You are soon going to deliver a baby, so now it’s the perfect time to find a doctor whom you can trust. Here’s our guide to choosing the paediatrician that’s right for you and your little one. To begin your research, get referrals from your gynaecologist, other parents, friends, or the required department at a nearby hospital. Once you have a few recommendations, another important thing is to check out the doctor’s credentials.
Questions to Ask the Paediatrician
When you’ve listed down your choices to two or three doctors, you’re ready to get specific questions answered. If possible, set up a face-to-face meeting with them. This will allow you an opportunity to get to know the doctor and his staff and ask about other details which might be of some help. Here’s what you need to ask a paediatrician like Dr. Bijender Gautam.
How Long Have You Been In Practice?
If you do not have this information, then it is time to know.
What is Your Childcare Approach?
Discuss with them about breastfeeding, alternative medicine, vaccinations, sleep patterns, and discipline issues.
Do You Have Children?
It may be comforting to know if your doctor has children of the same gender. This means that they have themselves faced a similar situation and can practically understand things in a better way.
Are You A Part Of A Group Practice?
If you go with a doctor in a solo practice, find out who covers when he is away. If he is a part of a group practice, ask about the background of the doctor.
Some practices have paediatric nurse practitioners. These are fully trained nurses with an MA and specialized training. They have college degrees and years of physician assistant training.
How Long Does A Check-Up Last?
A typical health check-up lasts for about 15-20 minutes but it can vary depending on the query.
How Do You Handle Emergencies?
Some offices put up same-day walk-in visits. Ask how after-hours emergencies and questions are handled.
Some paediatrician have a specific call-in period each day. In some practices, a nurse answers routine questions. Find out how many phone calls are taken and if there is a charge.
Once you are clear with all these questions, the next thing that comes to mind is to check if paediatrician like Dr. Bijender Gautamsuits you or would your lookout for some more options.
Is This Paediatrician a Good Fit for you?
After you’ve had a chance to talk with Specialist Dr. Bijdener Gautam and other members of the team, do you feel you will work well together? Is the doctor willing to explain things carefully? Does the paediatrician seem to be a good listener?
Will you be comfortable asking questions? Do you think the doctor would mind if you wanted to get a second opinion? If the answer to all these questions is a ‘YES’ then there is no need to think anymore. Just go forward and get the best advice for your child.
Choosing a health care provider before your baby is born will help you feel confident about your baby’s care. Knowing you have chosen the right paediatrician will help you feel calmer and more in control.