by Kath Campbell

Created on: February 26, 2009

It can be intimidating to choose a doctor for your children. It is essential that you find a competent and credentialed pediatrician, and it is also important that they are personable and willing to listen to your and your child's concerns. Picking a name out of a directory can often seem like a gamble. Here are some tips for making a good outcome a sure thing.

Ask Around

The first avenue to try is fairly obvious. Ask friends and family in the area if they have a pediatrician they would recommend. If you are able to get some names, that's great! You are ready for the next steps in your research. However, you might be new to the area and not have any connections yet. Perhaps you are the first of your friends to become a parent. If you aren't able to get recommendations from your personal connections, or after researching you find the names you found won't work after all, don't worry! There are other sources you can try. One idea is to ask your obstetrician if you have one in the area, or ask other medical professionals you may know, such as a labor and delivery nurse. You may not always get a name, but it is worth a try. Another great idea is to search the internet for a local moms' group. Often local mothering groups have online forums to exchange advice and arrange
playdates. You might even meet some new friends for you and your children by joining one of these groups.

Do Your Research

Once you have some names to consider, there is still a bit of work left to be done. First, you will want to ensure that your chosen provider accepts your insurance plan if you have one. Many insurance plans have an online directory of providers you can check, or often you will be given a paper booklet that includes a directory. If you find a pediatrician that accepts your plan, you will want to call and ask if they are accepting new patients. During this call, it would be also be a good idea to double-check that your insurance is accepted, and schedule an appointment to meet the doctor. Most pediatricians offer this consultation for free, but you will also want to double-check this with the receptionist or scheduler before you set a time.

Another thing you will want to check is the doctor's credentials. I talked with Dr. Alissa Packer, a pediatrician in West Jordan, and this is what she told me about certification:

"You want to make sure your pediatrician is 'Board Certified'. This means that they have completed four years of medical school and three years of Pediatric residency, and

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