For the next 20 years, there’s someone who will likely be vitally important to your child’s health: their pediatrician. So how do you find the right one for your family?
From the logistical concerns of locations and insurance coverage to the deeper questions of their values and communication style, you have plenty to consider. And while you can certainly move your care to other doctors as your family’s needs change, many parents find that keeping a long-term relationship with one pediatrician throughout childhood makes for the most supportive, consistent and thorough care experience.
We at Children’s Minnesota, including the pediatricians in our primary care clinics, care for kids and kids only. We’re here to help families explore their health care choices and find the best partner to help them raise healthy, happy kids.
Resources for expectant parents
The kid experts at Children’s Minnesota are here to help support new parents.When to begin your search
In an ideal world, we recommend you begin to explore pediatricians 3-5 months before baby is due. You have a lot of choices and a lot to consider; it takes time. If you’re able to settle on a pediatrician before birth, you’ll have a great head start on establishing a relationship with them — one that will last throughout childhood — and you’ll likely feel more comfortable and confident going into your new role as a parent.
Find a pediatrician
Our team of expert pediatricians is dedicated to partnering with you to care for the health and well-being of your child for many years.Where to find your pediatrician
People often find a pediatrician through word of mouth. If you have similar values and opinions as your family members and friends, they can be a great place to start for pediatrician recommendations. You can also ask your OB-GYN for recommendations.
Of course, we recommend doing your own research. Look into the recommended pediatricians you get from friends and family, look at other pediatricians in your area, look at online reviews and set up a consultation (if it’s an option).
Considerations when choosing a pediatrician
Experience and recommendations
For many new parents, looking at the experience of a pediatrician and recommendations from family or friends are common considerations when trying to find one. Plus, at Children’s Minnesota, we recommend your child be seen by a pediatrician because they specialize in kids, and kids only. We want you to think of our pediatricians as your partner in figuring it all out, encouraging and supporting you every step of the way.
We recommend considering all of these factors when exploring your choices:
- Ask trusted friends and family who their provider is and what they like or don’t like about them.
- What do their online reviews say?
- How many years have they been in practice?
- Read their online bio for information like education, certifications or other facts that may be important to you.
Philosophy and values
It’s important that your pediatrician is aligned with your family’s values. Come prepared with questions to make sure your future pediatrician is aligned with you on your most important values.
We know there are a lot of options for care and choosing a provider for your family can feel overwhelming. Pediatricians at primary care clinics, like Children’s Minnesota, follow the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) recommendations and philosophies because we believe in treating the whole child – mind, body and spirit.
Convenience and location
At the beginning of your baby’s life, you’ll likely visit the pediatrician more often than later, so location is important. Is the clinic located near your home, work or another important area of your life? How far away is too far away?
But it’s also important to think beyond your regular primary care appointments and think about the other offerings they have and the convenience of them. Think about these things as well:
- Does this clinic have hours that work with your schedule? Do they have after-hours or weekend hours?
- Does this clinic offer same-day or walk-in appointments?
- What about virtual care options?
- Do they offer online access to medical records?
- Do they have a nurse line you can call with questions?
- Can you schedule appointments online?
Convenience is important when life gets busy, so make sure to talk through these options with your possible pediatrician and clinic.
Health insurance and payments
Insurance coverage is one of the most important things parents consider in choosing a provider. In addition to confirming that your family’s insurance is accepted at a particular clinic, look into payment options and, if it’s important to you, find out how their billing works.
It’s also important to check if the clinic is associated with a larger health system or hospital, and to check if that is covered by your insurance as well.
Primary care at Children’s Minnesota
We have nine pediatric primary care clinics and one adolescent clinic that are conveniently located throughout the Twin Cities metro area so your family can access the best care, close to home.
