Top questions when choosing a pediatrician

The only thing more precious than your child is their health.

Your baby, your child, your everything.

Virtually nothing is more important to parents than the health and safety of their children.

So, when parents set about finding the right pediatrician — the doctor they’re committing their child’s well-being to — trust is paramount.

“Trust is essential for any doctor-patient relationship,” said Dr. Neena Bhargava, a pediatrician with McLaren Macomb, “but when the patient is your child, as a parent, that level of trust has to be firm and unyielding. The best thing any parent can do to build trust with their pediatrician is to ask questions. Build a rapport and gain an understanding of how they’re going to care for your child and look out for his or her best interest.”

Questions to ask the doctor

• Why did you choose pediatrics?
• How long have you been in practice?
• What is your childcare philosophy?
• Do you have children?
• How often do you suggest a well-check visit?
• Do you have any sub-specialties?
• Do you offer same-day appointments?
• Are there mid-levels at your facility?
• Do you have privileges at local hospitals? Which ones?

Questions to ask yourself

• Were you comfortable?
• Did your son and/or daughter appear comfortable?
• Did you like how they communicated?
• How did the office look? Did it operate smoothly?
• Was the staff friendly?
• How long did you wait?
• Did you leave the office with unanswered questions?