Choosing the Right Pediatrician for Your Child's Health and Safety: Key Tips You Need to Know

Communication Style and Availability 

A good pediatrician should listen patiently to your concerns about your child’s health. They should also take the time to explain things clearly and make you feel comfortable asking questions. Availability is also important. They should see sick patients promptly and have an effective and responsive after-hours emergency call procedure.

Office Environment and Staff

A pediatric medical practice should be clean, organized, and child-friendly. Staff members should be professional, patient, and comfortable working with children and their parents or caregivers. A medical office that has separate waiting areas for sick and well visits can help prevent the spread of illness.

Experience With Your Child's Specific Needs

If your child has chronic conditions or special needs arising from a birth injury or other medical condition, it’s important to choose a pediatrician with relevant experience. Be sure to ask any pediatrician you are considering about their approach to managing any conditions your child may have and their experience coordinating care with specialists.

What You Should Expect During a Pediatric Medical Appointment

The fact that a pediatrician meets the above criteria doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re the right choice for your family. To help you find a pediatrician who will be your partner in protecting your child's health, be sure to consider the following factors: 

Watch How the Pediatrician Interacts With Your Child

Notice the doctor's demeanor when examining your child. They should: 

• Make eye contact with your child

• Speak directly to your child in age-appropriate language

• Move slowly and explain what they're doing during the examination

• Show patience if your child is anxious or uncooperative

• Celebrate your child's achievements and development milestones

Evaluate Their Response to Your Questions

Pay attention to how the pediatrician handles your concerns. Pay attention to whether they: 

• Maintain eye contact when you're speaking

• Take notes about your observations

• Ask you follow-up questions to clarify your concerns

• Provide clear explanations without using unnecessary medical jargon

• Offer written materials or resources where you can get additional information

Consider Their Approach to Treatment Decisions

Take note of their approach to sharing treatment recommendations.  A good pediatrician should:

• Present multiple treatment options when appropriate

• Explain the pros and cons of each option

• Ask about your preferences and lifestyle factors

• Respect your role in the decision-making process

• Be willing to modify plans based on your input

Notice Office Policies and Procedures

The way a medical practice operates can greatly impact the overall patient experience.  

• Same-day sick appointments show they take urgent concerns seriously

• Patient portals enable quick questions between visits

• Clear policies about after-hours care demonstrate availability

• Follow-up calls for test results or medication changes demonstrate responsiveness

• Multilingual staff or availability of translation services demonstrates inclusiveness

Red Flags That May Warrant Finding a New Pediatrician

Once you choose a pediatrician, you should continue to evaluate your decision based on your experience with the medical provider and their staff. If you experience warning signs like the ones listed below, it might be in your best interest — and that of your child — for you to keep looking for another doctor. 

Dismissing Parental Concerns

Your instincts about your child matter. If your child’s pediatrician routinely dismisses your observations, makes you feel like an overprotective parent, or fails to acknowledge or respect your cultural beliefs and values, that is not a good sign. A dismissive pediatrician may overlook important warning signs of serious conditions.

Poor Record Keeping

Detailed medical records are essential for tracking your child's development and ensuring appropriate care. If you notice inconsistencies in your child's records, this is a strong warning sign for you to consider. The same is true if the pediatrician or their office staff seems disorganized,.

Rushed Appointments

Pediatricians are busy, but that doesn’t mean that they should rush through your child’s appointments. Each visit should include a thorough examination and time for discussion. You and your child deserve a medical provider who devotes sufficient time and attention to each appointment rather than one who comes across as distracted and in a hurry. 

The Importance of Choosing the Right Pediatrician

Nothing is more important than the health of your child, and medical errors in pediatric care can have devastating long-term consequences, such as permanent disabilities or developmental delays. That’s why it’s critical to choose the right pediatrician to care for your child. 

Common pediatric care mistakes include:

• Misdiagnosing or failing to recognize symptoms of serious medical conditions

• Overlooking developmental milestones that may indicate problems

• Prescribing medications that interact dangerously with other treatments

• Recommending or ordering incorrect medication dosages

• Neglecting to order appropriate medical tests

• Ignoring or misinterpreting medical test results

• Failing to refer your child to a specialist when warranted 

Our Kansas City Legal Team is Here to Help

It is our sincere hope that the tips and information provided above help you find a caring, qualified pediatrician who will take great care of your child. If, however, you have a less-than-stellar experience that results in your child receiving inadequate or negligent medical care that results in harm, the experienced child and birth injury lawyers at Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet can help you understand your legal options and find the best path forward for your family.