Choosing Your Charleston SC Pediatrician
December 07, 2009
If you are a parent new to the Charleston SC area, or if you are about to enter the world of parenthood for the first time, there's a to-do item that should beat the top of your list: 
you need to find a good pediatrician to treat your precious little bundle of scrapes, breaks and viruses. This year's Swine Flu concerns have raised a number of questions for parents that can be stressful and confusing. A good local peditrician is an invaluable resource when these concerns arise each season.
We understand the limitations that many insurance plans place on your choice of doctor. However, the Charleston, SC medical community is massive. With the MUSC cranking out talented docs, and an ever growing variety of speciality medical services in the area you are bound to find the right fit for your familily. One thing is for sure, meeting the doctor and having a quick chat really helps the decision making process. Simply feeling comfortable with your doctor and trusting her is a solid start.
Also, location can be critical. When a child gets sick you don't want to have a long drive through traffic. Having your pediatrician just down the road gives you great piece of mind.
PremiereCharleston.com urges you to shop around, and ask good questions of your potential pediatrician. Here are a few examples for you, based on a list from babyresource.com.
- Where did the pediatrician go to med school and complete residency?
- Professional memberships like the American Academy Of Pediatrics, etc.
- How long has he or she been practicing?
- Any areas of sub-specialty (ENT, Allergies, etc.)?
- Which Charleston SC hospitals does the pediatrician have privileges at?
- How soon after the birth will the pediatrician come to the hospital?
- Does the pediatrician have a single office, or several? Are they conveniently located near you, or will you be trekking all over Charleston?
- Ask about normal office hours and also abnormal, working-mom hours,early or late.
- How far in advance must you schedule a doctor visit?
- X-ray/lab/blood work facilities: are they on-site or, once again, will you be trekking all over Charleston?
- What's the doctor's procedure for after hours emergencies?
- Does he or she have an answering service?
- What happens when the pediatrician goes on vacation?
- Are there specific hours in the day when he or she takes phone calls?
- Does he or she take questions by email?
- Will the doctor's office remind you about scheduled immunizations and checkups?
- And, of course, get a full description of insurance coverage, fees and payment procedures.
Did you get all that? Good. Well, best wishes on your Charleston SC pediatrician hunt!
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