New Parents

Having a baby is an exciting yet challenging time. There are so many things to start thinking about and planning for before your baby is even born. From changes in your routine, to feeding and outside care, there are so many decisions to make before that day of arrival. One significant decision is choosing a pediatrician for your newborn. There are six well-baby checks to be scheduled during your child’s first year of life so choosing a good pediatrician is important. It only takes a little research to make the right choice.

When to begin looking for a pediatrician

Some parents choose a pediatrician before they become pregnant. Others do not think about this choice until after they have conceived. It is recommended that if you have not chosen a doctor before you’ve become pregnant, you should have one to care for your child before they are born.

Don’t wait until the eighth month of pregnancy to begin looking for a pediatrician. It is best to start your search before your fourth month. Pediatricians have busy schedules, and you want to ensure the one you choose can schedule your child’s visits. Giving yourself enough time to make a sound decision will get rid of the anxiety of last minute choices.

What kind of doctor should you look for?

Pediatricians have studied and practice healthcare that is focused around infants and children. They are specialists who will focus on your child’s health and have experience working with children and parents.

A family doctor or general practitioner is not a wrong choice, and some people feel more comfortable going to a doctor they are used to working with. If you choose your family doctor, you should make sure he or she is aware of all health issues of your entire family. This includes diseases that have occurred or any genetic problems.

Choose a doctor that you trust and feel comfortable with. One that has the experience and knowledge of working with and caring for children should be your first choice.

How to find the right pediatrician for your newborn

Many organizations will give you names of pediatricians they recommend for your child’s health. Hospitals are a good place to ask for referrals and insurance companies should be able to provide you with names to contact.

Another great source for referrals are other mothers. Mothers that have experience with pediatricians can give their feedback on the skill, knowledge, and level of care provided to their own children. Finding someone who shares your ideas on parenting and your outlook may be able to help you find the right doctor.

How you will know if the pediatrician?

You may look for different things in your child’s pediatrician than others would. To know whether or not you received good referrals, ask a few more questions than just who they would recommend. One good question is how their child responds during visits. If the doctor is patient and appears to enjoy taking care of young children, that’s a good sign.

Important facts to know are whether or not the pediatrician uses the latest medical advances and if he or she welcomes questions. You will also want to know if the office staff is pleasant and what the environment is like inside the doctor’s office. These questions can help you decide if it’s worth scheduling a personal visit to see for yourself. If you are getting more than one referral, these questions will also help you narrow your search in finding the right pediatrician.

Checking the referrals

Once you’ve gathered a list of potential pediatricians you want to see, you will want to stop by their offices. While doing this, make sure their hours and locations are convenient so you can easily make appointments.

When first meeting with the doctor, you will want to ensure they are connected to the hospital you use for medical care. Ask if they will come to the hospital when your child is born. You should also see if they are available to answer questions on the phone should you need medical advice.

Looking for an experienced pediatrician in Amarillo, Texas?

Dr. John Young is an experienced pediatrician in Amarillo who will provide you and your child with the best clinical experience possible. Call today at
(806) 354-0404 to schedule an appointment for your child’s care. You can also Contact Us with any questions you may have. Stop by the office at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite # 3 to learn more about our Services, including when your newborn should see a doctor.

Pediatricians are extremely busy and their industry continues to grow as many parents become more health-conscious about their children. More and more children are going to daycare facilities or early education programs where they come into contact with illness and disease. This accounts for some of the increased business in many pediatrician offices.

It is important to establish a good relationship with your pediatrician, especially when you visit them frequently. Communicating well with your child’s physician will have a positive impact on the well-being and health of your child. Use the following tips to maintain consistent communication with your pediatrician.

Keep your conversation focused

Before you go to see the pediatrician, you should write down a list of questions and concerns. If there are issues that you need to discuss, use this list to ask your questions shortly after the doctor enters the room. All of your questions may not be evaluated in one visit, so you may be asked to return with a separate appointment to address them all.

Remain realistic

Your doctor will not prescribe medications or drugs if they are not necessary. Often, the pediatrician will want you to observe your child over a number of days to see how symptoms progress. This is often the best solution for your child’s well-being and you should trust your pediatrician’s judgment. However, if you are truly concerned your pediatrician is not providing the best treatment, you should seek a second opinion.

Be honest with the pediatrician

Let your pediatrician know of any feedback you may have regarding your visit to their office. If you feel rushed or have been greeted rudely, you should alert the doctor of these situations. If you are unsure about the medications prescribed, you should always ask for more information.

Use convenient alternatives

You do not always have to run your child to the doctor at the first sign of an illness. Ask your pediatrician if they have a nurse line where you can speak to a qualified professional about health issues you are unsure about. The nurse can relieve your concerns or schedule an appointment if the situation sounds like medical treatment is necessary.

These phone lines can often help you with medication questions, behavioral issues, and minor illnesses. Some doctors will refer you to email any concerns or questions directly to them. Emergency symptoms should be directed to your pediatrician right away such as rash with a fever, persistent vomiting, or diarrhea.

