i have asked your opinions on the family dr vs the ped and i'm so going to go ped. but i need to get appointments made and talk to the drs. What are some good questions to ask and what should i look for???
Thanks in advance for any help!!

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Ashley

How do you handle off hours emergencies. My ped has a triage service we call off hours. If needed, they will contact him. He returns calls same day - many don't. He will call himself. If I don't think I need him to, I say that a nurse is OK. He has Saturday appointments for sick only. He has a sick area separate from a well waiting area. We don't wait more than 15 minutes during an appointment. We ALWAYS have same day appointments when sick. What hospital does he have privileges in? It would be great if he has it in the hospital where you give birth, but not imperative. How far away from home is he? Can you picture driving to his office with a screaming kid in the back? Will he take the time and talk to you in his office after a well visit and immunizations? In off hours calls, will you get a return call in one hour, less if you feel it's really needed? What is the process if you get a nurse you are not happy with (my ped listens to my complaints when I have a nurse who seems to not know how to give quick shots or doesn't relay info to him accurately). How long is the wait on the phone? Is he on your insurance? Ensure immunizations are covered by your insurance.

Just some ideas. My ped is 17 miles away, but I go to him still after 6 years because of how he handles the above. I have friends who don't get a return call or appointment in three days, or even weeks, even though their kid is sick.

Thanks that's gonne help me out a lot!!!

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Ashley