Parents Corner

The Right Doctor for You and Your Family

Written by: Julie Loe, B.S., PTA, Director of Pediatric Services

Functions of a pediatrician

1. Prenatal advice on nutrition, medication, and attitudes towards baby

2. Newborn physical exam. Information and advice on feeding and early infant care.

3. Well baby exam to check growth and development, provide advice on feeding and answer questions.

4. Administer immunizations and information regarding the time table and proper sequence.

5. Diagnosis and treatment of minor illness or injury with medical advice or medication.

6. Answer questions by phone when a child is ill or injured.

7. Diagnosis and treatment of emergencies and serious illness with technical information, equipment, and medications.

8. Referral of particular problems to the proper specialist.

Choosing a pediatrician

Some questions you may ask of friends, family and your current doctor could include....

	Is she medically competent?
	Will she reassure my worries?
	Does she know information about normal growth and development, including physical, emotional and psycho-social?
	Can she relate to my child?
	Will she take the time to answer my questions and listen to my feelings?
	Does she have specific knowledge about rare or serious illness that may run in my family?
	Will I have to wait a really long time to get into see her?
	Is she available by telephone to me during the day, night, week-end?
	Will she take my insurance? Are her fees reasonable?
	What are her views on breast feeding vs. bottle feeding?
	What are her views on introduction to solid foods?

Satisfaction with your pediatrician

	Make a list of your questions before your appointment. You are less likely to feel rushed or forget something important to you if it is written down.
	Have the doctor answer all the questions to your satisfaction before leaving.
	Tell the doctor your own feelings and any disagreement so that it can be resolved promptly.
	Make the doctor aware of you and your child's special needs.
	Make the doctor aware of any difficulties in following prescribed treatment, either on your part or your child's.
	When at home, telephone the doctor if worries persist, something unexpected arises, or the treatment is not working.
	Make doctor aware of financial burdens; request generic prescriptions and samples to defer cost.
	Explain problems in scheduling or making appointments.
	Remember, you are the consumer. A good relationship with your child’s physician can eliminate a lot of unnecessary stress and worry!

For questions, comments or additional information on this topic, send a feedback note or fax (805) 771-9538.

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