Selecting a Pediatrician
Primary Care Pediatricians
Your Patient-Centered Medical Home
As a parent, you make countless choices that affect the health and well-being of your baby. Among the most important is the selection of a pediatrician. At CHKD, we offer a free physician referral service to help parents find the very best pediatric care for their child.
Children’s Health Line has complete information on the region’s pediatricians and pediatric specialists. Through our extensive referral system, we can recommend the doctor who best meets your child’s specific needs and your needs. Children’s Health Line can be accessed by calling (757) 668-7500 or by email at HealthLine@CHKD.org. You can also get a list of CHKD pediatricians in the waiting room of the NICU, the fishbowl office, or from your case manager.
Families differ when it comes to what matters most when choosing a pediatrician, but here are some things to consider:
- What training does the provider have? Is the provider a board-certified pediatrician?
- A board-certified physician has completed training in an accredited residency program and has passed national board exams in pediatrics.
- Is the pediatrician's office located near your home or work? Are the office hours convenient to your schedule?
- What do you do if your child is sick or injured when the office is closed?
- Is the doctor in a group practice with other physicians? Will you see the same physician each time you visit?
- Where does the physician admit patients?
- Doctors often have privileges at more than one hospital. If you have a location preference for your child’s lab work, X-rays or for hospital admission, make sure your doctor is a member of the medical staff at that hospital. All the physicians who are referred through Children’s Health Line are staff members at CHKD.
- Is the practice accepting new patients? Do they take your insurance?
- Are male and female pediatricians available? (This becomes more important when your child reaches puberty.)
- How are visits for illnesses handled? Are you able to make an appointment on short notice if your child needs to see the pediatrician because of a sore throat, fever or earache?
- Does the doctor communicate clearly and make an effort to ensure that all your questions are answered?
- Is the office staff friendly, courteous, and helpful?
- If your child develops a condition that requires the care of specialists, will your pediatrician coordinate care among all the doctors providing treatment?
- Most importantly, are you comfortable with the doctor's style and philosophy of care?
- Your pediatrician will be your partner and advisor in the care of your new baby. You should feel that you can ask anything, and your concerns will be handled with respect and compassion.
The process of selecting a pediatrician isn’t difficult, but it’s a good idea to start early so you can take your time and make the best decision for your family. Many pediatric practices offer free visits, or special events, for parents to tour the office, meet providers and staff, and ask questions.
Important: As soon as you select a pediatrician, let your social worker or case manager know the physician's name and practice.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.
Reviewed on: 6/2024