greatest protector, no matter what others' opinions might be. Your child will thank you one day for it. As a mother of more than 16 years, I can attest to it. Be blessed, A

First off I have to congratulate you on your new addition to the family! Isn't he just wonderful (ALL the time)?!? Well, I am currently on my third pediatrician for both my children (daughter is 3 and son is 1). The reason for the first change was because of the wait in the lobby to see their doctor. I had just had my son last December and when I had to take my daughter in to get her cold (that lasted well into third week) I didn't get to see her doctor at all. I had to see the nurse practioner and her advice on getting my daughter well - take her out of preschool! Oh yeh! Can you imagine my surprise at her suggestion! It was bad enough I had a month old baby, waited two and a half hours for her to come in for five minutes and tell me to take my child out of school to solve her sickness issue! I was seeing RED all the way home! That night on got to the website and started looking around for other pediatricians. I found one office that had five doctors and were open on Saturdays (for sick children only). I go and fill out their paperwork (which seems to be getting longer and longer these days) and I hand it back to them as the receptionists are telling me that they will enter the information in their computers. Well, the next week I have to make an appointment for my son because he is sick and guess what? They didn't have him in their system and asked if I had requested a transfer of files and when did I fill the paperwork out at all for new registration. I told them I did and they told me they had to call me back. You can imagine my frustration at this whole scenario. They didn't call me back until a couple of days later. By then I had had enough and found another pediatrician. Just took my daughter to the new pediatrician and really liked her. Told me that my daughter had a sinus infection and prescribed Amoxicilin (but never mentioned taking her out of school!).

Sometimes your gut is your best conscious! Go with it if you feel the littlest tinge of doubt! Don't be hard on yourself for doing what's best for your child! There are plenty of doctors that will be more than happy to help you get your child well and to make you happy knowing you did the right thing! Take care and update us on how your child is doing!

April

Hi, S.. I'd say to definitely change. We go to a family pracitioner, and he has been great with all of our children. No doctor should be in such a rush that they don't attend to the needs of the patient! There are great doctors out there, just pray to find the right one. :)
T. M

1st you should feel comfortable with your child's pediatrian. If she rushes through every visit may want to question - based above it is hard to say, different symptoms lead to different diagnosis. Symptoms may not have been present at the first visit to warrent a test for RSV - That is hard to say.

As far as the Family practioner, most won't see children under the age of 10 or 11yrs. Pediatricians are trained to deal with children from birth to 21 years of age. They are more attuned to growth, conditions, possible problems, as well as dosing of meds, etc just for children. This is their love and expertise. I would not take a child under the age of 12 or so to anyone except a pediatrician.

When my son was born (he is 7 now) he was chronically sick. We took him to the dr. constantly and the ER (would always get bad around 2am) It took 6 visits to the ER before they found he had RSV. You can take them one day and they will test negative, and 2 days later they will finally test positive. It is not your dr's fault, that's just how the virus comes about.
I have looked for a family practice dr since I moved to GA over 10 years ago. Still have not found one.

Personally, I use a pediatrician. I believe they are the best route. They specialize in children and children need a dr that knows them. They are different and have different systems and all. We have never even taken our children to a regular hospital. We always go to childrens. They know children. Just my personal opinion. Spend the $$ for now. Your baby will be grown up before you know it!!!! (mine have) Good luck I am sure you will make the right decision for your family.

Hello S.! I'm sorry that you are feeling this way. My advice to you, is that, if you're feeling the way you do... NEVER second guess yourself. Especially when it comes to your child/children. I went through the SAME experience with my little boy. I took him to his doctor due to congestion in his chest?? He ( The Dr. ) assumed he had asthma, and put him on breathing treatments for months! I then took him for a second opinion, and sure enough?? It was due to a little cold! I would seek other drs. And as far as practioners?? My husband had seen, and still sees his family practioner his entire life. He is a general surgeon as well as a family practioner. I hope this helps you out. Good luck.

