Well we've narrowed our pediatrician search to three practices in the Naperville area. I have scheduled appointments for "meet and greets" in the next few weeks and would like any suggestions you may have for questions I should ask or information I should gather. Your help is greatly appreciated!
I would also ask if your child is getting more than one shot, is it their policy to have 2 nurses administer them at the same time (2 different legs).
Hi N.,
1. Can I get appointment on same day that I call if I have a baby/small child with fever of 101 or other urgent medical issue?
2. What is policy for office waiting room seating for sick children versus children coming for "well child physical or vaccination"?
3. What is typical wait versus appointment time?
4. Who backs up your pediatrician when he/she/they are on vacation?
5. Is there coverage on Sunday if you have urgent medical problem?
6. Does the pediatrician's office take your healthcare insurance?
7. Does the pediatrician's office cover the hospital where you plan to deliver your twins? (Ob-gyn agrees when you can be discharged after labor/delivery and the pediatrician agrees when your twins can be discharged from the hospital...not always on the same day.)
Congratulations on becoming a family!
C. L
prenatal yoga teacher and mom of 3
www.universalspirityoga.com also has great childrens yoga classes for later on...
I LOVE ABC Pediatrics - not sure if they are on your list - if not, check them out! They are WONDERFUL with any off-hours help/questions. They'll call you back/help you out any time, day or night.
Love love love Dr. Chad Olsen at Millenium Pediatrics! I've been taking my kids there for 10+ years! His office number is ###-###-####.....
Let us know!
N. -
This is the list I brought when I went to do my interviews (I selected ABC Peds):
1. What is your schedule?
2. How often will I see you in the office as the primary care provider? Will they always try to schedule me with you?
3. How long does it take to get an urgent appointment? routine appointment?
4. How do I get in touch with you during an emergency?
5. Tell me about your immunization schedule.
6. Can I get immunizations outside of a routine appointment?
7. Thoughts on formula feeding v. breast feeding?
8. Who returns my phone calls on baby questions? How long does it take?
9. Do you allow email communication?
10. Do you have evening and saturday hours?
11. Do you have nurse practitioners in the office? If yes, who do they see?
12. Do you care for your patients in the hospital or do you refer them to hospitalists?
13. Do you admit to Edward?
14. What peds specialists (hospital based) do you refer patients to?
15. Do you have a psychologist that sees patients in your office; if not who do you refer to?
16. Will you see my baby after birth?
17. How many days do we remain in the hospital?
18. How long after discharge is the baby seen in the office?
19. Do you have a book or pamphlet you provide new parents in the hospital?
20. Is there both a well child and sick child waiting area?
Good luck!
