Lighthouse Thoughts

Choosing a pediatrician is an important step in your child’s healthcare plan. A pediatrician will be your child’s primary physician. Select a pediatrician in advance of your baby’s arrival and schedule an initial consultation. You will want to schedule a well-baby visit for within 48 hours of arriving home with your n baby.

Your pediatrician may have to coordinate a health-care plan or refer you to a specialist, depending on your child’s needs and your insurance plan.  Here are a number of questions, to help you select a pediatrician.

·         What are the office hours?

·         What are the after-hours and weekend policies and procedures?

·         How long does it take you to drive from your home to the doctor’s office?

·         What is your general impression when you look around the office? Is it neat and clean?

·         Is the staff friendly, courteous, and helpful?

·         Does this physician meet your insurance requirements?

·         Are there other adopted patients?

·         Does the pediatrician have a positive attitude about adoption?

·         Does he or she appear willing to learn more about special needs of adopted children?

·         Are there other patients who are internationally adopted or have the same ethnic background?

  

In addition the American Academy of Pediatrics has a Provisional Section On Adoption.  See: