Your special-needs child requires extra attention of the type that an everyday pediatrician may not be able to provide. But how should you go about finding a pediatrician who not only fits your child's needs but also takes your health insurance? With a bit of time and legwork, you can find a pediatrician who is not only qualified to work with your child but will provide you entire family with the support you all crave.
Instructions
1. Ask family and friends about their pediatrician and if they would recommend him. Pay particular attention to the reports of your co-workers, as they are most likely covered by the same health plan you are. Word of mouth is usually credible, and can go a long way when it comes to finding a qualified pediatrician you can be comfortable with.
2. Read through any community magazines, especially those that are geared toward children. There might be a local advice column that talks about doctors in your area, and in some cases, doctors may advertise in publications specifically geared to children and parents.
3. Log on to your health-insurance provider's website or call their customer-service number to determine whether any of the candidates you have come across accept your form of insurance. If they don't, do not completely give up on them; just put their names aside. Keep in mind that you're attempting to find the best doctor for your child, and there's always a chance you will have to go outside your insurance plan to find her.
4. Check out your possibilities on a website like DrScore that rates or grades doctors. See what people have had to say about the physicians you are considering. Modify your list accordingly.
5. Call up the doctors who have survived your screening process. Ask the receptionist if that pediatrician works with children with the same condition as your child. If you are satisfied with the answer, make an appointment to interview the doctor. The interview should be free. Take your child to the interview; how he interacts with the new doctor is as important and your own personal feelings.
6. Based on the interview process, pick a physician who seems to meet your child's needs and who you seem to get along with.
Tags: your child, child needs, , your child needs