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Choosing Your Child's Physician

Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago wants to help families be prepared with practical information when looking for a pediatrician. To assist you with this task, we recommend that the following be considered during your search:

Expertise and Training

  • Is the doctor board certified in pediatrics or family practice medicine?
  • Does he or she have a subspecialty?
  • Will your child see the same pediatrician for all visits?
  • Who can you call if your child gets sick in the night or on weekends?
  • Is the doctor available by phone?

Hospital Affiliation

  • What hospital is the physician associated with?
  • Where does he or she have 'privileges' in the event that your child is admitted?
  • Does the hospital have a pediatrics unit?
  • Is the emergency department prepared to handle children?
  • Are experts on call around-the-clock?

Policies

  • What are routine child-care checks and when are they scheduled?
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends checkups by one month, and at two, four, six, nine, 12, 15 and 24 months in the first two years of your child's life.

Location

  • Is the office near your home or workplace?
  • How long does it take to get there during rush hour?
  • Is parking affordable and convenient?
  • Does the practice have more than one office?

Office

  • What are the office hours?
  • Are there weekend and/or evening hours?
  • How do you make an appointment?
  • How long does it take to get a well-child appointment?
  • How long does it take to get a sick-child appointment?
  • How long do you have to wait in the office before being seen?
  • Is there a separate waiting area for sick children?
  • Does the staff seem interested and friendly to children?

Billing

  • How is billing handled?
  • Is the pediatrician listed as a provider on your insurance plan?
  • What are the costs of care?
  • Which services are covered by insurance and which are not?

To find a Swedish Covenant Hospital pediatrician or family practice physician on staff who you are comfortable and confident with, call our Physician Referral Service at 773.878.6888 or find a doctor online >