How to Choose a Pediatrician

Whether you are looking for a pediatrician in Houston because you are new to the area or just found out you are expecting, you may be wondering how to find the right physician for your child's care.

If you are expecting a newborn, you want to begin looking for a pediatrician three months before the baby is due. Once the baby is born, you should see a pediatrician within the first week of their birth, so it is best to be prepared.

Are you looking for a new pediatrician for your older children? You want to be sure to have all of their medical records and information available to you and the new doctor. Their medical records will help your new pediatrician understand their current health needs, especially if they have any pre-existing conditions.

Whoever you choose, they should be someone who is responsive, trustworthy and accessible at most hours in case of an emergency. There are hundreds of doctors in the Houston area to choose from, but how do you know which one will provide the care that you expect?

Make Sure Your Pediatrician Is Qualified

First and foremost, a pediatrician should be certified to provide the appropriate care. Local medical institutions and your health insurance company may provide a list of pediatricians accepting new patients in the area near you.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and online directories like HealthyChildren.org provide tools that can help parents find a pediatrician that has the right certifications and recognitions. Look for pediatricians who have:

• Board Certification in Pediatrics
• Membership in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• A commitment to lifelong learning
• A willingness to keep up to date on your children's health

The HealthyChildren.org tool is particularly useful since it is operated by the AAP, an organization that’s dedicated to the health of the nation’s kids.

Interviewing Pediatricians Will Help You Choose a Pediatrician Who Is Right for Your Child

Perhaps you have a list of doctors you are considering but are not sure which ones will listen to what you want for your child. The best way to raise your child is your way. You want a doctor that will respect your desires and provide the best medical care for their health concerns.

Sometimes the only way to tell if a doctor is right for you is to meet them. Feel free to request brief consultations with prospective Houston pediatricians to learn more about them. Consider these questions:

• When are they available? Depending on your child's age, 24-hour availability may be necessary.
• What is the doctor's policy on taking and returning phones calls? Will you be speaking with them or an assistant regularly?
• Is there another doctor that the pediatrician works with who might be providing care for your child as well?
• How soon can you make an appointment? If your child needs urgent care, will they see your child as quickly as possible?
• Does their office take your insurance, and how do they handle fees, paperwork and associated documents?
• What is your pediatrician's policy on vaccinations?
• Is the pediatrician's office affiliated with a hospital that you should take your child to in case of emergencies?
• Does the pediatrician and office staff seem sympathetic and genuine in their concern for your child and their care?

Sometimes it is difficult to find a doctor that is focused on care rather than the number of patients they can see within a day. As a parent, it is imperative to have a pediatrician that understands your concerns. They should share the same interest in your child's well-being as you do.

Is the Pediatrician’s Practice Based on Age?

Pediatricians provide care for children starting from infancy up to their late teens or even early adult years. Some pediatricians may focus their practice on a particular age group within this range, including infants, toddlers and children ages five and older.

The needs of children are different at various periods in their growth, making your choice of doctor important to your child's continuing health. Some pediatricians provide care for your child from birth all the way through their late adolescent years. Others may specialize in infants and toddlers.

Maintaining consistency with your doctors is important. Consider the length of time a pediatrician may provide care for your family, and if their practice has additional specialties within their facility that you can use as the needs of your children change.

A Pediatrician in Houston Who Cares

You want someone who cares – like the pediatricians at St. Hope.

St. Hope provides the best pediatrics for children of all ages, as well as primary medical care for the whole family.

Our full range of health services includes diagnostics, examinations, treatments and preventive care. All of our doctors are committed to providing consistent and comprehensive care for every member of your family.

Contact us today at (713) 778-1300 to schedule an appointment.