[katlyn]

I am trying to find a new Pediatrician for my three kids, and I have NO idea what to ask. Long story short, I have been taking my kids to the same one since my daughter was born almost twelve yrs ago. I really love the doctors, but have had many issues with the nurse and the front desk ladies. My youngest has been the child that I have to watch like a hawk. From burning his fingers, to a freaky bumps that we thought might be bug bites and he's apparently highly allergic, to the fact that he is into literally ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. He gets welps the size of golf balls if he's bitten by a mosquito or a chigger, and he's stuck his hand into a red ant pile and ended up with anywhere from 15 to 20 bites. Anyhow, this has led to numerous calls to the after hours nurs and also during office hours.
Sorry, didn't mean to ramble. I called the doctor this last time, (approx six months ago), and the nurse answered and before I could speak she said..."oh Mrs. _______, I was hoping you'd lost our number". I am guessing this was supposed to be funny or a joke or something since she kinda giggled afterward. I set up an appointment and tried to not think about it, but after I hung up it just ate at me and ate at me. I called and cancelled my appointment. This is one of many issues with them recently.
SOOOOOO...
New Pediatrician
Any suggestions on what to ask, and what to look for? I need to make a list of questions tonight...so any help is truly appreciated. Also, she is a Nurse Practicioner(pediatric), what is the difference...Nurse or regular Pediatrician.
THANKS!

[rredhead]

With which hospital(s) is the dr. affiliated? Where is he/she allowed to practice?
If you want to use alternative medicines - such as homeopathy, delaying/not getting vaccinations, using a chiropractor, etc. - is the dr. on board with that?
How long does it take for a call-back?
How long is the wait for an appointment?
How is the waiting room set up? Are there separate places for sick v. well kids?
How flexible are appointment times? (Our 2nd ped had sick children in the morning, well children in the afternoon, which wreaked havoc with Jack's naps.)
How are cancellations handled?
Is the dr. available after hours? If not, does he/she work with a dr. who is?
How well does the dr. (and staff) listen? To get this info, you need to talk to some patients.

That's what I can think of thus far. I hope it helps!

[lovemy2boys]

We are a family who doesn't use the ped very often - basically for well visits and the occasional ear infection...so for us, we like a small private office with one or 2 doctors.

Friends of ours go to bigger offices with many doctors who rotate days/patients.

I'd ask how that works as well - if they have a large number of peds, how many days does your primary ped work and how easy/difficult is it to get in to see him/her?

[RavenSong]

I would find out whether the pediatrician is "board certified" in pediatrics. And I always like to know where my physicians went to medical school and where they served their internships and residencies.