Seton Baby Talk

It is important to choose your baby’s doctor or clinic as soon as possible. Do not wait until you deliver.

To begin your search for a doctor for your baby:

• Ask for a list of pediatricians or family practice doctors from your health insurance company.
• Ask your friends, family, co-workers, and your health care provider for a recommendation.
• For a list of pediatricians, visit the FIND A DOCTOR section of Seton Baby Talk
• If you have Medicaid and are having trouble finding a doctor for your baby please call the number listed on your Medicaid letter.

Factors to consider:

• Location — Do you want a doctor/clinic who is closer to your home, your office, or your day care provider? Will the doctor see your baby in the hospital you have chosen for delivery? Which local hospital does the doctor visit to see ill babies?
• Hours — When is the doctor’s office/clinic open? Who can you call and what happens if your baby becomes ill when the office is closed?
• Fees — What type of insurance does the office take? Does the doctor see babies with Medicaid insurance? How much does a routine well-baby check-up cost? How much for baby’s shots? Does the doctor charge for talking with you on the phone?
• Office staff — Are the people answering the phone friendly, courteous, and helpful? Are telephone nurses available to answer basic questions and concerns?
• Other — What other services does the office provide (x-ray, laboratory, breast-feeding counselors, etc)? What are the doctor’s views on issues that are important to you (breastfeeding, circumcision, childcare, etc.)? Is the office calm or rushed? Are there separate waiting areas for sick and well children?

If possible, schedule an interview with the doctor(s) on your final list. Please note that some doctors may choose not to participate in an interview, and some may require a fee for the interview.

Ask yourself these questions after the interview.

• Did the doctor seem interested in talking to you? Friendly and comfortable with your questions?
• Did you feel comfortable asking the doctor questions? Did the doctor have the same views on breastfeeding, circumcision, childcare etc?

By choosing the right doctor early, you and your family should be off to a healthy start and may avoid delays during your hospital stay!