Every child has his or her own special healthcare needs. And every pediatrician has his or her own approach to helping parents raise healthy children. By doing a little research and asking the right questions, you can find a pediatrician you'll feel is right for your family. We hope the following information is helpful in choosing your child's pediatrician.

Start by Asking Around
Your obstetrician probably knows pediatricians in the community and can refer you to one. Ask friends, neighbors and relatives for their recommendations, too. Another way to find a pediatrician is to utilize a hospital physician referral number like Holy Redeemer's. Call 1-800-818-4747 and Holy Redeemer can provide you with several referrals.

The next step is to schedule some interviews with pediatricians. Make appointments with their offices so that you learn more about their practice and determine whether you would feel comfortable with them.

Interviewing Your Pediatrician
Before you see the pediatrician, get a sense of the office. Is it a comfortable place? Is the receptionist friendly? Do patients in the waiting room look like they've been waiting too long? Go with your instincts. If the office doesn't feel comfortable, you probably won't feel comfortable with the pediatrician.

Once you sit down with the pediatrician, you can find out specifics about the way he or she practices pediatric medicine. Don't be afraid to ask direct questions of the pediatricians you interview. If you feel that you're not getting the kind of answers you need, you're probably not dealing with the right pediatrician for you and your family. Keep in mind that the pediatrician you select will have a significant impact on the health of your child.

Important Questions to Ask

• Availability
  Are the office hours convenient to your schedule? What if an acute problem arises? What about vacations and holidays? Who provides coverage for the pediatrician when he/she is away? How does the pediatrician handle phone calls?
• Hospital Privileges
  If necessary, where would your child be hospitalized? Who cares for your child in the hospital? Does this hospital have 24 hour visiting for parents? Are there overnight accommodations for parents? Can you stay with your child at the hospital?
• Personality
  Does the pediatrician make you feel at ease? Do you have a sense that he or she can provide the kind of care you're looking for? Do you think your child will like this pediatrician?
• Financial Matters
  What is the pediatrician's payment policy? Will the office help with insurance forms? What kind of visits are reimbursable by insurance coverage?

Building a Good Relationship with Your Pediatrician
After you choose a pediatrician, you can help him or her provide better care by preparing for each office visit. Inform your child about this visit ahead of time, and talk about any fears your child might have. During the visit, be sure to ask questions about your child's health. Why is your child sick? What is the diagnosis? How can this type of illness be prevented? What can you do to help your child recover?

Establish Good Lines of Communication
Good communication between you, your child and your pediatrician is important to maintaining quality healthcare. Sometimes children find it hard to explain how or why they don't feel well. Parents, in turn, may have difficulty explaining a child's illness to the pediatrician. A good pediatrician can help you to understand your child's health. So, if you hear something you don't understand, say so. Your pediatrician has an obligation to explain things to you in a way you can comprehend. Remember, both you and your pediatrician are responsible for the health of your child. By working together as a team, you can provide a superior level of care.

We Want You to Stay Connected
This information is provided as a service by Holy Redeemer's Kids' Health Connection. The Kids' Health Connection is designed to "connect" all aspects of a child's healthcare, including the medical complexities that go beyond medical treatment. We respond to the emotional, social and educational needs of children and their families and bring to the community the latest technology in neonatal, pediatric rehabilitation and home care programs.

If you want more information about the many services provided by the Kids' Health Connection, call 1-800-818-4747.