Opinions on big vs small pediatricians offices?

Question

We are trying to pick between 2 pediatrician offices. 
Option 1: 5 minutes from home, only 1 Doctor (makes me think it might be harder to schedule appts?) only M-F 8-5 hours

Option 2: 15 minutes from home (but very close to work). 8 doctors and a couple days of evening hours for sick appts, and sat morning hours for established patients.

Anyone have opinions on big vs small practices? Pros/cons?

Answer

The smaller they are, the more intimate and you'll see the same person every time. The bigger they are, the more available they are for YOU as there are more people to see your kid. Pros and cons to both.

Answer

There are plusses and minuses to both. With a small office you get more personalized care, but if they're booked you may not be able to get a same day appointment and then you're stuck waiting or going to an ER. When there's an issue like high fever or ear infection,  you won't want to wait to be seen. I go to a bigger practice and for a sick appointment I can request to see their preferred dr, but if she's not available at least I get to see someone else who can access their medical records because they're in the same practice. But the office staff and nurse have no idea who I am. It's a trade off.

Answer

I work in a pediatricians office where we're open 7 days a week, 4 of those days until almost 8 pm. We've got 9, soon to be 10, providers. Some parents have their preferences and will only see one doctor, others will see whoever is available. It's really up to what works best for you and your family. If you're okay with seeing any provider I say go with the bigger practice. They should all have access to your child's history anyways.

Answer

Option 2. 15 mins is still a short drive. You might need the flexibility of seeing another doc if you need something and your reg doc is booked up.

Answer

It's our first baby, she's 9 months and we're expecting our second. My daughters pediatricians office is only 2 Dr.'s BUT they are always available.. I have never called and been told that they don't have time or openings that day. The nursing staff will always take my questions and the Dr will get back to me THAT day. I know all Dr.'s are different but I can't complain about our small practice. 😊

Answer

I think the Practice where I take my LO has 4 Doctors so I'm not sure if it's considered small or big. But I like it and wouldn't mind who sees her. Luckily my LO hasn't had any health issues so I'm not sure how scheduling apts would be.

Answer

I prefer small offices but the very reduced business hours does make it difficult if YOU work a 9-5. However, I'm not sure where you live, but you can always opt to stick with the small office to schedule your regular and well-visits. These appointments you make in advance. For sick visits, you can always go to a pediatric urgent care center that is open all day long and and all night. Better than an ER bc its more like an office and no super long waits. Maybe look for one in your area so you can be prepared for late night fevers, etc. Thats what we will be doing with our baby since I'm sure there will be some late evening/night emergencies.

Opinions on big vs small pediatricians offices?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products