How to Choose a Specialist for your Child

There are few things in life than seeing your child suffer from anything as minor as a cold, let alone something complicated enough to seek out a specialist. Yet as a parent you have to set aside your emotions and go through very logical steps of procuring the best possible care for them. It can be daunting to see a list of specialists and wonder how you should go about choosing which doctor will see your child through their illness. There are a few very simple ways that can help ease your mind while searching for a specialist.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience.

1. The most obvious place to start is with your pediatrician. They have their own list of specialists that they have referred patients to in the past. Since your pediatrician will generally track the progress of your child it will help if he already has an ongoing relationship with the specialist. The new physician will also be more inclined to take your child on as a new patient if they are being sent in as a recommendation from your pediatrician.

2. Most major metropolitan areas have their own magazines devoted to all things that the city has to offer. Usually once a year they will have a ‘Best Doctors in (insert City)’, just like they have a ‘Best Restaurant or Best Neighborhoods issue. The list is made up of doctors from every specialty and usually specifies if that doctor is accepting new patients.

3. If your city does not have one of these magazines you can try going on line and doing a search for specialists in your city. Often times there will be a web site address with their office information. You will want to go to the web sites and check to see if they are board certified. It is also a good way to do some investigating prior to calling.

4. Once you have jotted down a few names of physicians, begin calling their offices to see if you can set up a ‘meet and greet’ time. Not only is their expertise important, but during such an emotional time for you and your family, you need to feel comfortable with the doctor and his/her own unique bedside manor. Not all doctors will have the time for such sessions, but it does not hurt to ask.

5. Once you have secured an appointment make sure you pre-write a list of questions and concerns. It can be difficult to remember everything when you are there at the office and often times you can feel ‘rushed’ through an appointment. Make sure that the specialist has received either your child’s chart or at the very least a letter from your pediatrician explaining symptoms and any prior attempts at treatment.

6. Do not be afraid of your instincts and do not be afraid to advocate for your child. Be honest, firm, up front and do not take anything for granted. If you do not understand something, ask again and again if necessary. You need to be comfortable with the treatment plan and secure in your child’s well being. It is okay to take notes while you are there. You are the parent and you are allowed to be informed.

7. Go home and research everything that you talked about at the appointment. Research medications, treatments, surgeries, etc. And do not be afraid to call with questions or concerns, you are not the first parent to be inquisitive and you will not be the last. The fact will always remain that it is your child and you should be well informed and involved in their treatment and healing.

Tips & Warnings

• Take this time to check with your insurance about any guidelines you may need to follow when seeing a doctor for the first time.
• Many insurers need a referral from your general pediatrician for insurance purposes.
• Some insurers also have a book with the names of doctors that are covered under your plan.
• Try to stay focused and although it may be difficult, your emotions really need to take a back seat to logic and reason. Your child’s health deserves to be placed in the best possible hands and you are the best person to ensure that that happens.