Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Choosing a pediatrician

Thanks to some suggestions from my friends at The Packing List Challenge and the recommendations from several folks in our local FCC group, I think we have a good prospect for a regular pediatrician for Nora (we still plan to use the IA clinic for her initial post-adoption examination). I talked to someone at the office today - she is going to mail me some materials and physician information because their website is in the process of being updated. Once I review those materials, I am supposed to call her back to schedule a consultation. She said that I could even meet with each of the doctors individually if I want to. I think it's great that they offered that, however I'll probably start with the physician who was so highly recommended by members of the local FCC group.

So, now I'm trying to come up with a list of questions for the initial consult. This is what I've got so far (list was compiled from a variety of sources including adoption.com, Adoptive Families magazine and Dr Sears' Baby Book):

  • What are the office hours?
  • Does the office have evening and weekend appointments?
  • What is the average wait for well-baby appointments?
  • Does the office see children urgently on the same day for sick visits?
  • Are laboratory facilities on site? If not, where would we be sent for these?
  • Is screening for hearing and vision done in the office?
  • Where did she go to medical school and more importantly where did she do her Pediatric residency training?
  • How long has she been in practice?
  • Is she board-certified?
  • Are the physicians in the office board certified?
  • Does she have any special medical interests?
  • What experience does she have dealing with the complex issues of the internationally adopted child?
  • How many of the physicians within the group actively see Internationally adopted children?
  • How do I reach her for routine questions or urgent problems?
  • Does she have specific telephone call-in times?
  • Can I reach her by e-mail?
  • What if Nora becomes ill?
  • If Nora is ill, will she usually be seen in the office?
  • When would she be referred to the emergency room?
  • If a hospitalization becomes necessary, does the office admit to a local community hospital or do they admit to a hospital that is geared towards the care of children?
  • Who would be responsible for Nora's care if she were to be hospitalized?
  • Who covers the pediatrician when she is away?
  • What type of staff is in the office?
  • Are we likely to see different providers at each visit?
  • How much time will the pediatrician spend with us at a typical visit?
  • What is her recommended check up frequency?
  • What are her views on well childcare and early childhood development?
  • When does she prescribe antibiotics?
  • What is the her view on vaccines and what is her recommended vaccine schedule?
  • We would like to use the U of M IAC for Nora's first Post-Adoption Medical exam. How does she feel about this? When would she want to first see Nora? How do we coordinate care with the IAC?
  • Would she be willing to write prescriptions such as Elimite and Tobrex for our adoption trip or will we need to go elsewhere for that? Does she have concerns with this?
  • How does she feel about raising a child as a vegetarian/pescatarian?
  • To whom does she refer children who are developmentally delayed?

Am I missing anything?? Are any of these questions unnecessary?

TIA for any advice!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

If you can fit all these questions in, I'll be super impressed!! Actually, some of your questions are probably answered on their website.

If you plan to use Ped. & YA Med. I can tell you all about them since we use them too! E-mail me if you'd like :0)