[pediatrician]
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For many of us our child’s pediatrician becomes our number one source for information on child development and rearing. So finding someone you feel comfortable with tops the list of criteria for making your selection. When to begin finding a pediatrician? A good start would be a few months prior to your delivery date. You might already have someone in mind referred to you by a friend or family member. If not, start your search by asking your primary care-physician, friends, family or local hospital referral service. Gather as many references as you can and then schedule interviews with each to better access your compatibility and learn first-hand the pediatrician’s views and character. If possible, both parents should attend the meetings. Many pediatrician’s welcome the exploratory interview, don’t hesitate to schedule one even if the referral comes from a reliable source. Some physicians do not charge for this visit, others will. It’s a good idea to ask if there will be a service charge prior to scheduling your appointment.
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Below are sample questions to ask when meeting with pediatricians but ask other questions about matters that are important to you. Monitor the pediatrician’s interaction with you, does he listen, answer questions, and seem interested? Do you feel comfortable and like this person? Trust your instincts and keep meeting with all on your list until you find someone you feel you can trust.
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Preliminary question to ask on the phone to pre-screen the medical practice
What are the office hours?
Does the practice accept your insurance policy?
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A multi-physician practice vs single practitioner?
A single practitioner practice allows for a closer more personal relationship due to the continuity of care. That is not to say that the same relationship can not be achieved within a multi-physician practice. You will always have the option of scheduling your appointments with a specific physician and have the convenience of continuous care when your primary pediatrician is out of the office.
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Personnel interaction
The physician staff will most likely be your primary contact prior to any appointment. They offer a good window into how the practice is run and the tone of the office. Be critical of your interaction with them because many of your information may be filtered through the staff, this includes reception, nurses and lab technicians.
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Hospital affiliations
Learn about your pediatrician’s hospital privileges. If she has as an affiliation with your delivery hospital she will be able to monitor your child during your hospital stay post-delivery. If not, medical care will be administered by the hospital’s pediatrician. Additionally, her hospital privileges dictates which hospital to take your child to in case of emergency; but only if you prefer to have your pediatrician co-administer care at this time.
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Practice proximity to home & work
The first year of your child’s life will be spent going to many pediatrician appointments. There is a certain comfort level in knowing that you are only a few minutes away from an appointment. This is particularly comforting when your child is ill or you are budgeting your schedule.
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Wellness & sick waiting rooms
Its no secret that any medical practice that administers care to the ill can put you or your child at risk of catching the office flu, cold, etc. Confirm prior to your physician selection if the practice has a wellness waiting room in addition to a sick waiting room.
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Sick appointment policy
Does the practice accommodate last minute appointments if your child is ill?
How are emergencies handled after hours, weekends and holidays?
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Other questions to ask
What is the pediatrician’s background, specialty or interest? Are you certified though the American Board of Pediatrics?
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Are you a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics?
If I have a minor question, when is the best time to call?
If I cannot speak with you, who will handle my questions?
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South Tampa
After Hours Pediatrics Incorporated
2617 W Kennedy Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 877-8880
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After Hours Pediatrics Incorporated
3838 W Neptune St
Tampa, FL 33629
(813) 254-4209
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Health Point Medical Group
1202 South Church Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33629-5036
(813) 254-7079
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Pediatric Health Care Alliance
3222 W Azeele St Ste A
Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 872-8491
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Central Tampa
Health Point Medical Group
2506 West Virginia Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33607-6326
(813) 870-3720
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St Joseph's Children's Hosital
4144 N Armenia Ave Ste 375
Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 876-8316
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Resources
Consumer Reports Medical Guides
Kids Health Organization
American Academy of Pediatrics


The information provided should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical or professional advise from a qualified health care provider. The information provided should be considered as opinion only.