What are your reasons for not wanting to change doctors? There are plenty out there who may better fit your needs. If you aren't happy with your current Doctor ~ change. :)

My short answer is "if you feel uncomfortable with your son's pediatrician, change." You can always change back if you try somewhere else and still aren't pleased. I would get specific referrals from other moms and/or friends that live near you. That is how we found our pediatrician (my son is 2), and I love her! She takes her time and listens to our concerns. She takes her time and approaches ds gently and with kindness. If you don't have any good friends that live close to you, post it on here asking for specific names in your area! Good luck!

Hi S.,
I am a mom of 2 children. My oldest is now 15 and my youngest is 10. When I was pregnent with my frist born I went on several different interviews with pediatrician's. The one I chose I only stayed with untill my son was sent to the children's hospital at 15 day old. Due to bad advice I was given on 2 different trips to see the pediatrician. I have been with the same pediatrician for 15 years now but my oldest is going to a family Dr. now. I belive you should go on interviews with the Dr. you husbans Ins will cover and ask your pediatrician now who they would recomend. Don't be afraid to switch you have every right to fell good about the Dr your child is going to see.
Good Luck

You really need to have a good relationship with your pediatrician. If you are not comfortable with the care, you probably should look elsewhere. My girls docs have always spent whatever time I needed to spend with them.

As far as a family practicioner - before my family moved to SC, both my daughters saw the same family doctor I saw because I had a good relationship with him. I felt comfortable with him and did not feel the need to find a pediatrician if he was willing to see my children. Since moving, I did find a pediatrician that I like and trust.

The bottom line is you as the parent need to feel comfortable with the care your child is getting and if you are not, you do have the freedom to look around. Good luck in what you decide to do. Blessings to you and your family. J.

As a Pediatric nurse in an office, I see why you are frustrated. It DOES sound like the doctor did the right thing. With all the meds pulled from the market now for colds etc, the only thing we can use in the little ones are the saline drops, suctioning and humidity and not every baby gets RSV. It is a horrible illness and we do not even test for it in our office.
I would probably not change to a family practitioner esp at this young age. There are lots of good practitioners out there and I am sure you can find a pediatrician on your new insurance. I have never heard of an insurance that does not have a list of pediatricians and makes you go to a Family practice for an infant.
Go in to your doctor armed with your list of questions written down and bar the door until they are answered. The doctors get busy esp during the winter hours with all the flu cases etc but will make time for you if you ask for it. Also, make friends with the nurses. Sometimes we can answer any questions that you might have. I have been doing this for almost 40 years and have had 3 kids of my own and 2 grandchildren.
Good luck...

S. J,

Your heart seems to be in changing so I'm not sure why you are reticent to do so. In your current pediatrician's defense, I'm sure her missing the diagnosis was not intentional. They see the "same things" often times in those rooms and "go for" the simplest diagnosis initially; if, in follow up things aren't tracking well, they tend to move on to the next thing. In fact, congestion in infants is normal. All that being said...

I have always been a patient who INSISTS on a relationship with my doctors. If I feel rushed or dismissed, I move on. I do, however, make it clear with any medical provider this is the case. I want to work in concert with my medical providers, not turn my care over to them, and have been really fortunate in the healers I have worked with. Our family pediatrician is always slammed and would rush me out if she thought she could (smile) but our appointments end up being REAL appointments.

If you have to move to the family practitioner, as long as she/he is a good one, I don't think there should be a problem. You must take the time to interview whomever you are considering. It's an absolute must, particularly now that your child has a diagnosis of RSV. Find out what the doctor knows, understands of the illness and get assurance from that doctor that they are on top of RSV and it's assortment of treatments. Also, owning up to your discomfort with the move will encourage the physician to find ways to assure you your family care is a priority. Don't be intimidated by them or allow them to rush you out or dismiss your concerns. Be a pain if you must but remember, in fact, that if you aren't on top of your health care and the care of your family, no one is.

I grew up with a family practitioner as did my siblings and we're all fine (smile). AND if today I were having children I would have them with the GP I see because this doctor is amazing (and expensive as he doesn't take insurance because he found the insurance companies were making him less of a doctor, not allowing him to spend time with his patients, making him feel like a worker on an assembly line - which was not the reason he opted for a practice). He has become a huge part of my family and my life - just as the physician from my childhood was until I moved away from the area.

