Weddingbee boards

I posted a lengthy meet and greet information thread somewhere.  Let me see if I can find it.

Here it is:

I would actually start by talking to other moms in your area. Find moms that share your lifestyle and parenting style.  If you are going to be a non-vaccinator (not that I would recommend this), then find other moms that are non-vaccinators and find out who they recommend... Some practices will judge you, and you don't want to be at those practices.   If you are more interventional, then find a practice that matches those needs (have the ability to see you on an as needed basis and have access to immediate sick child appointments).

Once you identify a doctor or practice you like you can go for a meet and greet appointment, where you'll have a chance to ask questions.

Ask the doctor if they maintain a nighttime nurse triage line or if the doctors take "mommy call".  Ask what hospital they admit to and whether they have priveleges or if the children are admitted to a hospitalist service.   See how many patients are in their practice...  Better to be in a group practice than a solo practice, as you'll probably need services at some point when your pediatrician is not around.

If your family and child is healthy, then it's not necessary to have a pediatrician.  You could get away with a family practice doc... But as soon as things are a little more complex or if you think you'll have lots of general pediatrics questions, you're going to want a pediatrician.

I wanted someone who takes time with their patients and does a fair amount of expectant counseling, which means that they'll probably often run a little bit late and they won't be someone who just finished residency.  I'm also picking someone who is very tenacious.  They are the type of person who will follow up on every consult, every referral, every heart murmur. 

I happen to know who all those people in Seattle are, but the best way to determine these things for yourself is to talk to other moms, your OB, your PMD and other pediatricians... and you can ask the pediatricians you interview, "Who do you take your kids to?".  If you hear a certain name over and over, go to that doctor!

Most importantly, you have to feel comfortable with that person.  Meet and greets cannot be underestimated for this reason.  We love doing them!