Guide: Selecting the Right Pediatric Specialist | utahpediatrics.com

Guide: Selecting the Right Pediatric Specialist Outline

What does Pediatric Mean?
- - What is a Pediatrician?
    - Pediatrician vs Family Practice Doctor?
  - When is a Pediatrician right for my child?
    - Differences in using pediatrician such as typical cost, insurance, etc.
    - Are there cases too “extreme” for a pediatric doctor? / What is the scope of a pediatrician?
    - When does my child outgrow pediatric care?
  - How to select a Pediatrician that is right for me?
    - What to look for in a Pediatrician?
    - Considering the different types of pediatric specialists / Credentials for your doctor (board certification, etc.)
    - Questions for Interviewing Potential Pediatricians?
What do Pediatricians Specialize in?
- Types of Pediatric Specialists:
  - Pediatric Nurse
    - What does a Pediatric Nurse do?
    - How much does a Pediatric Nurse make?
    - How to become a Pediatric Nurse? / How long does it take to become a Pediatric Nurse?
  - Pediatric Surgeon
    - What does a Pediatric Surgeon do?
    - How much does a Pediatric Surgeon make?
    - How to become a Pediatric Surgeon? / How long does it take to become a Pediatric Surgeon?
  - Pediatric Dentist
    - What does a Pediatric Dentist do?
    - How much does a Pediatric Dentist make?
    - How to become a Pediatric Dentist? / How long does it take to become a Pediatric Dentist?

We all want the best care for our children, that includes Pediatric Care.

But, where to start? How do you go about finding the right pediatrician or family practice doctor for you? What questions need to be asked when determining the right doctor for your family?

Below, you’ll find a complete guide on how to choose the right Pediatric Care for you and your family.

What does Pediatric mean?

What is a Pediatrician?

Definition for Pediatrician: noun – a medical practitioner specializing in children and their diseases.

But wait, there’s more…

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the definition of pediatrics and a pediatrician is as follows: Pediatrics is the specialty of medical science concerned with the physical, mental, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Pediatric care encompasses a broad spectrum of health services ranging from preventive health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases.

In addition to these definitions, it is important to realize that pediatrics is a field of study that deals with the social, biological, and environmental influences on children going through their developmental phase. That, paired with the impact of disease and dysfunction on a child’s development. Clearly, children are different from adults anatomically, physiologically, immunologically, developmentally, metabolically, and psychologically. Due to that fact, it is essential for children, adolescents, and young adults to visit a pediatrician regularly all throughout their most important growth period.

Pediatrician vs Family Practice Doctor

Pediatrician – Primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists are all members of the pediatrician medical practice family. These doctors understand the constant changing functional status of his or her patients. They are trained to evaluate the growth and development, as well as the consequent changing standards of “normal” for any given age group. A pediatrician is uniquely qualified for the care of children, adolescents, and young adults. This training includes four years of medical school education, plus an additional year (or up to three years) of intensive training devoted solely to all aspects of medical care for children.
Family Practice Doctor – A family practice doctor can care for both your children, and yourself. These doctors are trained and certified to care for individuals of all age groups. The major difference between a pediatrician and a family practice doctor, is that they don’t spend nearly as much time focusing on the care of children as a pediatrician does. On average, family physicians claim they spend only about 10% of their time treating children.

When is a Pediatrician right for my child?

Differences in using pediatrician – such as typical cost, insurance, etc.

Here are some PROS of choosing a Pediatrician for your child:

Specialized in child care only
Trained in communication – they know how to speak to kids, “get on their level”
Experienced in dealing with parents in all situations
Experienced with rare issues specific to children

Here are some CONS of choosing a Pediatrician for your child:

Eventually, you’ll need to switch your child’s doctor – pediatricians can only treat patients up to the age of 18
The whole family can’t be treated by the same doctor
Medical records – pediatricians may, or may not, be able to get access to the family’s medical information, which can cause problems for some people with pre-existing conditions

Here are some PROS of choosing a Family Practice Doctor for your child:

One doctor will be able to treat every member of your family
The doctor will have full access to all family medical records
You won’t have to change your child’s doctor once they turn 18
For young females, gynecological care is often offered in addition to their family practice doctor. This isn’t always the case when you are working with a pediatrician

Here are some CONS of choosing a Family Practice Doctor for your child:

These doctors are less focused on child care specifically
It can be less comfortable for kids to visit a family practice doctor, as they aren’t as experienced in treating and talking to children
Some family practice doctors will not treat children if they are under a certain age

Are there cases too “extreme” for a pediatric doctor / what is the scope of a pediatrician?

As far as cased being “too extreme” for a pediatric doctor, said doctors are trained in referring children, adolescents, and young adults to the correct specialist. However, pediatric doctors do have the extra certifications and knowledge to handle most medical situations your child may encounter.

When does my child outgrow pediatric care?

As previously mentioned, a pediatrician who is specifically trained to care for kids and teens, are typically only able to provide care to patients who are 18 years of age or younger. That said, there are a handful of pediatric doctors who will treat patients up until they are 21 years of age. This varies from doctor to doctor, so it is best to ask around.

How to select a Pediatrician that is right for me

What to look for in a pediatrician?