You can do this, Kiddo. Good luck.
Peace.
J.

Yes, I think you should seek another doctor. My son was thought to have RSV and fortunately did not but we spent three nights at MUSC for testing and an IV. It is very serious with these young ones. Sorry that you had to go through that. Depending on where you live, I know that East Coper Family Practice in Mt. Pleasant see children. My husband and I go there and our children see a pediatrician but I always ask my doctor questions about my children and he is more than happy to answer and no rushing. I would make the switch immediately if you question anything with your pediatrician and wherever you go interview your potential doctor and see what their manners are like and time they spend with patients. Good luck!

I hate to hear of the problems that you are having with your pediatrician. My girls, ages 4 and 2 see a family practioner who also see's pediatric patient's. They have been seeing her since they were about 5 days old. My husband and I also see her. She is wonderful and is knowledgeable about children's healthcare. As long as you are seeing a family practioner who also deals with pediatric patient's you will be fine. Good luck. Based on what you said, even if you didn't change him to your husband's insurance I would find another pediatrician. You need someone that you feel comfortable with and who is willing to spend the time doing tests that are needed and to discuss other problems with you and answer your questions. I hope this helps. Let us know how things go.

Your first question is whether or not to change doctors because you have concerns about your current one. I'd say the answer is yes - you should make a change. The relationship that you have with your pediatrician is important. If there is a lack of trust for whatever reason, you will hesitate to use this person as an important resource in your child's care and that is unacceptable. There are many wonderful pediatricians out there, keep looking til you find one.

The second question has to do with pediatrician v family doctor. My personal opinion is that there is no substitute for a pediatricion. I would call my dh's carrier and make sure that you and your dh are correct that there are no pediatricians on his plan. Perhaps there is just not one in the immediate area where you live? Check into it before you make a final decision. I have never heard of a healthcare plan with no access to pediatricians. Hope this helps, S.

It sholdn't be about how much money you'd save, think of that as a bouns, but who will provied your son the best care. I changed my son from a Ped to a Family Practic Dr when he was almsot a year old even though I knew we were going to be moving away from the are 3 months later!! I felt the same way, ruched, not taken seriously about concerns, made to feel stupid and couldn't get appointmets for sick visits or even well baby visits when it was convient for me. I was greatful that I wasn't a first time parent and my son was never seriously ill otherwise I don't know what would have happened! The Dr I changed him to was also my own DR and I'm sure was knowledgeable with young kids because he had girl triplest that were 3yrs old!! In fact, he even asked me questions about my son's development and milstones and his Ped never did!! I felt very good about taking my son to the Family Practice Dr.

So you need to do some homework before you make up your mind. You being a first time parent need to be well informed about your child's 'ages & stages' and if you have a question to be able to ask and get a honest answer. If you feel rushed, you probably are! If you change him to a Family Practice DR, make sure it is one you are familiar with so you don't go in having any doubts about your treatment or your son's care.

Good luck!!
S.

The Dr's actions on the saline was right on the money, if the small thing can solve it then awesome if it dosn't thats when they go in and start looking at other options. its fall its cold season.

If you want to look at another ped, ours are great. Drs Nesbit and Hoeft. Nesbit is male, Hoeft female, both take time and really listen and you can tell they are actually listening to what you are saying both are strong believers that mom's know when somethings wrong, and yes they do take the aproch of if we can solve it with out meds great if they need it then they give it to ya. I recently took my son in after he wasnt sleeping much and always seemed to sound congested, Dr Heoft hit the nail on the head right away Sinus infection. got antibiotics and it started clearing up after the 2nd dose.

I think that if you are having ANY doubts or bad feelings about your current doctor, you should try someone else. Trust your instincts!! You know what is best for your child. Good luck!!

