Choosing a primary doctor for DS, help!
 

So I recently moved back to Virginia and my health insurance starts March 1st. I need to pick out a primary care doctor/pediatrician for DS and i am nervous about it! I absolutely loved our Ped. in California but b/c we moved to CO and then to VA a couple months later DS hasn't been seen since he was 6 months. I am compiling a list of the medicaid approved doctors under my chosen plan and want to research and clal to ask some questions before i schedule an appt. I really want to find a doctor I trust and can have a good relationship with. What are the big questions you usually ask when choosing a doctor? I am delaying vaccines which wasn't a big deal in Ca (in fact my Ped suggested it!) but here I fully expect to get harassed about it.

Re: Choosing a primary doctor for DS, help!
 

I think my biggest issues with kids and dr appointments are with the other staff...the front appointment making ladies and the nurses.

I would think about the things you LOVED in CA and figure out how to sniff that out in the VA offices....and sometimes it takes a couple visits to get a good feel for an office.

Around here, the very first question would be "Are you taking new Medicaid patients?" DS is Medicaid and we had difficulty finding a ped that was taking new patients. Originally, the closest one was 30 minutes away. Luckily, I begged and my daughters ped took him on, but everyone I called was more than happy to take him til they found out he was Medicaid, and I was told their docket was full. Even our own ped told us that originally.

Ask about vaxes, if sick kids are seen same day, who covers after hours calls, what hospitals they have privileges at, and how aggressive they are with antibiotics.

Re: Choosing a primary doctor for DS, help!
 

What part of VA do you live in?

When we moved back to VA last year, I needed to find an outstanding ped for all of my kids, but especially needed a great one to manage my DS's complex medical needs. I called the closest NICU and asked them where they would refer a family who lives in my area. We LOVE the ped they recommended! :)

Re: Choosing a primary doctor for DS, help!
 

Thanks, good idea.
Great questions! I haven't even hought baout/looked into antibiotics. I should really do some research on that.
I'm near Harrisonburg.

Re: Choosing a primary doctor for DS, help!
 

Depending on how *crunchy* you are, I would look for a ped in Charlottesville. I would also call around to some local doulas and home birth/birth center midwives and ask for a list of who they recommend to give you a starting point. There could be a great fit in Harrisonburg, but I wouldn't be surprised if you needed to go to C'ville to find what you are looking for!

That's a great idea! I'll have to call around. I'm in page county so charlottesville is a bit of a trek for me.

In northern va I have no problems with not vaxxing from peds. Right now we use a Fam practice and they never say anything.