Your number one priority as a parent is keeping your child(ren) safe and healthy, which is why choosing the right pediatrician is important. However, choosing a pediatrician who provides for the needs of your entire family isn’t always easy.
With so many pediatric specialists to choose from, how do you select one who best suits your family’s long-term medical needs?
Here are some tips on how to get the best match:
- Identify your family’s medical needs and preferences. This will help you choose the type of doctor you want for your child. Not only do pediatricians take care of children, but family medicine practitioners, doctors of osteopathic medicine, and pediatric nurses are also qualified. Just make sure your choice of provider is board-certified.
- Seek personal recommendations from trusted family, friends, and colleagues who have children. Talk with those who not only have experience with pediatricians, but also share your approach to medical care and understand your particular needs and perspectives when it comes to parenting.
- Note the size of the practice, its location, and hours. If you are a working parent, you’ll need to choose a pediatric clinic that has extended, evening, and weekend hours. You’ll also want a practice that is close to your home, school, or office in the event your child suddenly becomes ill or is injured. They should also have an online patient portal, so you can conveniently request appointments, review lab results, and access forms and records required for day care or school. In terms of the size of the practice, a smaller group practice can make it easier to build a relationship with a single doctor, but a larger practice makes it easier to arrange an appointment.
- Consider the doctor’s personal characteristics. Certain factors – such as age, gender, and level of experience – can influence your preference and rapport with a clinician, so don’t hesitate to be selective. It’s best to choose a pediatrician with whom you can easily and comfortably communicate.
- Weigh the doctor’s personality and style. Besides treating your child when they are sick, a pediatrician helps you as a parent understand and support your child’s health, growth, and development. This is why developing a collaborative relationship with your child’s doctor is important. Choose a pediatrician whose demeanor is most compatible with yours.
- Find a pediatrician who shares your views on certain medical issues. For example, if you have strong opinions on issues such as breastfeeding, circumcision, or vaccinations, it’s better to work with a pediatrician who respects your preferences and can advise you on the best course of treatment for your child.
- Verify your insurance coverage. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be required to select a provider within network. Check your insurance provider’s website for a list of covered pediatric practices and verify your choice with your health plan’s member services department.
Spanish-Speaking Pediatrician in Tampa, Florida
In providing the highest quality pediatric healthcare, Children’s Medical Center realizes that clear communication between parents, children, and their pediatrician is vital. Besides providing a convenient and nurturing environment for your family, we also offer bi-lingual, Spanish-speaking pediatricians.
We are committed to providing parents with as much information about their children’s health as possible, so that, together, we can guide young patients and their families along the path to optimal health and wellness.
For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified physicians, call Children’s Medical Center today at the location nearest to you. Or, if your child is an existing patient, you can use our convenient patient portal to arrange a consultation.
