Are you looking for the right pediatric office for your child? Maybe you've recently moved, had a less than pleasing experience with your child's current pediatrician or a have had a change in your health insurance. Whatever the cause may be, it's important to know what to look for when you are making a decision in regards to medical care for your child. Here are some things that will help you do just that.
Compatible with Insurance
First and foremost you need to find a facility and provider that will take your health insurance. If you do not have health insurance then be sure and research the clinic's policies on payment plans or possible subsidized care.
24 Hour Advice Line
Having a 24-hour advice line at your child's clinic is a convenience that you may regret not having. Many parents already have or will experience long nights of coughing fits or constant vomiting by their child which can be worrisome. Having a healthcare professional just a phone call away can be just what the doctor ordered to ease your mind or validate your reasons for concern.
After Hours Care
While it's convenient to be able to make an appointment and get your child to the doctor during day time hours, you can't control when your child may need medical attention. Look for a clinic that will offer care after hours. This can save you from having to go to the emergency room where you will pay higher rates for care and not feel the comfort of being seen by a provider in a familiar environment and that you are more likely to know.
Inclusive
When searching for a clinic you will want to evaluate the levels of care they provide. Most clinics offer well-child exams and consultations for illness or injury, but you may want to dive a little deeper and see what else they have to offer. A great clinic will offer onsite x-rays and lab work and easy access to medical specialists through their networking capabilities. It could also prove beneficial, depending on the needs of your child, to find a clinic that offers a wide array of medical disciplines including anything from nutritionists, psychiatrists,or speech therapists.
Remember to research a variety of clinics in your area and what they have to offer before making your decision. By following the above suggestions, you will be able to make an informed decision about which clinical facility, such as Kitsap Children's Clinic LLP, would be best for your child.
Share9 January 2015
When my mother fell at home and broke her hip, we all thought that we were going to have no choice to put her in a nursing home when she got out of the hospital. My mother had always asked us kids to avoid putting her in any kind of home, but we didn’t know what else we could do. None of us were capable of giving her the kind of rehabilitation and care that she needed. Then her doctor suggested that we find out if her insurance covered in-home care. I didn’t even know that that was an option. I was pleased to discover that in-home care was covered by her plan. Now she gets great care from nurses and nurse assistants that come right to her in her home, where she wants to be. It’s a great option, and I’m so glad we have it.
