Your child’s doctor is your ally. A good pediatrician can make it so much easier for you to manage your child’s overall well-being. So, it is pertinent to select the best doctor for your child’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Here are the questions you need to ask before you select a pediatrician.

Begin by collating the names of a few pediatricians and pediatric clinics. You can utilize location-based searches to make a list. Use pediatricians in Jacksonville or a similar search term as per your requirements. You will find websites of clinics or doctors in and around your location via this method. Use the websites to find the answers to the below-mentioned questions. Feel free to call the clinic for further assessment or if you have any queries unanswered via the website.

Is the doctor qualified and trained?

Always choose a board-certified pediatrician. All doctors are required to take stringent tests to become certified by the medical boards. It can be a national or state association. Many doctors try and become certified by multiple boards. But look for at least one accreditation when you are selecting a doctor.

Board-certified doctors can have their licenses revoked due to malpractices. They are also require to brush up on their skills and knowledge regularly. They need to reappear for their certification tests every few years. So, there is no chance of them slacking on the job. The board certifications can be from The American Board of Pediatrics or from a state’s board such as the Florida Medical Society.

Is the clinic’s location convenient?

As a parent, you are likely to visit your pediatrician numerous times a year even without medical emergencies. Wellness visits and vaccinations alone can require multiple annual visits. So, choose a clinic that is at a convenient distance from your house. Choosing a clinic closer to your house can be useful during emergencies as well.

Is there more than one qualified doctor working at the clinic?

As a parent, it can be horrifying to know that your pediatrician is not available when you urgently need him or her. Doctors can be on their weekly leaves or have family/personal emergencies of their own. So, it helps to select a clinic with multiple pediatricians as opposed to just one.

Is it easy to schedule appointments at the clinic?

You should be able to call the clinic and book an appointment. You should also be able to book online appointments via the clinic’s online wellness portal.

In case your regular doctor is on emergency leave or unavailable due to some genuine problem; you should be able to book an appointment with another pediatrician at the clinic. So, always choose a clinical practice with multiple doctors.

Assess how are the protocols for emergency visits. The support staff should be able to provide you with all the necessary details.

Is the support staff at the clinic qualified and friendly?

A clinic requires qualified support staff for its optimal functioning. They are nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants along with other office staff. They should be able to assist you during emergency visits, wellness visits, and when scheduling appointments.

You will be dealing with the support staff first and then the doctor. So, it is essential that they are qualified and have a friendly demeanor.

Is there any easy payment option available at the clinic?

Many clinics now offer their clients easy payment options. If you are someone requiring this option, do not feel shy about stating your query to the clinic staff. You may also find this information on a clinic’s website.

Are the clinic and the doctor the right fit for you and your child?

You need to carefully assess if the pediatrician and the clinical setup are right for you and your child.

Your parenting philosophy may differ from your child’s doctor’s. But does the doctor respect it? For instance, your views about certain vaccines or breastfeeding schedules may differ from your doctor’s. Such differences shouldn’t become an obstacle to your child’s well-being.

Does the clinic has separate sick and wellness rooms? Is it clean and hygienic?

Use the answers to these questions to find the right pediatrician for your child.