How to Find a Neonatologist

A neonatologist is a doctor who specializes in high-risk births and newborn health disorders, conditions, prematurity and emergencies. An obstetrician or midwife may suggest a neonatologist for advanced care after your baby is born. Use the following instructions to ensure you find the right neonatologist for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Request a referral from your obstetrician, midwife, delivery hospital or pediatrician. If a specific neonatologist referral is not available, call your insurance company or use their web-based doctor search.
2. Call to verify that your insurance covers the neonatologist. Have the neonatologist's office address and phone number ready.
3. Tour the labor and delivery ward(s) and newborn intensive care units (NICUs) of hospitals where the neonatologist has privileges, if your baby has not yet arrived. Deliver your baby in one of these hospitals. Contact the neonatologist's office for a list of locations.
4. Call the neonatologist's office to set up an appointment. Request an initial meet-and-greet visit and, if possible, watch how the neonatologist interacts with your baby.

Tips & Warnings

• At your initial visit with the neonatologist, determine the following: (a) how often to visit the neonatologist before birth (b) the timeliness of any post-natal treatment, surgeries, or diagnoses (c) if the neonatologist supports your birth, recovery, and newborn care choices, and (d) what indicators, if any, determine when a baby no longer requires neonatology care.
• Discuss newborn intensive care unit (NICU) coverage with your insurance company in advance, if possible. Determine what is covered, to avoid dealing with surprises after your newborn arrives.
• Ensure you have an official referral to the neonatologist, and that your insurance covers any neonatology lab work, diagnostic tests, surgeries and treatments.

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