Finding a pediatrician is not an easy job. You need to be really astute with your choice. After all; a good pediatrician will likely be your child’s doctor from infancy to 18 years of age.

You can begin your search by using good location-based online search keywords. A good example of such keywords is Jax pediatrician. Use both your location and requirement in the keyword for best results.

Here are the questions to ask when choosing a pediatrician. Whether you get a name by referral or via online searches; always assess your selection via these questions.

Is the pediatrician well-qualified?

Do not take anyone’s word when it comes to choosing a pediatrician. Conduct your own research even for names you receive via trusted referrals. A doctor who is right for someone else may not be right for your child’s health needs. So, choose wisely.

Visit clinic websites to read about pediatricians’ qualifications. Good clinics have well-maintained websites for the benefit of the parents and their patients.

A good pediatrician will have completed four years of medical school and three years of residency. If you are looking for a specialist, check information about their fellowship training. After completing their residency, pediatricians can choose to study a specialty such as neonatal medicine, oncology, neurology, or cardiology. Look for the specialty you need.

Online searches; such as Jax pediatrician, will come in very handy for such specific research.

Is the pediatrician board-certified?

When you check the qualifications of pediatricians, you need to ask this important question. Always select a board-certified pediatrician. The American Board of Pediatrics certifies pediatricians after they pass a stringent test. They need to reappear for such tests every seven years for recertifications.

Such stringent training means your board-certified pediatrician will have excellent credentials.

Is the pediatrician part of a group practice or runs an individual clinic?

The advantage of choosing a group practice over individual practice is that in the case of the former, a doctor is always available for your child.

In case of emergencies, your regular pediatrician may not be able to immediately be available at the clinic. In such cases; another trained doctor will be on hand to treat your child. If your regular pediatrician is on leave for some reason, you will always be able to see another doctor at the same clinic, if needed.

What is the age range for the patients?

Most pediatricians see children from infancy to 18 years of age. Some may not see older teens. After children turn 18 years of age, they are comfortable seeing their family doctor and other specialists. So, you can choose the doctor accordingly.

Is the clinic at a comfortable distance?

You will need to visit the clinic frequently when your children are young. Even with wellness visits and vaccinations; the visits can be numerous.

If you count the illnesses common to children and emergencies; you can very well assume you are likely to see the pediatrician more often than you like! So, it is important that you choose a clinic that is easier to reach from your house.

Is the clinic clean and well-maintained?

Most clinics are clean and hygienic. But hygiene at some clinics can be questionable or may not be up to the mark. You really need to ask this question to yourself during your first visit or to anyone who refers one to you.

The setup should be friendly, the space needs to well-aired and well-lit, and overall comforting for children.

How was the behavior of the support staff?

You will interact with the support staff at the clinic quite a lot. When you schedule appointments or call the clinic during emergencies; you are likely to deal with the support staff. So, carefully assess their professional demeanor during your initial visit and continue to monitor it later on as well.

Do you feel comfortable with the pediatrician?

You need to feel comfortable with the pediatrician. Your parenting ideology may differ from the pediatrician in terms of vaccinations, breastfeeding, nutrition, etc. Is the doctor able to bypass all this and still treat your child properly? Can you see past the differences? Do you feel assured by the pediatrician’s medical care?