How to Find the Right Provider for Your Child’s Diagnosis: Focus on Fundamentals

This is part three of a four-part series about finding the right specialty doctor for your child’s diagnosis, with guidance from members of the Shriners Children’s healthcare system. Read part one. Read part two.

Remember What’s Important

At this point, you might feel inundated with information in your hunt for the right provider for your child’s diagnosis. However, there are some key factors to keep top of mind when choosing a doctor, particularly a specialist.

When it comes to credentials and qualifications, ensure that the physician is board-certified in their specialty, indicating they have met specific educational and professional standards, Connie Wilson, RN, MSN, CNOR, CSPDT, director of patient care services and nurse executive at Shriners Children’s Lexington, said.

Felipe Haces-Garcia, M.D., medical director of Shriners Children’s Mexico in Mexico City, encouraged families to double-check doctors’ claims. If they said they’re specialized or certified in something, look it up to make sure they’re being honest.

In terms of education and training, investigate their medical school, residency, fellowship training and any additional certifications relevant to their field, Wilson said. Plus, check the quality and reputation of the hospitals or clinics where the physician has privileges because this can affect the overall care experience.

When looking into experience and expertise, review how many years the doctor has been in practice, especially with the specific condition or procedure your child requires. “For specialized care, choose a physician with specific expertise in the area of your child’s health concern,” she said.

Their professional reputation is important, too: both the good and the bad. While awards, recognitions or positions held within medical societies or institutions are nice, ensure that the physician also adheres to high ethical standards and has a reputation for integrity.

While resumes and reviews are all well and good, meeting the provider in person will tell you things you can only glean face-to-face. How is their communication and bedside manner? “A physician who listens carefully, answers questions clearly and involves you in decision-making can significantly impact the quality of care,” Wilson said.

Assess their ability to show compassion and understanding, particularly in dealing with children and families. Another factor to note is whether the doctor takes different cultural needs and preferences into account when creating plans of care, Kimberly Curran, a nurse care manager at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, said.

And don’t forget the staff. Some say a leader is only as good as their team, so make sure to learn the qualifications and experience of the medical staff and specialists. “Ensure the staff includes specialists relevant to your child’s needs and that they have experience in the specific area of care required,” Wilson said.

See for Yourself

Seeing is believing, and nothing beats touring a facility and meeting a provider in person before making such a crucial decision for your family. Note that select Shriners Children’s locations offer facility tours. If interested, please contact the location directly for more information.

Wilson said you can start your assessment of a facility the moment you pull into the parking lot: Check the availability and convenience of parking, including any designated areas for families.

The first things you’ll likely notice when you walk through the front doors are the overall cleanliness and maintenance. These are good to observe. “Check the cleanliness of the waiting areas, examination rooms, restrooms and other common areas,” Wilson said. “Ensure that the facility is well-maintained, with functioning equipment and no signs of wear and tear.”

Other aspects you should note right away include safety measures like childproofing, clear emergency exits and up-to-date safety protocols as well as security measures like check-in procedures and secure areas for patients, she said.

A pediatric facility should be welcoming and comfortable for children, featuring child-friendly decor, toys and activities. Check if there are designated areas for families to relax or take breaks during long visits.

Your next experience is important to note as well: staff interaction and professionalism, starting with the front desk. “Observe how the staff interacts with patients and families,” Wilson said, noting that they should be friendly, respectful and professional. “Notice if staff are approachable and willing to answer questions or provide information.”

If possible, talk to other families who are currently receiving care at the facility to get their perspectives and experiences, Wilson said. “Look for evidence of patient satisfaction and how the facility addresses any concerns or issues raised by families.”

Observe how the facility communicates information about procedures, appointments and treatment plans, and ensure there is a clear process for coordinating care between different specialists and departments, Wilson said.

As you tour the facility, observe whether it’s easy to navigate (with accessible pathways for patients and visitors) and that it’s equipped with up-to-date medical technology and equipment relevant to the specialty care your child needs. Note whether the equipment appears well-maintained and in good working order.

Finally, if you can’t visit in person, ask if the facility offers virtual tours. It’s not the same as seeing things with your own eyes, but it may be the best possible way to form an impression. “You can see what the hospital looks like, and, many times, you can get testimonials and information from the videos,” Curran said. “You will not get to see the everyday activities, but it still gives you an idea of what to expect.”