How to choose your child's doctor

Choosing the right healthcare provider for your child is an important--and sometimes daunting-- decision. There are also a few steps you can take to help you in the decision-making process:


•Talk to others about doctors --family, friends, and neighbors and coworkers can be a great resource

•If you have any health insurance, Check your insurance to make sure doctors you're interested in are covered by your plan




•Conduct a 'phone interview.' Call the office and ask some of your most important questions--how easy is it to get an appointment? What kind of coverage does the office have on weekends and nights? Who can I call with minor questions? Is the doctor board-certified? With what hospital is the doctor affiliated?

•Consider visiting the office or clinic in person. You might want to check first to see if the office charges for an informational visit.You'll get a sense of the atmosphere and the personality of the providers.

•Go with your gut. Ask yourself if you like the doctor and staff.