20 Questions

Questions to Ask a Pediatrician When Interviewing Them

Essential questions to ask when interviewing pediatricians to find the right doctor for your child's healthcare needs and ensure a good fit for your family.

1

What is your approach to pediatric care and how do you work with families?

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Why this works

Understanding their care philosophy helps you assess if their approach aligns with your values and parenting style.

2

What are your qualifications and experience in pediatric medicine?

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Why this works

Learning about their qualifications helps you assess their expertise and experience in caring for children.

3

What is your approach to preventive care and wellness visits?

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Why this works

Understanding their preventive care approach helps you know how they'll support your child's overall health and development.

4

How do you handle sick visits and what is your availability for urgent care?

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Why this works

Learning about sick visit handling helps you understand how they'll care for your child when they're ill and need immediate attention.

5

What is your approach to vaccinations and how do you handle vaccine schedules?

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Why this works

Understanding their vaccination approach helps you know how they'll protect your child from preventable diseases.

6

How do you handle developmental concerns and what is your approach to early intervention?

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Why this works

Learning about developmental support helps you understand how they'll monitor your child's growth and address any concerns.

7

What is your approach to nutrition and feeding guidance?

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Why this works

Understanding their nutrition approach helps you know how they'll support your child's healthy eating and growth.

8

How do you handle behavioral concerns and what is your approach to discipline?

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Why this works

Learning about behavioral support helps you understand how they'll help with behavioral issues and provide guidance.

9

What is your approach to mental health and emotional well-being?

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Why this works

Understanding their mental health approach helps you know how they'll support your child's emotional development and well-being.

10

How do you handle special needs and what is your experience with different conditions?

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Why this works

Learning about special needs experience helps you understand how they'll accommodate your child's unique needs and abilities.

11

What is your approach to parent education and how do you support families?

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Why this works

Understanding their parent support approach helps you know how they'll help you navigate parenting challenges and questions.

12

How do you handle emergencies and what is your after-hours availability?

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Why this works

Learning about emergency handling helps you understand how they'll care for your child in urgent situations.

13

What is your approach to alternative medicine and complementary therapies?

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Why this works

Understanding their approach to alternative medicine helps you know if they're open to different treatment options.

14

How do you handle communication with parents and what is your preferred method?

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Why this works

Learning about communication helps you understand how you'll stay informed about your child's health and development.

15

What is your approach to pain management and how do you handle procedures?

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Why this works

Understanding their pain management approach helps you know how they'll minimize discomfort during medical procedures.

16

How do you handle school and sports physicals and what is your approach to clearance?

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Why this works

Learning about physicals helps you understand how they'll support your child's participation in activities and sports.

17

What is your approach to medication management and how do you handle prescriptions?

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Why this works

Understanding their medication approach helps you know how they'll manage your child's medications and treatments.

18

How do you handle referrals to specialists and what is your network?

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Why this works

Learning about referrals helps you understand how they'll coordinate care with specialists when needed.

19

What is your approach to technology and how do you use electronic health records?

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Why this works

Understanding their technology approach helps you know how they'll manage your child's health information and communication.

20

What are your policies on fees and payments and what is included in your services?

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Why this works

Learning about fees helps you understand the cost of care and what services are included in your payment.

Finding the Right Pediatrician

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Evaluating Pediatricians

Schedule a Consultation

Meet with potential pediatricians to discuss their approach and assess if they're a good fit for your family.

Ask for References

Request references from other parents to understand their experiences and satisfaction with the pediatrician.

Trust Your Instincts

Pay attention to your gut feelings about the pediatrician and how comfortable you feel with their approach.

Essential Areas to Evaluate

Medical Care

Qualifications and experience
Preventive care approach
Sick visit handling
Emergency availability

Family Support

Parent education
Communication practices
Developmental support
Behavioral guidance

Specialized Care

Special needs experience
Mental health support
Alternative medicine
Specialist referrals

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