Make sure to do your research! Start by compiling a list of pediatric doctors that your family and friends recommend. As you gather up your choices, keep in consideration the location of the doctor’s office, hours of operation and whether or not they offer after-hours care. Also, double check that the pediatrician accepts your health insurance, and that the doctor is open to accepting new patients.
Check all credentials and experience. As pediatricians specialize in the care of infants, up to young adults, make sure he or she has completed their training in pediatrics following graduation from medical school. Many pediatricians become board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics after completing their residency. Take into account the range of experience and how long the pediatrician has been in practice. Does he or she have practice working in urgent care, hospitals or emergency departments? Working within these different health care environments can help broaden a pediatric doctors knowledge.
Inquire as to whether or not the doctor is up-to-date with all current practices. This one is important, as medicine and health care practices are always changing and improving. Staying current on all recent research ensures the best care for your child.
Meet the pediatricians you’re considering, to decide if you “click”. Most pediatric doctors offer free “get-to-know-you” visits. When attending these visits, you’ll have the opportunity to ask the doctor questions about their style and philosophy of care. Since your pediatrician will be your advisor when caring for your new baby, you want to be confident in his or her approach to caring for your child.
Watch how your doctor interacts with your newborn. You aren’t “locked” into a contract with a pediatrician. During the first few visits after your baby is born, pay close attention to how the doctor interacts with your new child. This will give you a chance to see how your doctor interacts with your child, to ensure it’s a good fit.

Considering the different types of Pediatric Specialists

In order to become a pediatric specialist, a doctor must first complete the requirements. Once those requirements are met and the medical residency training in general pediatrics has been successfully completed, a prospective pediatric subspecialist additional fellowship training programs in the area he or she would like to specialize in.

The American Board of Pediatrics (ABM) offers the following subspecialty certifications:

Adolescent Medicine
Child Abuse Pediatrics
Pediatric Cardiology
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Developmental – Behavioral Pediatrics
Pediatric Gastroenterology
Pediatric Endocrinology
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Pediatric Hospital Medicine
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Pediatric Pulmonology
Pediatric Nephrology
Pediatric Rheumatology

If you feel your child may need extra care in any of these areas of expertise, you can ask your pediatrician if they have any of the above certifications. If they do not, you can inquire with him or her for recommendations of a pediatrician who specializes in any of those subgroups.

Questions for Interviewing Potential Pediatricians

Is the pediatrician certified by the American Board of Pediatrics (AAP)?
Is the pediatrician a member of the AAP?
If you should choose to go with a family physician, is he or she certified by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM)?
Does the doctor or pediatrician have any specialized training or additional certifications?
Ask the doctor how long he or she has been in practice?
What is your doctors childcare philosophy?
Does he or she have any of their own children?
Is he or she part of a group practice?
How long does a typical check-up last at his or her’s office?
What are the office hours?
Are emergencies handled at his or her’s office? Do they have an after-hours urgent care clinic?
Is there a call-in policy at this doctor’s office?
Does this doctor make house calls?
Does this doctor accept your insurance provider?
Are payment plans offered if he or she does not accept your insurance provider?

What do Pediatricians specialize in?

Types of Pediatric specialists (most common):

Pediatric Nurse

What does a Pediatric Nurse do? – The ten most important tasks of a pediatric nurse, as identified by the National Certification Board of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Nurses (NCBPNP/N), include the following:

Notice and identify any changes in a child’s signs and symptoms, and intervene in emergency situations
Maintain privacy and confidentiality in nurse/child relationships
Differentiate between normal and abnormal physical findings
Serve as a child advocate
Participate in activities to manage a child’s pain
Analyze situations to anticipate pathophysiological problems and detect changes in status
Administer medication using age-appropriate guidelines
Determine a child’s needs related to pain management
Evaluate a child for signs and symptoms of abuse
Provide supportive care to dying children

How much does a Pediatric Nurse make? – According to Indeed.com, the reported average salary of a pediatric nurse is $97,000 yr. On the other hand, payscale.com reports the median pay to be $77,782.

How to become a Pediatric Nurse? / How long does it take to become a Pediatric Nurse? – In order to become a pediatric nurse, you must first become a registered nurse (RN). Once you are an RN, you’ll then need to work as an RN for a few years to gain experience. Typically, these years will be spent with younger patients.

Pediatric Surgeon

What does a Pediatric Surgeon do? – Pediatric surgeons treat children from the newborn stage all the way through late adolescence. The unique nature of medical and surgical care of children is learned from advanced and extensive training and experience within the practice.

How much does a Pediatric Surgeon make? – The base salary for a pediatric surgeon ranges from $348,817 to $540,791, with the average base salary of $431,765. The total compensation with bonuses, health and retirement, can vary anywhere from $402,978 to $592,905 with an average total of $503,421.

How to become a Pediatric Surgeon? / How long does it take to become a Pediatric Surgeon? – Pediatric surgeons are medical doctors who have had completed at least 4 years of medical school, 5 additional years of general surgery, 2 additional years of residency training in pediatric surgery, and are certified by the American Board of Surgery (ABS).

Pediatric Dentist

What does a Pediatric Dentist do? – A pediatric dentist provides a diagnosis and preventive treatment for children. Children and young adolescents who are prone to tooth decay need specialized care, due to the fact that young children’s teeth are especially difficult to clean. Pediatric dentists also provide basic services, such as teeth cleaning and some even provide dental sealants and fluoride treatments to prevent teeth from decaying.

How much does a Pediatric Dentist make? – A pediatric dentist salary varies depending on a variety of factors, including geographic location as well as types of certifications and practice they offer. The median salary for a pediatric dentist in $174,825.

How to become a Pediatric Dentist? / How long does it take to become a Pediatric Dentist? – To become a pediatric dentist, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree in a science field of study, such as chemistry, biology or physics. After earning your bachelor’s degree, you need to obtain a DDS or DMD degree from an accredited dental school. In order to do so, you must successfully pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Once you’ve obtained your DDS or DMD degree, you must complete a postgraduate pediatric dentistry residency program. To become licensed, all dentists are required to pass both parts of the National Board Dental Exam (NBDE). Pediatric dentists can also seek voluntary certification through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.