Having a pediatrician you trust is absolutely essential. As a parent, you only want the best for your kids, and picking a pediatrician is one of the most important decisions you’ll make regarding your child’s health. From basic check-ups, to routine vaccinations, to more serious medical care, your pediatrician will be with you for your child’s entire health journey. You want to find a team you and your child feel comfortable with, since this is a relationship you’ll have for years to come. There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a pediatrician; here are a few things to think about in your search.
Recommendations
One of the best ways to find a pediatrician for a newborn is to ask your obstetrician for recommendations. If you’re trying to find a new care team for an older child, ask friends and family members for recommendations.
Credentials & Experience
There are a few credentials you’ll need to look for when selecting a pediatrician: board certification, and quality and safety accreditations. Board certification demonstrates proficiency in patient care, professionalism, communication skills, and medical knowledge, while quality and safety accreditations (including the national Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval®) are benchmarks to confirm your practice adheres to the highest quality standards.
Location
Finding a pediatric practice that’s nearby can help you save time and money — plus it’s a lot less stressful. The last thing you want to do when your little one is feeling sick is spending a lot of time getting to and from a doctor’s appointment.
Size of Practice
There are a lot of benefits to choosing a practice that’s part of a large network. Your family will have access to multiple care providers, a variety of specialists, and greater access to care. This can also be a great way to try out multiple pediatricians and find a doctor you all like.
Hospital Affiliations
Joining a practice that is affiliated with a nationally ranked children’s hospital can simplify the process if you need medical care the pediatrician can’t provide. A great hospital affiliation allows for an abundance of resources and specialists, all available right at your fingertips.
Hours & Policies
It’s always important to consider your pediatrician’s care policies and hours. Determine what’s necessary for your lifestyle and schedule by finding out if the office offers last-minute/same-day appointments, after-hours care, on-call doctors, and online patient portals.
Expert Pediatric Care Available in Central Pennsylvania
UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics is committed to providing exceptional pediatric care. With over 60 locations and 350 pediatric providers across Pennsylvania, our team is committed to providing care WHEN your child needs it. Whether your child needs a wellness check-up, same-day sick appointment, after-hours care through UPMC Children’s Express Care, video visits from the convenience of your home, 24/7 medical advice, or guidance from a behavioral health therapist – you can count on us.
Now accepting new patients. Learn more at ChildrensPeds.com/CentralPA
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
