Choosing a Pediatrician — 8 Tips for First-Time Parents

Ask Other People for Recommendations

One of the best ways to begin is by asking people you trust. Family members, friends and coworkers often have firsthand experiences that can help narrow your search. Your obstetrician or nurse-midwife can also be a valuable resource. They work with pediatricians regularly and may have insights into which physicians are especially good with new parents. When you hear the same names more than once, that is a sign to add them to your short list.

Check Out Their Online Bio

Most pediatricians have an online profile that can give you a good sense of who they are and how they practice. Look for details like:

• Whether they are accepting new patients
• Their education and training background
• Office locations
• If they offer video visits
• The languages they speak
• Accepted insurance plans
• Patient ratings and reviews

A quick internet search of the physician’s name usually leads to their bio, often hosted on a local health system’s website. If you already know the health system they belong to, start with its “find a doctor” page for the most accurate information.

Consider Convenience

Convenience is a big factor when you are a parent. You will want to find a practice that:

• Is close to home or your child’s daycare center
• Offers hours that work with your schedule
• Provides same-day or next-day appointments when your child is sick
• Uses an online patient portal, such as MyChart

A patient portal can be a lifesaver. It lets you schedule or cancel appointments, view test results, ask non-urgent questions and request medication refills at any time.

Check Your Insurance Coverage

Once you have narrowed your list, confirm which pediatricians are in your insurance network. Contact your health plan or use its online directory. Ask about co-pays and coverage for services like well visits, sick visits, immunizations and lab tests to avoid surprise costs later.

Make a Prenatal Appointment

When you have one pediatrician in mind, schedule a prenatal appointment. Whether you are a first-time parent or have been taking your older children to the same doctor for years, these visits are valuable.

Prenatal appointments are a chance to see the office, meet the pediatrician and discuss what to expect in those first few weeks of your baby’s life. It is also a time to ask practical questions about newborn care or when to schedule your baby’s first visit.

Get a Feel for the Practice

When you arrive for your appointment, take a look around. Does the office seem well-staffed and organized? Is the staff friendly? While you are there, learn more about how the practice operates. For example, you can ask:

• Who sees your child if the pediatrician is not available for a “sick visit”?
• How does the office handle after-hours concerns? Is a physician always on call?
• Are there separate waiting rooms for well and sick children?
• Is there a specific area or entry for newborns to minimize exposure to illness?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• How quickly does the office return calls or messages?
• Can the office easily refer you to specialists if needed?

If you cross paths with other parents in the waiting room, ask what they like best about the practice. Sometimes those quick conversations give the clearest picture of what your experience will be like.

Get to Know the Pediatrician

Finally, focus on the relationship between you and the physician. A good pediatrician is not just well-trained and knowledgeable. They are also someone you feel comfortable with and can trust. During your conversation, ask yourself:

• Is the pediatrician approachable and friendly?
• Do they encourage questions and listen carefully?
• Do they explain things in a clear, reassuring way?
• Will they respect your parenting choices about breastfeeding, sleep training and other concerns?

Remember, you may take your child to see this pediatrician for years to come. The right fit ensures that your visits are calm, positive and focused on your child’s well-being.

Build a lasting partnership with a pediatrician you can trust. Catholic Health pediatricians and family practice physicians provide care across Long Island.