If you’ve got a child on the way, you need the support of an excellent pediatrician. However, it’s not always easy to choose the pediatrician to whom you can entrust your child’s health concerns.
That’s why, during your search for a pediatrician, once you’ve narrowed down your pediatrician options, it’s important to ask more specific questions from the potential pediatrician to further assess whether the pediatrician is right for your child.
So, if you are in search of a pediatrician and are confused about what you should ask your pediatrician, this article is for you. Let’s talk about some common questions parents ask regarding pediatricians and where you can go for high-quality pediatric care in Tampa Bay, FL.
Question #1 Is the Pediatrician Board-Certified?
Board certification is not required by law but is one of the most desirable credentials. It is a valuable tool that demonstrates your pediatrician’s competency in patient care, professionalism, communication skills, and medical knowledge. Board-certified pediatricians pass a rigorous American Board of Pediatrics (AAP) test and get a certificate.
So, it’s in the best of your interest to choose a pediatrician that is board certified.
Question #2 Is the Pediatrician a Member of the American Board of Pediatrics (AAP)?
A pediatrician who is a member of the American Board of Pediatrics (AAP) will have a “FAAP (fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics)” after their name. A member of the AAP means the pediatrician has met the established standard for providing pediatric healthcare.
Question #3 How does the Pediatrician Handle Emergencies?
Even with the best possible care, pediatric emergencies can still happen. When these emergencies happen, you need to know what to do, whether you can take your child to a pediatrician’s office, and how the after-hours emergencies and questions are handled.
In case of a life-threatening emergency, you should take your child to the emergency center without any further delay.
Question #4 What Hospital Network is the Pediatrician Affiliated To?
It is important to ask about the affiliation of the pediatrician with the hospital. This is because if you deliver your child to a hospital where the pediatrician has privileges, the pediatrician will be able to take care of your newborn in that hospital.
Question #5 What is a Pediatrician’s Childcare Philosophy?
Choosing a pediatrician whose views on child-rearing are in-step with your own regarding things like vaccination, breastfeeding, sleep, discipline issues, etc., is important. This will make the entire experience a lot easier and more enjoyable for you and your child.
Pediatrician In Tampa Bay, FL
At Children’s Medical Center, our team of 20 highly qualified and experienced pediatricians provides unparalleled healthcare to our young patients. Besides medical treatments, we also offer psychological care that families need to tackle their behavioral problems.
If you would like to make an appointment, contact us at a location near you in Palm Harbor, Trinity, Westchase, and Lutz. You can also schedule a consultation with one of our pediatricians using our secure online appointment request form.
