Pediatrician/Family medicine

soImarriedAnerd · #1 March 25th, 2009, 01:13 AM

I just started looking for a Pediatrician for the little one, so far I found a GREAT clinic (well I hear nothing but great things about it at least and they seem to have the same philosophies as me on health). Here is their site if your interested.... Homefirst Health Services - Home
Any way I have contacted them to see if their taking new patients and I'm hoping to get a meet and greet in with them.... but here is the thing. I don't know anything about children LOL, I can do pregnancy and some newborn stuff but I'm clueless on the kid stuff.
So what do I need to ask?

#2 March 25th, 2009, 01:43 AM

The one thing I'd ask is, how accessible is it to get an appointment to get baby seen if it's an emergency? I.e. you don't feel baby can wait until an appointment next week if he/she is poorly and you want him/her checked over.

Otherwise, perhaps ask about immunisations? They are typically given at the same age no matter what doctor you are with, but it might be worth asking about?

soImarriedAnerd · #3 March 25th, 2009, 01:55 AM

I know I'm good on the vaccines----this practice is one of the leading ones in the country for delay/alternative or even no vaccines.....their patients would have to fight to get them on the CDC Schedule! Its a big reason I am looking at them! They are very pro natural health first and modern if needed (a good combo for me---not to hipity dipity but not to drug pushers! LOL)

Adding the Emergency visit question to my list!! Good one!

Oriyan · #4 March 25th, 2009, 05:19 AM

*pouts*

I am having a pediatrician issue. I can't seem to find a good one.

I've been searching through the list of doctors on my insurance plan, and the one that i found that seems to be at least "OK", doesn't break up the MMR anymore, but would at least let me delay till J.J was 2 (We want to wait until he actually goes to school or daycare) and they are ok with delaying the rest of the vaccines, but not NOT giving them at all. We want to delay for at least the first year. *sigh* Every doctor i seem to find, 10 people have something good to say and then 10 people have something bad to say. The one that is out by me that seems "ok", seems to be really ontop of their stuff otherwise, they have 3 waiting rooms -- a sick one, a well one and an infant one (Which I REALLY like). I almost rather take him to my own family medicine doctor, but I live way out near the middle of long island, and he is almost near Queens (it's an hour drive). It would mean a lot to me to have my doctor who has seen me my whole life see my son, but, its an hour drive.... :-/ Who wants to drive an hour with their kid when they have an ear infection?

Make.A.Wish · #5 March 25th, 2009, 05:40 AM

I was just asking another friend of mine what questions I should ask.. Here's what she gave me so far.

How often do you want to see the child?
How do you feel about not vaccinating or selective vaccinations?
When do you reccomend solid foods?
Do you use a breastfeeding growth chart for your breastfed patients?
How do you feel about watchful waiting in regard to illness such as ear infections, colds and flu?
How often do you prescribe antibiotics for illness?

I think she was thinking of more and if she does I'll post them.

Resi · #6 March 25th, 2009, 05:50 AM

I'm no help. I went by recommendation and did not interview my doctor. I love her so far. She lets me choose everything I want regarding Oliver's health. Good luck!

Mars · #7 March 25th, 2009, 06:23 AM

Ashley has some good questions. One of the questions I had asked was:

- What kinds of medicines or items I should keep at home for minor things that could arise with the baby.

- You could also ask about their recommendations for colic/gas/reflux. Hopefully your baby won't have any of these but perhaps you can keep something on hand just in case.

soImarriedAnerd · #8 March 25th, 2009, 07:07 AM

Oh good questions ladies! I wouldn't have thought of most of them!

Frozendesire · #9 March 25th, 2009, 09:15 AM

- If my child is not developmentaly on track what steps will be taken and at what time?

- Do they have walk in times? Or how soon can little one be in?

- Do they support breast feeding?

- What is their feeding schedule? Do they support delaying solids? Or whatever.

- What is there well baby check up schedule?

- Anything and everything about vaccines, including the flu shot.

- The cost of a missed appointment haha (busy moms forget things sometimes!)

- A well baby waiting room so you dont wait with sick people, or do they put you into the docs office right away (Thats what our does)

Thats all I can think of right now

soImarriedAnerd · #10 March 25th, 2009, 09:58 AM

Wow I'm so glad I have you guys for kids stuff!!!! I'm good with pregnancy but lost after the newborn phase---I love that we have such a great BTDT group also!!!!!

*Anna* · #11 March 25th, 2009, 10:35 AM

I just found my ped (speaking to him today for the first time- been emailing with him for a few days)... yea can you say procrastinator! No I couldn't find one! And I asked about supporting breastfeeding and possibly delaying solids til 8-9 months, delayed and seperation of vax, how he is about late calls, afterhours for sick child, and being at the hospital when I have her to do her first exam. He answered them all with flying colors, and we are to speak on the phone tonight.

Great thread Angela. Good luck

bittersweet · #12 March 25th, 2009, 10:51 AM

I dont know Angela...I hate be negative but his website seemed all about him selling his products. Personally I don't think a Dr should be marketing products. And I would question the efficacy and safety of them. He obviously is going to want you to take/buy his product no matter what. And sometimes you really do need a real pharmaceutical intervention.

Plus, I didnt see anywhere about him being board certified in pediatrics or having done any type of pediatric fellowship. Children are not small adults and I would not take my child to someone who was not specially trained in pediatics, preferrably with a fellowship in pediatric critical care. The man has a law degree...how is that going to help him recognize a problem in your child??

The whole thing seemed like a big infomercial to me. I know you want someone with a more holistic/natural approach to care, which is great. But I think you would be better off looking into Drs that are a part of a real pediatric practice.

soImarriedAnerd · #13 March 25th, 2009, 10:58 AM

^^^^ That all did go through my head as well!!!! I got on a local board and asked about the group and talked to people who use the group. Most said Dr. E doesn't really do patient care--more the "face" of the group. But I heard great things about the others....and I specifically asked about the pushing of products---that would be a major issue with me. and was told they don't even really mention them. I have a couple other office options luckily. Thats why I do still want to go in for a meet and greet----I had those same concerns.