How to choose the right pediatrician: 5 things to consider
A good pediatrician is a long-term partner in your child's health. These five steps can help you find one who fits your family's needs.
Research different options to find the right pediatrician
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Check credentials and licensing
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Ask friends and family for recommendations
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Look for experience in treating your child's age
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Consider location and availability
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Research different options to find the right pediatrician
Start by making a short list before your baby is born or before you need a first appointment. Your health plan's provider directory is the best place to begin, since it shows which pediatricians are in your network and accepting new patients. Community health centers and clinic networks across San Joaquin County also have pediatric teams, and many accept Medi-Cal.
- Check your health plan's directory for in-network pediatricians
- Ask your OB-GYN or family doctor for referrals
- Look for practices that are accepting new patients
- Note which offices offer same-day sick visits
Check credentials and licensing
Every pediatrician practicing in California must hold an active license from the Medical Board of California, and you can confirm this for free on the board's website. Many pediatricians are also board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, which means they completed specialized training and passed additional exams.
Board certification is not required, but it is a helpful sign of training and ongoing education. It also helps to check which hospital the pediatrician is affiliated with, in case your child ever needs to be admitted.
Ask friends and family for recommendations
Parents who live near you are often the most useful source. They can tell you how easy it is to get an appointment, how long the wait is in the office and how the doctor talks with children and parents.
Keep in mind that every family is different. A doctor who is a great fit for one family may not be the right match for yours, so use recommendations as a starting point and then meet the pediatrician yourself when possible.
“The best pediatrician for your family is someone you trust enough to call with any question, even the ones that feel small.”
Look for experience in treating your child's age
Newborns, toddlers and teenagers have very different needs. If your child has a chronic condition such as asthma, diabetes or a developmental concern, ask whether the pediatrician has experience managing it and how they coordinate with specialists.
- Ask how they handle newborn checkups and vaccines
- Ask about experience with your child's specific health needs
- Find out how they support teens as they get older
- Ask whether they work with specialists nearby
Consider location and availability
Your child will visit the pediatrician often in the first few years, so a convenient location matters. Look for an office that is easy to reach from home, school or work, and check whether it has evening or weekend hours.
Ask how the office handles after-hours questions, whether there is a nurse line and how quickly sick children can be seen. If your family speaks a language other than English, ask whether staff or interpreters are available in your language.
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