NurseWise Shares Tips for Choosing the Perfect Pediatrician

ST. LOUIS, MO, March 30, 2014 (Press-News.org) As a national provider of multilingual nurse triage and health education services for nearly five million lives each year - including many parents and their children -- the RNs at NurseWise have put together some tips to help guide in your search for the best pediatrician for your family.

• Create a provider list. During the beginning stages of your search - whether it be due to pregnancy, relocation or another reason-- set out with the goal of identifying seven to 10 pediatric providers or practices to review thoroughly. Set a hard deadline for finalizing your top provider list at least three months prior to the need, such as your baby's arrival or your move date.

• Kick-start your list with recommendations. Asking people you know and trust to share their favorite pediatricians' offices and what they love about them is a great way to get insight into potential pediatric providers. Because of social media, it's simple to ask for a referral from a larger group through your online friend network.

• Tailor your request. When asking for recommendations, think about pediatricians who align with your preferred approach to medication, healing and treatment. Do you favor traditional or holistic medicine or a combination of both?

• Expand your research. Search parenting magazines and blogs or community papers and blogs for information about pediatric providers. You can also use an online search engine to read parent reviews of pediatric practices. Individual preferences vary and what works for one person might not work for another, but you can use the reviews to find out more about appointment availability, waiting room wait times, bedside manner, office management and staff approachability.

• Check your coverage. Look at the back of your insurance card for a toll-free customer service line or website to help you locate a pediatric provider within your health network and close to home or work.

• Meet the team. Little ones can't always tell you where it hurts or their level of pain. By setting a "get to know you" appointment with potential pediatric providers, you can find out more about medical philosophy - and see first-hand how everyone in the office relates with patients. During the appointment, ask questions about beliefs pertaining to antibiotics, immunizations, approach to Western versus Eastern medicine and more. Doing this step helps you to determine that the provider you select aligns with your treatment preferences.

• Ask about availability. Fevers and boo-boos almost always show up unannounced, so asking how your provider handles after-hours health concerns will help you evaluate to the type of care you get when your provider isn't available. Find out who covers for your pediatrician when he or she is not available. Ask if the practice provides an after-hour nurse advice line services that offers 24/7 access to clinical professionals who can provide peace-of-mind when something occurs outside normal business hours.

• Manage tips and referrals. Every time you see or hear something you like about a pediatrician or medical approach, send yourself a quick email with a descriptive sentence or two about a great tip or a potential provider. Title the email "My Pediatric Tip List" so you'll be able to quickly search for and find all of the handy tips and information you've collected throughout your provider exploration process. If you aren't a fan of digital communications, keep a pocket-sized notebook handy to record helpful tips and leads.

"Selecting a pediatrician can be a daunting and overwhelming process for new parents or those trying to find a new care provider due to a move or other life change," said Kimberly D. Tuck, RN, Chief Executive Officer and President of NurseWise. "Having a strong relationship and regular visits with a pediatrician strengthens the likelihood of uncovering the warning signs of developmental and medical issues early on, helps make sure needed immunizations happen and can enhance your family's healthy lifestyle."

About NurseWise
NurseWise is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation that is in the business of providing multilingual telehealth (nurse triage and health education) services. We partner with health plans, hospitals, providers, colleges and universities, and other specialty organizations to ensure all callers have access to high quality, appropriate care. Our services are designed to encourage callers to become active participants in their health care, engaging in activities that promote appropriate utilization of care resources as well as better health outcomes for individuals and their families. We have provided uninterrupted service every day since 1995. NurseWise experienced Customer Care Professionals and Registered Nurses at our call centers across the country provide Care.Right.Now. through delivery of health information, education, and advice in a culturally and linguistically sensitive manner. NurseWise has locations in Tempe, Ariz.; El Paso, Texas; Tyler, Texas; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Atlanta, Ga.; and St. Louis, Mo.
For more information, please visit our website http://www.nursewise.com or contact us today at info@nursewise.com.