Choosing a pediatrician

[Anonymous]

Hi there,
We are expecting twins in late August early September and
have been going through the process of interviewing
pediatricians. We have interviewed 3 and are trying to
decide between 2. Both have very good reputations. One
(Dr. M. Mcknight near Children's hospital) is closer (about
15 door to door including parking) but the office is
definitely sparten and the interviewing process was
primarily me eliciting information. Sick baby appointments
are only scheduled at separate times of the day when the flu
season is particularly bad. The second office (Dr. Lang,
downtown DC) is further way and parking is more difficult
but the doctor took more time with parents, offers parenting
books with practices that she subscribes to, partners with a
lactation consultant, and generally just seemed more
interested in providing information about the practice. In
that office, sick baby appointments are at a separate time
of day than well-baby appointments. The office staff in
both offices were very helpful and in both offices they keep
slots open for same-day sick appointments. I am torn
but it may be the bells and whistles that I am attracted
to at Dr. Lang's office--when really it would just be better
all around to have a doctor who is closer, highly reputable
and gets the job done. I will have to go back to work a
couple of months after the babies are born so time is a
consideration. I would love to know what your experiences
have been--especially with these two pediatricians and in
general. Also, if you have any recommendations for peds in
the NE DC area (or on the border of NE and NW) that would be great too. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I certainly would not recommend Dr. Lang's office. Just to make an appointment you'll spend about 15 min on hold and if you go for a regular check up you end up being in the waiting room for 1 hour and 45 min to 1 hour in the exam room. The doctors are too busy to spend any time with you. We usually get the nurse practitioner because it's impossible to schedule anything with doctors. She was not helpful last time when she missed the obvious symptoms of sore throat by my 18 month old son and he ended up in the hospital due to dehydration. It was prety sad. Run away from that practice please..........

[Anonymous]

not one of the practices u asked about but we love Dr Schoonover at the K Street practice. as a bonus, she has twins herself so she gets what twins parents go through.