Choosing the right pediatrician for your child is not always easy.  If you choose a pediatrician that doesn’t suit you and your child, it can be a frustrating experience.  That’s why you should consider these 5 categories.

1. Accessibility

  • Is your doctor easy to reach by phone or email?
  • When you want to speak to a person at the office does the phone tree take you only to a voicemail?
  • Who answers after-hours parent calls?
  • Is there a nurse triage line or do you get to speak to your doctor?

2. Responsiveness

  • Does your doctor have flexible office hours with same-day appointments for urgent issues?
  • What is the typical appointment wait time at the office?
  • Do you have time to give a proper history of your child’s symptoms and ASK questions?
  • Does the pediatrician take her time to explain the diagnosis and treatment plan and ANSWER questions?

3. Relatability

  • Is your doctor interested in forming a trusting relationship with your child?
  • Is she warm, playful and careful when examining your child?
  • Does she appreciate the potential for exams to be a frightful experience — and how to help your child through them?
  • Will she be a good model and guide for helping your child look forward to following recommendations for treating illness and overall healthy living? (i.e. swallowing a yucky medicine or staying away from sweets)

4. Receptiveness

  • Does your doctor relate to you and your concerns?
  • Does she exercise the right amount of concern without being an alarmist?
  • If you feel there is a need for a specialist, will your doctor help you find the right person for your child?
  • Will she be flexible to form a plan that suits your child?

5. Openness

  • If your doctor is unfamiliar with certain treatment options, will she take time to look into these options and help you make an informed decision?
  • Is she familiar with or open to complementary medicine (including functional and integrative medicine), if alternative/holistic medicine is important to you?
  • Will she be conservative if you are not eager to start antibiotics?
  • Will your pediatrician engage with other holistic healers as a part of a wellness team?