Re: preemie-l Need advice on dr
EStarnes@aol.com
Mon, 10 Jun 1996 08:42:16 -0400
In a message dated 96-06-07 11:22:06 EDT, you write:
>Now I'm having my doubts and am wondering if other premie
>parents used neonatalogists instead of pediatricians?
Our Neonatologist had a small pediatric practice also, and took care of our
triplets (26+, 28, 28 weeks) for 2 years. It probably would have been fine
to find a "regular" pediatrician, but we had become so attached to this
wonderful doctor. I also know we got really special treatment... he met us
at the office (or even at his home) at all hours and/or weekends if need be.
Even came to their first birthday party with his family, and signed up for
our HMO when our insurance changed.
I would have stayed with him forever, but our insurance changed a second
time, and we didn't want to ask him to join yet another plan on our account.
And I knew the girls didn't really need him any more. It was also a 45 min.
drive from our home. The pediatrician we see now is great, and does take
care of premature babies, but the office is very large (lots of patients
bring in all kinds of germs!) and since its a group, you get which ever
doctor is there, and I have noticed a big difference in the way they
practice. For ex. some will prescribe antibiotics routinely, some won't. I
feel very fortunate that for two years our girls had the wonderful care of
our neonatologist, and I think I got a little spoiled also. It's nice when
you feel like your doctor really cares about your babies, not just seeing
them as "another patient."
Libby Starnes
Maryland
(mom of Rachel, 7-29-91; Blair, 8-9-91; Emily, 8-9-91)