What to Ask Your Pediatrician

Pediatrician Background Questions

1) When and where did you complete medical school or residency?

2) Are you a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or other specialty organization? Are you board certified in pediatrics?

3) How long have you been in practice?

4) Do you have any areas of subspecialty?

5) What hospitals do you have nursery or admitting privileges?

6) How often do you visit a new baby in the hospital?

Office Questions

1) How are questions over the phone managed in your office? Do you charge for phone calls?

2) What are the office hours?

3) Do you have any after-hour appointments or weekend appointments?

4) How long in advance must you book appointments?

5) What diagnostic facilities (lab work, strep tests, x-rays) can be done in the office?

6) Do you answer any questions by e-mail?

7) How do you deal with after-hour emergencies?

8) Who covers for you when you are on vacation or not available?

9) Is there an office reminder system for checkups and immunizations?

10) What happens if I miss a scheduled visit? Is it easy to reschedule?

11) Does a nurse practitioner (PNP) work in your office?

12) What is the scheduled length of your appointments?

13) Do you have a "sick child" waiting room?

14) How long will I be sitting in the waiting room on average?

15) Do you have a list of health insurances that you take?

16) How does it work if my child is admitted to a hospital?

Pediatric Practice Questions

1) Do many of the mothers in your practice breastfeed successfully?

2) Should infant feedings be strictly scheduled?

3) What is your opinion about co-sleeping (infants and children sleeping in bed with parents)?

4) What is your approach to sleep training (responding to an infant or child who cries at night)?

5) What is your approach to introducing solid foods to an infant?

6) What is your philosophy about antibiotic usage and medications for child with colds? Ear infections?

7) What is your opinion about vaccinations?

8) What is your opinion about circumcision?

9) How often does my child need to come in for routine physicals?

10) What advice do you have for potty training?

11) What's your advice for handling temper tantrums?

12) Do you have any tips for encouraging children to eat a wider variety of foods?

13) My child seems to be a little behind on some milestones. Should I be worried?