In a previous blog, we discussed the importance of choosing the right pediatrician. However, making that choice is more complicated than it seems, and even after you make it, you might still feel that there are things that can improve in your children’s care when it comes to your pediatrician.
Now, what are the things you should keep in mind when assessing a pediatrician? Here’s a list that can help:
1. Credentials and Experience
Is your doctor board-certified? Do they have a license to practice medicine? Are they specialized in a specific philosophy or in children with certain conditions or special needs? When visiting their office, ask other parents about their experience, not only with them but with their staff. Make sure to understand if they have privileges or practice medicine in hospitals or other clinics.
2. Office Environment
This aspect is somewhat overlooked, especially in the complex climate of finding a pediatrician in Puerto Rico. However, it is a very important one. For example, does the office layout allow the doctor to segment sick and healthy patients? Is the office child-friendly? Is the staff helpful, and do they make you feel welcome? Does everyone in the office show empathy? Another important aspect can be how kid-friendly the team and the overall space are so that kids feel comfortable while waiting.
3. Communication Style
Excellent communication skills are an essential tool that any pediatrician needs to master. They should be able to dilute complex terms so that you, as a parent, can understand what (if anything) is going on with your child and how to treat them. Listening is also an essential part of communication, so evaluate if your pediatrician is actively listening or if they are dismissing your concerns. It’s important to understand that you and your pediatrician might not see eye to eye on specific issues; the critical thing is that you feel understood, respected, and educated as a parent.
4. Availability
Check their office hours, after-hours, and emergency availability. Ask around if they are consistent with their hours and if the wait times are appropriate to the level of care each child deserves. For example, does the office open at 8:00 am, but the pediatrician gets in at 10:00 am? Are those delays constant?
Do they offer telemedicine services? What kind of platform do they use? Some doctors offer their cellphones for text message consultations; while this may seem convenient, it's crucial to remember that text messaging is not always HIPAA compliant, which could put your child's personal health information at risk.
5. Quality of Care
This is a hard one to evaluate, but you can determine this by asking about their approach to preventive care, such as vaccinations and routine visits, and how they collaborate or have contacts with other pediatric specialists your child needs. Do you feel the time he is with your child is enough and that they are solely focused on them? Some might have social media pages with reviews from other parents that you can check out.
Rate your child's pediatrician
If, even after reading all this, you’re unsure if your pediatrician is right for you? At Pravan Kids we created a useful quiz to help you figure that out. Start now; it only takes five minutes!
