Choosing pediatric care

Choosing the right pediatrician is one of the most important decisions you will ever make as a parent – and families trust Coastal Kids to provide the expert pediatric care they need. Find out what sets us apart from the rest.

Give your child the healthiest possible start

From the day you find out you are pregnant, you make decisions that will last your child’s lifetime. Few are more important than selecting the pediatrician who will care for your child as they grow. Many families maintain a relationship with their newborn doctor from birth until their child reaches young adulthood – so you want your choice to be a good one.

It’s crucial to find a pediatrician who aligns with your family’s values, offers convenient access, and provides a comfortable environment for your child. Your pediatrician will care for your child’s physical and mental well-being during the most formative years of their life. 

If you’re a first-time parent, you might not be sure how to choose a pediatrician or how to set up a pediatrician before your baby is born. At Coastal Kids, we believe that well-informed parents make the best decisions. Whether you are searching for a pediatrician for your new baby, looking to change pediatricians, or have recently relocated, here are some helpful tips to guide you. 

Start your search early

You should begin choosing a pediatrician while you are pregnant, ideally during the second or early third trimester. Starting early gives you enough time to research local pediatricians and interview the ones you are interested in without feeling rushed. 

Most pediatricians, including Coastal Kids, offer prenatal appointments before your baby is born so you can meet the pediatrician in person, tour the office, and get advice to help prepare for your baby’s arrival. This “meet and greet” appointment is an ideal way to determine if a pediatrician is a good fit for your family.

Having a pediatrician selected ahead of time also allows you to schedule your baby’s first exam shortly after they are born, along with the rest of your newborn pediatrician schedule. If you haven’t chosen a pediatrician before your baby’s birth, the hospital will likely assign one for your newborn’s first postnatal exam and then you will have to schedule routine check-ups on your own. 

Not sure who to contact first? Ask for referrals from your OB/GYN, family members, or friends – anyone you trust to steer you in the right direction. 

Location, location, location

The location of the pediatrician’s office is a major factor to consider. You should choose a location that is close to your home, work, and/or daycare provider and has ample parking. If you rely on public transportation, be sure to factor that into your decision as well.

A child-friendly atmosphere

What is the pediatrician’s office environment like? Cleanliness and a child-friendly atmosphere are two of the top priorities when choosing the right pediatrician for your family.  

Make sure the office is clean, and the waiting room and patient-care areas are welcoming and comfortable for children. Having a clean, well-organized space and friendly, courteous staff creates a positive experience for children and parents alike. 

Convenient office hours

Illnesses and injuries often occur during off-hours. For maximum convenience, choose a pediatrician’s office with extended hours of operation, such as weeknights, weekends, and holidays.

What if your child is sick and needs immediate care? Ask about the practice’s protocols for handling emergencies and after-hours care, and if they offer same-day appointments for sick visits. 

Credentials and experience

There are many ways to confirm that a pediatrician’s office has the credentials and experience necessary to provide top-quality care. 

Look for certification from the American Board of Pediatrics – which means they have completed the specialized training and testing necessary to become board-certified – and other qualifications that keep them up-to-date on the latest medical advances. The pediatrician’s educational background and number of years in practice are also strong indicators of their experience. 

Additional office services

Having on-site laboratory testing and other services in the pediatrician’s office can save you time and money. Instead of going to a separate facility, your child can receive the services they need on the spot. 

If there is a language barrier in your family, ask if free translation services are available for office visits. Access to educational resources, support groups, and specialty care can also help streamline your healthcare experience. 

Coordinated specialty care

If your child has a complex medical condition that requires coordinating services with pediatric specialists, any pediatrician you consider should be familiar with the pediatric specialists in your area and able to facilitate communication with them.

Examples of pediatric specialty care include pediatric cardiology (for heart conditions), pediatric oncology (for cancer and blood disorders), and pediatric endocrinology (for diabetes and hormonal disorders).

Hospital relationships

Hospital relationships are critical when your child needs care in a hospital setting. Hospital relationships allow pediatricians to provide care at certain hospitals, including admitting patients and examining newborns after they are born.

Choosing a pediatrician who is affiliated with your hospital(s) of choice helps ensure a smoother experience, allowing the pediatrician to stay involved in your child’s care and/or coordinate services with the hospital’s care team.

Understand the practice philosophy

Do the pediatrician and their staff seem friendly and patient? Does the pediatrician seem genuinely interested in your child’s well-being? Look for a provider who supports your approach to parenting. Open communication and respect for your values are essential. 

The pediatrician should explain any health concerns clearly in a way that you can understand. You should never feel rushed or pressured during visits. Trust your instincts – and if you don’t feel comfortable, look elsewhere.

Verify insurance and out-of-pocket costs

If you have insurance, check your insurance company’s online provider directory to confirm the pediatrician is in-network, then call the office directly to make sure they still accept your insurance plan. Sometimes, a pediatrician may be in your network but not accepting new patients, or the online provider directory is inaccurate.

To avoid surprises, also ask about any out-of-pocket costs or payment policies. If you are self-paying, find out the cost of a basic visit and potential charges for other services (such as laboratory tests or vaccinations) before booking your appointment.

Family medicine vs. pediatrician

Pediatricians focus on treating children from birth up to age 21, while family physicians take care of patients of all ages, from babies to the elderly. Both types of providers have the same years of training. Pediatricians have specialized training in children’s health, including in-depth knowledge of developmental milestones, childhood illnesses and injuries, and age-appropriate care. Family medicine physicians divide their training to cover all ages.

When the time comes to transition to adult medicine, your pediatrician can recommend a trustworthy internist or family doctor in your area. 

Why choose Coastal Kids?

Families trust Coastal Kids to provide compassionate, convenient, and comprehensive care backed by board-certified expertise, on-site services, and a strong commitment to your child’s health and well-being.

Quality, affordable healthcare

Times are tough for many families right now. Coastal Kids is dedicated to delivering excellent medical care without compromising on affordability. 

We accept most major insurance carriers to help families get the care they deserve without financial stress. Please contact us prior to your visit so we can verify your coverage, co-pay, and deductible and provide an estimate of any out-of-pocket costs. 

Coastal Kids also offers payment plans and a sliding fee discount program for families who qualify. 

Comprehensive on-site services

Some Coastal Kids offices have laboratory and/or X-ray services on-site, so you can get the answers you need without extra trips or delays. All services are administered by trained pediatric staff who specialize in caring for kids, and all results are promptly shared with your child’s care team.

Coastal Kids offers chronic disease management support to help families navigate long-term health conditions like asthma and diabetes. Language services are also available and easily accessible.

Family-centered support

At Coastal Kids, we want every family who walks through our doors to feel at home. 

Our pediatricians help empower families by providing them with the information and support they need – including free parenting support groups and educational and safety classes – and keeping them actively involved in all decision-making and treatment planning.

Accessible and convenient

Coastal Kids has many locations to serve you, often making it possible to offer same-day appointments at an alternate location if your usual pediatrician’s schedule is booked. Care is available in person, by phone, or virtually.

Children rarely get sick on schedule. Extended hours make it easy to get the care you need when you need it, with many Coastal Kids locations open on weeknights, weekends, and holidays. For after-hours care, many locations offer access to triage nurses who are specially trained to care for children.

To learn more, contact a Coastal Kids location near you today.