Always be informative

The more information your pediatrician has on your child, the better they can help them stay healthy. Inform your doctor if there have been any major changes in your child’s life. The doctor should know if your child has experienced a death in the family, divorce, or any other major disruption in their normal life pattern. If the pediatrician cannot address specific issues, they will be able to refer you to someone who can.

Understand your pediatrician’s instructions

Make sure you fully understand any directions you have been given by your pediatrician before you leave the office. You should understand all lab test results, how to dispense medication, and whether or not a follow-up appointment is needed. Also, make sure you follow-up with your doctor if the medication is not working or has caused any side effects.

Professional pediatrics in Amarillo, Texas

Dr. John Young is committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Call our office at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to schedule an appointment with us today. You can also Contact Us by email or visit our clinic in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our services.

When you need to make a decision about your child’s health, it can be difficult to know whether your pediatrician or family doctor is the best choice. There are advantages to either option, but how do you know which is the better one in the long run? These are some of the pros and cons of a pediatrician and family medical practice to help you make the best choice.

The pros of seeing a pediatrician

A pediatrician is a doctor specializing in the care of children and how to prevent and treat illnesses commonly found in the young. To become a pediatrician, a doctor must go through three full years as a pediatric resident after they have completed medical school. They are trained to understand the development of children. They know what symptoms or signs to look for if your child is experiencing any difficulty or delays in their development.

Children can often make difficult patients. They are generally fearful of strangers and anything they do not understand. A pediatrician will have experience in dealing with these fears and have developed strategies on how to overcome them to calm your child. They also understand how to help make your child more comfortable by creating a calming, child-friendly environment.

Waiting rooms in a pediatric clinic are designed to be more child-friendly than other clinics by offering toys and books to make your child feel more comfortable. You may find kid’s shows playing on a TV and there may even be sugar-free treats offered.

Not only is the experience of going to a doctor scary for your child, but you also may feel some anxiety. Pediatricians understand how parents worry about their child’s health. Many take extra time during office visits to fully inform parents of any health concerns or to answer questions about specific issues.

The cons of choosing a pediatrician

The biggest downside to choosing a pediatrician for your child is that they will eventually become too old to visit their doctor. It is typical for a pediatrician to treat children until they reach the age of 18. Some teenagers prefer to move to clinics that are not geared towards the young as well.

A pediatrician’s focus will be on the health and development of your child. This focus means they may not have a full history of your family. If there are hereditary health issues in your family, a pediatrician will not have this information unless you give it to them. Make sure to disclose any family medical history so it can be added to their medical records if you choose a pediatrician for your child.

The pros of a family doctor for your child

Family medicine covers a wide range of medical symptoms and treatments. Your family doctor will have experience in treating patients in all stages of life suffering from a variety of illnesses. Having your family doctor care for your child will mean you have one doctor treating every member of your family. When your family visits one doctor, it can be more convenient, especially if appointments are made often.

When one physician sees all members of a family, he or she will note any similarity in conditions they may experience. The doctor will have your entire family medical records available to compare and will be aware of any hereditary conditions that may exist.

The cons of a family doctor caring for your child

While a family doctor may have experience in symptoms and treatments, they do not all have experience in dealing with children. They are also not trained in child development and may not look for ways to comfort reluctant patients.

Without the child-friendly environment offered in a pediatric clinic, your child may become fearful of doctor visits. If you do choose to use your family doctor in caring for your young child, bring plenty of entertainment along to make the wait more pleasant.

Dr. John M. Young and his team are committed to providing the best clinical experience for you and your child. Contact Us by email or call us at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to learn more about our Services and to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas.

Your child’s health is probably one of your biggest concerns as a parent. You put healthy food on the table, keep their clothes washed and ready, and try to teach them not to lick everything they come across. A large part of keeping your child healthy is finding the right pediatrician. Here are five tips you can use to find the best pediatrician for your child.

Ask people you know and trust

The people you know will be able to help you narrow down your choices. If you are new to an area and haven’t made any deep relationships yet, check online reviews and message boards for local pediatricians. You will want a pediatrician with a good reputation. Once you have found a physician you are interested in, you can start looking more into them.

The following are some simple questions you can ask each pediatrician. How long are the wait times for an appointment? Is this pediatrician part of a larger practice or do they practice on their own? If the pediatrician is part of a practice, will your child see the same doctor every time? Do other parents believe that this pediatrician takes the time to listen, understand, and explain things?

Be sure to check the location of the office as well. A long drive might outweigh other benefits. You should also check with your insurance company to verify that the pediatrician you are looking at is in your plan network.

Be ready for the first appointment

Sometimes, the best way to choose a pediatrician is to take your child in for an appointment. When you make the appointment, create a list of questions and concerns to bring along. If your child has known issues or a history of certain conditions, be ready to discuss them. If you have particular beliefs about healthcare, you need to make the pediatrician aware of them. The pediatrician should respect your wishes when it comes to personal beliefs.

If you have a spouse or partner, they should come for the first visit and meet the pediatrician as well. Both of you are raising your child, so you should both know their doctor. Make a note if you do not have a good feeling about any part of the visit, especially if an issue cannot be resolved.

