Choosing a Pediatric Cardiologist

It’s one of the most (if not THE most) important decisions you will make for your child once he or she is diagnosed with a CHD…choosing a pediatric cardiologist. When a diagnosis is made, parents go through so many emotional challenges that this overwhelming task can seem daunting or even impossible. But giving serious thought to who will give your child medical care is so important, and so many parents struggle with exactly what to look for when making their pediatric cardiologist selection for their child. After researching the medical community opinions and receiving parental input, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most important factors to consider when making that choice.

1. Referrals: At first, many parents are referred to a pediatric cardiologist by their child’s pediatrician (or a hospital pediatrician if the CHD is discovered at birth). But don’t feel you have to use the particular doctor who is referred to you. It’s your prerogative and right to be able to search and find the cardiologist that suits your family’s needs.

2. Insurance coverage: Although we hate to have to factor this into our decision-making process, unfortunately for many families, treating CHDs can be a long and costly journey, so knowing that your insurance will be accepted by the doctor/hospital you choose is definitely something to consider.

3. Location: In some cases, families claim they are willing to travel anywhere to seek medical treatment for their child. However, if it’s simply not a possibility for you (ex: work responsibilities, costly travel expenses, frequency of your child’s doctor visits, etc.), then definitely consider the proximity of the doctor’s office/hospital to your home.

4. Basic credentials: This is obviously one of the most important factors. What kind of education and training did the doctor receive? Is the doctor board certified in pediatric cardiology? What types of procedures do they have experience with?

5. Experience with specific CHD: For many, it’s simply not enough to know that a potential doctor has treated patients with CHDs. They want to be assured that the potential doctor has treated patients with their child’s specific type of CHD.

6. Doctor – Family Relationship: After having a consultation with this doctor, does he/she seem to be willing to work with your family and not just the patient (in other words, are they interested in educating and keeping you all informed or are they merely interested in treating the CHD)? Also, do you get along with this doctor (this may seem insignificant, but for many parents finding doctors whose personalities are compatible with their own makes their treatment journey that much easier)? Having said that, this may be one area that most parents would sacrifice if the doctor is exceptionally talented in their medical field of practice.

Even though this can be quite a stressful time, knowing what to look for when it comes to choosing your child’s medical caregiver can provide some much needed peace of mind.