I would switch because of the fact that you feel rushed. You (or the insurance company) are paying a lot of money for the visits, and a dr. should make you feel like you are being heard, and that he/she has all the time in the world to answer your questions.
I have used a family dr. for my daughter since she was born, and he is wonderful. I would never consider switching, even if i had to drive 30 minutes to him. He is very helpful and has never made me feel rushed. If you want his name, just send me a private message :)

I would definetly want a pediatrician for my children until they were atleast 13. A family practitioner is good for myself but even most Family MD will not see patients under 2 years of age. I would spend the extra money for a pediatrician for a while longer. Your pediatrician sounds good, most do suggest using the saline nose drops these work in most cases.The salt saline solution seems to help rid the nose of bacteria.
A good pediatrician would know the signs of RSV. The RSV test is only as good as the person collecting it. With that said you should know that the testing is very sensitive in getting a good nasal swab for testing.

Good Evening Stacey,

Where do I begin. First let me tell you that I am a single mother of two beautiful boys ages (5 and 2). I'm going to start with your first concern, leading to the last one.

First concern, have you ever asked her why does she rush and that you don't feel comfortable with her rushing?...Second concer, I'm in school now studying Biology, w/ a focus on pre med. and my instructors always told us (the class) that as doctors, you don't know everything and that you are actually practicing trying to figure out the problem. I know thats not what you wanted to hear, but the truth is, Dr.'s don't know everything. What could have been the reason for them telling up to use Saline drops is probably because a few other children came in with similiar symptoms. Lastly, my children goes to North Fulton Pediatrics in Roswell...and I must say they are a GREAT team. Although my child see the Nurse Practioner and has seen her (Pat Musto) since they were first born. She takes her time and spends a great amount of time in the room with us, whether they are in there for a cold, well child check or going just for shots. She is very personal and she and her nurse does frequent calls checking on my children. I have seen the other Dr.'s when she wasn't in the office and they do seem a little speedy but are still very great....Sorry for the long message, but to answer your question, I would change Pediatricians if I didn't felt uncomfortable with my children Dr. ...

I hoped I've help. Good Luck, Congratulations and welcome to the "Motherhood" :)

S.,

Absolutely change!! I had the same reservations about my pediatrician. I was so overwhelmed when I was at our pediatrician's office. I felt like if I didn't get all my questions in before his internal buzzer went off that he's lose interest and walk out (which gave me reservations about asking anything). And, you're right about diagnosing. It seemed like he didn't take the time to properly diagnose. "Just try this...if it doesn't work, then come back..." Who has time for that?? Or, the money?? Or, the patience?? However, I loved the family practitioner that I always used for myself. She also had two girls herself, and had seen it all. She even asks about my son even if he's not with me. It was the best decision I could have made. Good luck!!

S.,

I think you're asking the wrong question. Perhaps you should ask "why NOT change?"

Do what's best for your family no matter what the reason. For me, the financial part of it is enough. No doctor is perfect. They're all rushed. My 2nd was diagnosed with RSV but only after many visits. It's my thought that it's a tough diagnosis b/c its' symptoms can be many things. She's growing out of it but I've had her on breathing treatments since she was an infant. Both my children are asthmatic and I just keep a close eye on colds and get them on breathing treatments when I feel it's getting bad.

Good luck!

I think everyone else has great advice. Something that's helped each time I've gone to the doctor is to prepare a list prior to arriving. I give the list and the doctor and nurse both go over the list with us. I'm not sure if you have tried that or not. If I didn't come with a list, I would never remember anything.

If you don't feel comfortable definitely switch. And if you don't like the doctor's diagnosis, you're the mother -- tell the doctor. You just have to trust your gut and find a doctor who listens to you. I'm about to try my third pediatrician. I'll keep changing until I find one I like. I feel the same way about my own doctors, too.

Good luck!

Oh my gosh, as a new mom, I remember trusting the medical community; however, I had issues, too, with a doctor. TRUST YOUR GUT, tell your pediatrician that you are very disappointed and upset about this, in writing or phone or in person, whatever you are comfortable with, and ask your friends for a recommendation.

Also, consider this, pediatricians see a lot of kids during the day and a stuffy nose is very common. The fact that you waited several weeks to take your son back is not her fault, it is yours.

Again, trust your gut and if you think something is wrong, insist on tests.