How to Find a Pediatrician
Pediatrics is a medical specialty that focuses on the developmental concerns, health conditions and diseases that affect children. Whilst National Health Service provides a comprehensive range of pediatric services, many parents choose to consult private pediatricians in order to receive fast, individualised attention. Finding a doctor and scheduling an appointment with a private pediatrician may be more convenient than waiting for a consultation with an NHS specialist.
You can find a reliable, qualified pediatrician by requesting a referral from your family's general practitioner, or GP. Friends or family members with children are also valuable resources when it comes to finding a pediatrician who has a reassuring manner with children and a reputation for providing reliable care. If you are seeking a private pediatrician, your health insurance provider can give you a list of specialists who are experts in the chronic illnesses and acute ailments that affect children.
Professional Qualifications
A pediatrician has advanced medical training in the diagnosis and treatment of children. Within this age group, a physician may specialise in infants and toddlers, young children or teenagers. Some pediatricians specialise in specific diseases or ailments, such as developmental disorders, neurological disorders, allergies, diabetes or heart conditions. Still other pediatricians are generalists who have a broad background in the conditions that affect patients from infancy to young adulthood.
When you're searching for a pediatrician, your first step is to consult your GP. Your GP will be able to direct you to a pediatrician whose training and expertise match your child's needs. If your child has symptoms of diabetes, for instance, your GP may refer you to a pediatric endocrinologist. If your child shows signs of delayed growth, a referral to a developmental specialist may be appropriate. If you would simply like to arrange a consultation with a general pediatrician, your GP can help you to find a doctor who can oversee your child's general health.
A specialist pediatrician may be a Member or Fellow of a Royal College of Physicians (MRCP or FRCP), or a Fellow of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (FRCPCH). A pediatrician may also belong to the International Paediatric Association or the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons. Details on the education, training and specialisation of a pediatrician are available through the doctor's staff. You may discuss credentials, background and areas of special interest with a pediatrician at your introductory consultation.
Meeting with a Pediatrician
Your first meeting with a pediatrician may be the most informative step in your search. Your impressions of the waiting area, the doctor's staff and the pediatrician will all play a part in your decision. The waiting room should be clean, tidy and inviting to young patients. Staff should be helpful, responsive and willing to answer questions you might have about the doctor and his or her background. If you are consulting with a pediatrician whom your child may need to see frequently, proximity to your home is also important.
In addition to discussing a doctor's background and experience, let your child interact with the pediatrician. Older children may have questions of their own, whilst younger children may form an impression based only upon the doctor's manner. A pediatrician's demeanour with children should be patient, gentle and respectful. A reliable pediatrician takes the time to get to know patients and their families and answer questions thoroughly.
Your health insurance representative can be a valuable source of information on how to find a pediatrician. After receiving a referral from your GP, contact your health insurance provider to request approval for a consultation. Health insurance providers can often give you detailed profiles on the pediatric specialists who practice in their network.
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