Choosing a Pediatrician

I appreciate all the kind thoughts and wishes from so many patients and families!

While I am not retiring, the new year will likely find me practicing farther west than is convenient for your routine care. When I have the particulars, I will post my new practice address and phone number on my office web site and the practice blog and social media sites which currently include Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

I have had numerous requests regarding selection another pediatrician. Charles Hanson, MD will retain the records for the office patients so they remain available. I highly recommend him.

There are other many fine pediatricians in the area. Since you have had a pediatrician and worked with my office staff, you are familiar with an independent practice. Perhaps you have had Kaiser in the past or have seen a physician employed through John Muir or Sutter or another health network. Those physicians may be limited in who they may refer to. Independent physicians are only limited by the network imposed by your insurance. Kaiser patients, for example, may only see Kaiser doctors. There are independent practices in our area. Check them out!

I also would encourage you search online or to check with your insurance company for the names of pediatricians at a suitable distance from your home or work. Remember that smaller, independent practices don’t have big advertising budgets or search engine optimization gurus. After a little research, call the office to find out how they handle phone calls, sick visits, night advice, and weekends, and consider how this meets your needs.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers advice on choosing a pediatrician here.

I regret that continuing to see patients for routine care and illness during the pandemic prevents me from having an individual conversation with each of you. Do know that you are all in my thoughts.