Health Tip: Choosing a Pediatrician

(HealthDay News) — Pediatricians are specially trained to treat children from birth through adolescence and into the patient’s young adult years, says the American Academy of Family Physicians.

To find a qualified pediatrician for your child, the American Academy of Pediatrics and HealthChildren.org can supply names of board-certified physicians in your area. Local medical societies and hospitals can also provide the names of doctors nearby.

After creating a list of doctors, call the office of each. Ask about the doctor’s background and general office procedures.

The AAFP also encourages you to create a list of key questions to ask the doctor before your child’s first appointment.