From the moment you find out you’re pregnant, you start making decisions that last a lifetime for your child. Where will you give birth? Who will be your baby’s doctor? The questions and choices never stop, but one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is who your child’s paediatrician will be. The doctor you choose will be a trusted partner in your child’s health for years to come.
Who is A Paediatrician?
Children’s doctor specialise in medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. They’re trained to diagnose and treat various common childhood illnesses, injuries, and chronic health conditions. In addition, they provide preventive care, such as immunizations and health screenings.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Paediatrician
When choosing a baby doctor in Singapore, it’s critical to consider the following:
1. Location and accessibility
Location is one of the first things you should consider when choosing your child’s doctor. You want to ensure the paediatrician’s office is close to your home or workplace. That will make it easier for you to get to appointments, especially in the case of an emergency.
You should also consider the office hours of the practice. For instance, some paediatricians have evening and weekend hours to accommodate working parents.
2. Hospital affiliation
As you narrow down your choices for a paediatrician, it’s also vital to find out which hospital the doctor is affiliated with. That’s important because if your child ever needs to be hospitalised, you want to ensure they’ll be seen at a hospital close to home and have the resources to meet their needs.
3. Experience and qualifications
It’s paramount to choose a doctor who is experienced and qualified. So when choosing a paediatrician, find out how long they’ve been in practice. It’s also a good idea to ask about their training and experience.
The doctor you choose should be board-certified. That means they’ve completed medical school and a three-year residency in paediatrics and have passed a rigorous exam set by the Singapore Board of Paediatrics.
4. Insurance coverage
Insurance coverage is another essential factor when choosing a paediatrician. Ensure the doctor you’re considering is in-network with your insurance plan. Otherwise, you may be responsible for paying a higher portion of the bill.
You should also find out if the paediatrician’s office could file insurance claims on your behalf. That can save you a lot of time and hassle.
5. Personal comfort level
It’s advisable to choose a paediatrician with whom you feel comfortable. You want someone you can ask questions and voice concerns without feeling pressured or rushed.
You should also consider the paediatrician’s bedside manner. Do they take the time to get to know you and your child? Do they treat you with respect?
If you have a child with special needs, it’s essential to find a children’s doctor who has experience caring for children with similar conditions.
6. How does their practice operate?
In these days of busy schedules, it can be challenging to get an appointment with your child’s doctor on short notice. That’s why it’s necessary to find out how the paediatrician’s office operates. For example, do they offer same-day appointments? If not, how long do you have to wait for an appointment?
Also find out how the office handles after-hours care. For instance, does the paediatrician have someone on call 24 hours a day? If not, what number can you call in case of an emergency?
You should also find out if the doctor offers other services, such as immunizations or well-child visits. These services can be very convenient, especially for working parents.
Making the Final Decision
After considering all the factors above, you should be ready to choose a paediatrician. If you’re still unsure which paediatrician is right for your child, it may help to talk to your friends, family, and co-workers. Ask them if they have any recommendations.
You can also call the paediatrician’s office and ask to schedule a meet-and-greet appointment. That will allow you to meet the doctor and get a feel for their bedside manner. Then, once you’ve decided, you can rest assured that you’ve chosen the best care for your child.
