Choosing Your Baby's Doctor

If you haven’t already done so, it is important to choose a doctor or other care provider for your baby before the end of your pregnancy. It may seem early, but there are a couple of reasons to do this now:

Your newborn will need to be examined by a doctor or nurse practitioner before you leave the hospital after delivery. (If your baby comes before you have chosen a provider, you can ask the hospital to have an in-house pediatrician or nurse practitioner perform the newborn examination.)
Several well-baby check-ups and immunizations are recommended within the first weeks and months of birth. For consistent and timely care, you need to establish a relationship with a caregiver to meet these needs. He or she will also be available to guide and support you as your little one grows and develops.

In addition, while uncommon, some mothers and their newborns require special care before going home. In cases like this, most parents would prefer to stay with their baby in the same facility. Does your baby’s doctor have privileges at the hospital where you plan to deliver? Can the facility provide all the care necessary for both of you – with specialists at every level – should the need arise?

Here are a few questions to help you choose a doctor or nurse practitioner that fits your family’s needs:

Do you prefer a pediatrician, family practitioner or nurse practitioner?
Does office location make a difference in your choice?
How easy is it to contact the provider’s office? Does a live person answer the phone? Are you put on hold for long periods of time?
How far in advance do appointments need to be made?
Does the office accept your insurance plan?
Do you need early or late appointments? What are the caregiver’s hours?
How long has the provider been in practice?
Does the provider have partners available when he or she is not?
How are off-hours emergencies handled? What happens if you need care or advice after hours?
Is your provider available by phone or e-mail for simple questions or is an appointment always necessary?
How long is a routine appointment?
Does the provider use a hospital with 24-hour coverage by in-house board-certified pediatricians?
If your child needs specialty care, can your caregiver refer you to a board-certified pediatric specialist?
What is the caregiver’s philosophy about breastfeeding? Immunizations? The use of antibiotics?
Does the provider listen? Explain things in understandable terms? Do you like him or her?

It’s a good idea to talk to more than one provider to see if you share similar points of view. When making this decision, you also need to consider the list of providers included under your insurance plan and any restrictions outlined in your policy. You may also want to clarify professional certification by calling the American Board of Medical Specialties at 1-800-776-2378 or visit www.certifieddoctor.org. A doctor who is board-certified has passed the accreditation test to practice medicine in his or her specialty.