Pay attention to how the pediatrician responds

Ideally, a pediatrician will listen to you, answer questions clearly, and demonstrate genuine concern for the health of your child. You are looking for a physician who will help you, but also make sure that your child is not over-treated. The best pediatricians give you a realistic reply to whatever concern brought your child to the office that day.

Sometimes, the issues are less urgent than they seem, so drastic measures aren’t necessary. At other times, proactive measures are the best response, and you may have extra follow-up visits to make sure the issue is nothing too serious. The best pediatricians will have the training and experience to determine which course of action your child needs.

Understand what happens before and after the appointment

Healthcare does not begin or end at the door of the exam room, so make time to look around when you arrive at the practice. How does the waiting area look? Are the staff members friendly and helpful? Ask them about after-hours care and hospital affiliations. Illness and injury seldom wait for regular office hours, and knowing how to handle emergencies ahead of time helps reduce the stress of those situations.

When you leave the office, double-check the instructions and medications to ensure you understand everything. If you have any more questions, call the office. If a nurse isn’t available, one should get back to you with more details.

Only expect the possible from your pediatrician and yourself

The best pediatricians not only know their own limits but also respect yours. Even when parents mean the best, children sometimes won’t follow the wisdom they are given. Kids refuse to eat healthy food and often argue about taking medicine. Your pediatrician should offer you tips and guidelines for a healthy upbringing and understand when your child acts out.

Choosing the best pediatrician in Amarillo, Texas

If you need to find a pediatrician near you, call Dr. John M. Young in Amarillo, Texas today. You can call us at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 or Contact Us by email to learn more about our services. You can also visit our office in person at 1500 S. Coulter St., Suite #3 in Amarillo to see how our friendly, knowledgeable staff can help you.

When searching for a pediatrician, it is best to start by asking your friends and family who they have used. These are the people that know you best, so they should be able to help you find a doctor that will fit your unique needs. Another way to look for a pediatrician is to ask your obstetrician or call hospitals and local county medical societies.

Once you have created a list of pediatricians, you can begin visiting with them and conducting interviews to see which one you will choose. The following is a list of questions that you should ask each pediatrician so you can choose the best one for you and your child.

How soon will you see my baby after birth?

You should ask each pediatrician how soon they can see your baby after delivery and if you can be present during the newborn exam. Most hospitals will ask for the name and phone number of your pediatrician before you give birth, usually when you are admitted. After your baby is born, your pediatrician will be contacted. If there were complications during your birth or delivery, a doctor on staff may see your baby before your actual pediatrician. If your baby’s doctor is able to be at the hospital within the first 24 hours after birth, they can perform the newborn examination instead.

When should my baby have their next exams?

No matter how long you are in the hospital after giving birth, you will most likely speak with your pediatrician multiple times, even every day. This will allow the pediatrician to determine that no surprise medical issues have occurred and given you the chance to ask additional questions. You should also ask when your baby will have their first exam at the pediatrician’s office before you are discharged.

How often will my baby get checkups?

It has been recommended that your baby see the pediatrician 48 to 72 hours after being released from the hospital, especially if they are breastfed. Doing this allows the doctor to verify your baby is healthy and eating properly. You should ask if each pediatrician will adhere to the recommendations set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding appointment frequency. If they do not follow these guidelines, make a note regarding why so you can review it later.

When are you available to speak with me?

One of the most important questions you should ask every pediatrician is when they will be available by phone and email. Some will be available by phone at certain times of the day, while others will be able to return phone calls at various times. If the pediatrician is not available to take your call, ask what sort of training their phone staff has gone through. Some pediatricians prefer to communicate with parents through email. Although this may seem unconventional, it gives you the chance to speak with them more often.

Pediatricians sometimes work in a group practice. This means that if the one you have chosen is unavailable, another doctor may be able to see your child. When you are searching for a pediatrician, ask if they work with other doctors and if you can meet them as well. Knowing everyone involved in your child’s care is important for their safety and your peace of mind.

If the pediatrician works alone, ask who covers their office while they are unavailable. The answering service will most likely refer you to another doctor in the event your chosen pediatrician is unavailable. You should know the names and phone numbers of these professionals beforehand.

What happens if there is an after-hours concern or emergency?

When you are searching for a pediatrician, you should ask each one about after-hours and emergency communication. Sometimes pediatricians will cover their own emergency calls, while others will refer you to an answering service and require you to visit a hospital. This can be a better option if your child is in serious danger. However, sometimes it is best to see your pediatrician in their own office.

What are the costs of care at your practice?

It is important to ask each pediatrician on your list about their costs. Common costs and fees include those associated with routine appointments, emergency calls, and after-hours visits. You should also be familiar with how the pediatricians will work with your insurance company, so you can be prepared for each charge.

After you have conducted your interviews and recorded the pediatrician’s answers, you should take some time to make your choice. It is important that you trust your pediatrician and their entire staff, as well as their policies and attitude.

If you are searching for a reliable, experienced, and caring pediatrician, contact Dr. John M. Young, M.D. Pediatrics today. Dr. John Young and his team are committed to providing the best experience for you and your child. Call our office at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to schedule an appointment with us today. You can also Contact Us by email or visit our office in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our services.