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The criteria I followed to choose my first pediatrician was experience, the length of time he/she was practicing. The referrals, their personal beliefs as to nursing, vaccines etc, how much time they spent to explain procedures, and lastly my own feeling and interaction with the doctor.

You can interview as many pediatricians as you like, you can obtain referrals from other mothers and friends. In the end, it is with the experience and the interaction you will have the first few months that you will know if he/she is right for you and your child.

Basically, it isn't just about the doctor. What about the staff? Are they organized? Do they loose appointment times? Do they call to remind you of your next appointment? How long is the wait? Do they seem lost in paper work? What about the billing department. Do they answer your questions promptly and efficiently? Are they polite?

After all you'll be dealing with this group of people for 18 years or more depending how many kids you have. Despite the quality of my initial doctor, I followed my intuition and switched to another practice. The difference is like day and night. I have an equally qualified doctor with a slightly more compatible interaction, but most of all, the office is well organized, on top of things and efficient.

Never feel bad if your first choice didn't work out. Follow your mother's intuition and stay where you are most comfortable and respected.

Learn more about this author, Natalie H. Rachell.
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