What to Do if You Disagree With Your Pediatrician

By Randi Morse

Every connection we make with someone is a relationship, even if it's only a brief one. Some relationships are extremely important, like the relationship you have with your child's doctor. Your pediatrician is responsible for the health and well-being of your child, so it's natural to want to have a pediatrician that you can connect well with. But what happens if you disagree with your pediatrician?

Expressing Concerns

We have a lot of emotion and protective feelings about our children, so it's natural to get extremely concerned very quickly and to believe that your pediatrician isn't doing enough about your child's situation. Before you jump too quickly to switching doctors, take the time to talk with your pediatrician. Express the concerns that you have. Tell them your worries and give them the chance to answer the questions that you have. 

Politely Disagreeing

If you don't agree with something your pediatrician wants to do, like putting your child on a certain medication, talk with them about it. Explain, calmly and politely, why you disagree with the pediatrician's choice and see if there are any other options. There may be different medications, or different therapies, available for your child. There might be another option that you feel more comfortable about.

Second Opinion

Getting a second opinion, especially if the situation is a potentially serious one, is never a bad idea. Before you do so, however, explain to your pediatrician that you'd like to have a second opinion. This opens the door, allowing the other doctor's office to have access to medical records and test results, making the entire process much more streamlined. 

A New Doctor

If you find yourself constantly going against the recommendations of your current pediatrician, it might be time to find a new one. It's important that you have a pediatrician that you trust and can communicate easily with, and if that isn't your current situation, start looking for a new pediatrician. Make sure you take into account how long it can take to get into a new doctor's office. Some offices have waiting lists, so it's important that you have your new pediatrician set up before you cancel your connection with your current one. 

Doctors are highly trained, but they have different educations, different personalities, and different treatment ideas. If you don't connect with your pediatrician in a positive way, make some changes.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lawrenceville, Ga.