One of the biggest stressors in parent’s lives is making sure their child is safe and healthy. Good doctor relationships and proper care can make all the difference in the world for your child’s overall wellbeing. While making a traditional appointment so fine for regular routine care, there are instances where same day pediatric care is critical. This is a trend that is growing more and more popular today thanks to advances in virtual telehealth care and services.

It is always recommended to make that 1st pediatrician visit in person and most doctors do not deal with infants and very young babies in any way other than face to face. There is just too much that a child doctor will need to check and keep track of. Once they are a little older, a shift can be made to more remote-based care if that is what is desired.

The best parents can ensure they are finding the best medical care available is to keep in mind what general pediatrician jobs entail. They need to be good with kids, informed and up to date on latest recommendations, embrace medical advances, and be open and easy to ta

Did you know that according to the CDC, 82.6% of Americans have had contact with a medical professional within the last year? The most common reason for making an appointment, according to the CDC, is a cough, while 14% of appointments are made due to headaches and migraines? The CDC also reports that an estimated 55% of doctors’ appointments made in the U.S. are with primary care physicians, while many others opt for walk-in clinics that offer services 24 hours a day. The fact of the matter is that despite all the hubbub and anxiety over the Affordable Health Care Act and the medical care crisis, Americans are still seeing their doctors regularly.

While you may have your family physicians all set up, what about your baby on the way? Finding a pediatrician is an important job for expectant parents because they’re going to be your medical soul-mates whom you turn to for every problem from what to do with a high fever to why she or he won’t stop crying. So how should you start finding a pediatrician; when should you start looking, and what should you even look for?

When to start finding a pediatrician.

Katrina Brown Hunt, writing for American Baby Magazine, suggests that parents should start finding a pediatrician before the baby is even born. She reports, “It’s important to have a pediatrician you’ve already met and respect because you have enough going on after the baby is born without having to worry about finding a doctor.” According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP, the best specific time to start finding a pediatrician is in the last few weeks of pregnancy.

What credentials to seek out.

The first and foremost thing to look for is “FAAP.” According to the AAP, this acronym indicates that the doctor is a member/fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is board certified in Pediatrics, committed to lifelong learning, advocates for children and families, and most importantly up to date on the latest in child health. You can also check the doctor’s degrees, which usually hang on the walls of their office. Additionally, many insurance providers have lists of doctors’ credentials as well.

Interview the Pediatrician.

While you’re finding a pediatrician, it’s vital to know what questions to ask and discuss with them. Hunt writes that the best three questions to ask are: “Are you a parent?” “How do you feel about breastfeeding and circumcision?” and “How do you feel about vaccines?” Many parents like the extra empathy and hands-on experience that comes from being a parent. It’s important to know about breastfeeding and circumcision, because the issue is divisive amongst doctors, and your pediatrician should either agree with you or at least respect your choice. Some parents choose not to vaccinate their child, but there are many doctors out there who will refuse to even treat a child if they’re not on an immunization schedule.

Finding a pediatrician is worth the extra steps. It’s important to start searching before the baby is born, to check their credentials and interview them. If you have any questions about finding a pediatrician, feel free to ask in the comments! Helpful sites: gonzaba.com