We're sorry you're leaving. At this time of transition there will be plenty of stresses in your life including getting established with a new physician.
In choosing a new doctor or medical resource you want somebody who is friendly, always available, easy to talk to, knowledgeable, inexpensive (on your insurance plan) and does this all with no waiting time at the office. Well, as computers get smarter, we may approach that day, but at the present time you will have to settle for a doctor who comes closest to your ideals, realizing that probably no one will meet all your criteria. In this age of medical cost control, not all doctors are on all health plan. First, get a list of local doctors on your plan from your employeer or insurance company. If your child is on Medi-Cal or CHDP (EPDST) check with the local Medi-Cal office or CHDP office at the health department for a list of porviders.
From your list there are several ways to select a new doctor. Simply choosing one out of the phone book or driving around until you come to a doctor's office is probably the least preferrable. Calling the Medical Society or talking to the receptionist or operator at the hospital will get a physician, but they simply issue doctors off a list. The best way to find a doctor is to talk to people. Check with friends or relatives or other people on the job. Probably the very best people to ask about physicians in the community are nurses or other insiders in the medical community. If an emergency room nurse is happy with her pediatrician, chances are that doctor is one of the better ones available. People who work in the medical community know the inside information about a physician's competence and ability and they're usually a little more critical of doctors' offices, etc., than people outside the medical community.
In any case, ask about things you consider important in a health care provider. Call the office and ask the same questions. It's best to have an initial appointment when your child is well. Getting seen and getting to know somebody when you're worried about a sick child is much more difficulty.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has membership criteria which include the ability to pass a fairly extensive test in the field of pediatrics. Physicians who are Fellows in the American Academy of Pediatrics meet this minimal criteria, but there is no guarantee that they are easy to talk to or inexpensive, etc. Go to the AAP web site and click on Find a Pediatrician on the right hand side to find a pediatrician who is an AAP member.
We wish you good luck in your new adventure.
Ted Humphry, M.D. 822-2441
last updated 8/05