When to Consider Dumping Your Pediatrician
Our lovely Pediatrician Dr. D with Addie
Over there to the right is our awesome Pediatrician Dr. D and Addison. But as much as I do not want to admit it, we went through two pediatricians before we fell in love with her. It was hard finding a provider for our children that really jived with us. Not just in the way we parent but was also supportive on our choices for breastfeeding, vaccinating, and all those important care choices we would make.
Picking a pediatrician is hard business, and it is also something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you feel like you are clashing with your kids provider and don’t like the way they handle certain issues… you should fire them and find a provider you feel more comfortable with.
I have a decent amount of friends with kids, and every time I see someone complain about their pediatrician I suggest finding someone new. Remember, you are the parent and you are in charge. You are calling the shots. You are PAYING them! Insurance or not, without you that paycheck wouldn’t be there! remember that!
So when should you consider switching?
Do you clash with the office staff?
When I mean clash, I mean find them rude or have an outright issue with them. There is nothing worse than going in to have a check up with your kids and being given the stank eye in the waiting room. Or having rude comments mumbled when filling out paperwork. If the staff sucks, and the customer service sucks… the experience overall may turn out exactly the same!
Do you feel judged?
You know exactly what I am talking about when it comes to this question. When you walk into your office, or into the room with your Pediatrician, do you feel judged? Do you feel like you need to explain your parenting or choices in detail? Do you feel like you need to cover your parenting choices and go into detail about why you did something specific? Do you need to feel like you have justified your choices as a parent? If you answered yes to any of that, it probably is time for a new doc!
You shouldn’t have to be worried about what they are going to think of you or how you handle or care for your child. That is not what they are there for. You should work as a team, a united front. Not on to separate aisles.
Do they support your choices?
Do you feel like your Pediatrician doesn’t agree with or tries to change your mind on certain parenting choices? If you have ever experienced that, it is time to look else where! If you do not feel as though they respect and support the choices you are making with your family, they may not be the best fit!
Do they dismiss your concerns?
There is nothing worse than walking into your Pediatricians office with a serious concern or question regarding your child and having everything dismissed. Whether your child is a month old or seven years old, you want a provider who will be thorough. If you feel like your concerns aren’t being properly addressed it may be time to start looking for someone else!
When their after hours response is… Go to the ER
Yes, I have had this happen before. Which poses two problems. One being the fact that whoever is on call really doesn’t give a rats ass. Second being the huge co-pay for an ER visit. Only to be told to do x or y and go home to follow up with the Pediatrician in the morning. When I say go x or y, these are things the on call could have simply instructed over the phone as well. There is a time and place for the emergency room, and the on call being lazy doesn’t happen to be it!
Do you like them personally?
It may some petty, but if you don’t like your child’s Pediatrician personally, this may be a total deal breaker. I have found if you don’t have that normal real life connection with them, it makes it hard to get on a certain level to be able to discuss all the details of your children. Whether it is their care or your habits as a family.
What should you do?
What to do huh?
Well before firing your Pediatrician, start looking for others. Ask your friends and family for recommendations. See who your insurance company recommends, and before you actually commit to a doctor and have your child’s records transferred, interview them! Make sure this is someone you want to take that step with!
Have you had to fire your pediatrician before?
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Tags: care, fire, pediatrician, when to fire your pediatrician
I haven’t fired an pediatrician, but I have fired my oncologist, and after I got over being freaked out, it was awesome, I felt empowered and in charge of my health, at a time when I felt really powerless. You are right, you have to like them.
I have been to quite a few different pediatricians, in the past, some I liked, some I hated, so I left and found someone better, The only time I have ever left one I love is because of insurance, I am still devastated
I miss Dr D. So do the kids. We are with Dr Howard for Nolan and we will Meet Dr Lockhart on Thurs night for the girls. Hope we like her.
This is great advice. I love our pediatrician. He is old enough to be wise, but still cares about current issues and changes in the profession. He has never balked at anything I’ve wanted to do even if he thought it was unnecessary, and he is super thorough.
I feel so lucky – I love my pediatrician. But before I had kids I asked my OB if she had any recommendations – becasue I loved her so much. She referred me to the clinic and then i described myself to the appointment setter and she recommended a doctor. I interviewed that doctor before I even had my baby and have been with her ever since. I think knowing your self and knowing what you are looking for and asking the office to “match’ you to their docs. I couldn’t be happier.
You’re so right! We got lucky on the first try and then had to change because of insurance. NO ONE has ever met the standards he set!