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Choosing the Right PEDIATRICIAN for You W hile waiting for the arrival of their baby, many new parents tend to focus on decorating the nursery and purchasing all the necessities their infant will need. Too often, new parents wait until the last minute, if at all, to find the right pediatrician to suit their family's health care needs. In fact, establishing a longterm partnership with a pediatrician is one of the most important decisions you will make for your baby. Michele Barletto of Old Bridge had such a decision to make before the birth of her baby, Nicole Sophia, last September. Her worries about finding the right pediatrician were alleviated when she and her husband, Tommy Sweeney, took a parenting class at CentraState Medical Center's Star and Barry Tobias Health Awareness Center. That's when they met Leslie Greenberg, MD, board-certified pediatrician with Princeton Nassau Pediatrics and on staff at CentraState. "We were both impressed with Dr. Greenberg's knowledge, and that she took the time to answer everyone's questions, Michele " says. "We said that day we should look for a pediatrician Leslie Greenberg, MD, like her. After board-certified interviewing several pediatrician pediatricians, we decided we liked Dr. Greenberg best, and it's been great ever since. " Being nervous about going to your child's new caregiver for the first time is common, but Michele says the minute she came into the office with Nicole for her first checkup, she and her husband knew they had found the right doctor and office for their baby. www.centrastate.com "Dr. Greenberg has a very easy way about her that puts us and Nicole at ease, even when it's 'shot day,'" Michele says. "We have already recommended her to new parents and friends who have moved to New Jersey in recent months. " MAKING A DECISION The following tips can help you find the right doctor for your baby. "If you implement these tips well in advance, you'll have one less decision to make once the baby's birth is near, " Dr. Greenberg says. • Don't rely on the Internet to find a pediatrician. Even if you don't know many parents in your town, ask neighbors, colleagues, your family doctor and ob/gyn for recommendations. "Parents are passionate about the pediatricians they like and will be happy to share their positive experiences with you, " Dr. Greenberg says. • Be sure the pediatrician works with your medical insurance. Increasingly, doctors have shortened the list of insurance carriers with whom they are affiliated. "Make sure your carrier is on the list, " Dr. Greenberg advises. • Confirm the doctor is boardcertified or board-eligible by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Board certification means the doctor has passed a specialized exam that Michele Barletto and her baby Nicole Sophia. focuses exclusively on the pediatrics medical specialty. Board-eligible means the doctor has completed school, residency and training and is eligible to take the qualifying exam. • Schedule an appointment to meet your top choices before baby arrives. "This is a great tip that can foreshadow what's really in store, " Dr. Greenberg says. How difficult is it to make an appointment? How quickly can the doctor see you? Is the waiting area clean and child-friendly? Are the nurses harried and exhausted or goodnatured and positive? Finally, do you like the doctor? If the pediatrician or practice you choose is not a fit, don't be afraid to make a change. "The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable with your child's caregiver and unable to trust his or her advice, Dr. Greenberg says. " "Keep searching and eventually you will find a doctor who complements your family's needs, values and expectations. " For more information about CentraState's pediatric services, call (866) CENTRA7 (866-236-8727) or visit www.centrastate.com/pediatrics. HD Summer 2013 3