Whether you are welcoming a new baby, settling into a new neighborhood, or realizing your family needs a change, choosing the right pediatrician is one of the most important decisions you can make for your child.
Sure, you'll want to consider convenience and office hours: Is it close to home, are they open late or on weekends? What about expertise — where did they do their training, are they board-certified? Do they come recommended by friends and family? What's their philosophy on things important to you?
This article is sponsored by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
And what about those hope-this-never-happens moments? Where will they send you if your child needs to see a specialist? Finding a pediatrician connected to a top children's hospital can help remove some of the worries and the "what ifs."
There's a lot to think about as you navigate the different ages and stages of raising children. So, the pediatricians at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have compiled the most important things for you to consider.
Convenience
It can help to look for a practice that fits into your life and can support you, too, by being there when you need them. You want both convenience and quality care, from a doctor you can trust to be on your side through your child’s development and growth. A good pediatrician will be available to your entire family to offer advice from infancy through adolescence.
Questions to ask:
- Is the pediatrician close to where I live and can the practice accommodate my schedule?
- Who can I call when the office is closed?
Values
A good pediatrician knows how to listen to you and your child. They understand the unique needs of parents and families and can dispel myths, alleviate fears, and provide information you need — at the right time. You want someone who you can speak to honestly and collaborate with on the care of your child.
Questions to ask:
- Do their values match our family’s priorities and preferences?
- Can we meet the team or tour the office before becoming patients?
Expertise
Consider the level of training of the provider who will care for your child. Are they board-certified in pediatrics? Do they offer specialized training in breastfeeding, child development, or other things that will meet your family's needs? And does the practice have direct access to pediatric specialists, if and when they need them, for reference or advice?
Question to ask:
Are they connected to a larger care network or hospital system that can meet my family’s needs beyond wellness, for things like surgery or specialty care?
Make an Informed Choice
Whether you’re preparing for your first baby, adjusting to a new community, or ready for a better fit, choosing the right pediatrician gives you peace of mind. Parenthood comes with joys, challenges, and plenty of surprises, having a trusted provider by your side can make all the difference.
When you choose a pediatrician at one of CHOP’s Primary Care locations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, you become part of one of the nation’s top children’s hospital networks. Our providers get to know you and your family and work to build a relationship based on trust and communication.
And CHOP does it all with one goal: to give your child the best care possible, keeping them happy and healthy throughout infancy, childhood, into their teens and beyond.
