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Charge for a consultation with potential pediatricians prior to delivery???? Is this normal in DC?
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Anonymous
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Hello All:
I am new to this baby thing and was shocked to learn that some pediatricians (I've called 3 so far) in Washington, DC charge a pre-natal visit fee or consultation fee for an interview. My sister who lives in NY recommended I meet and interview several pediatricians after getting recommendations from friends in order to decide on the best pediatrician for my baby. When I started making calls, the overwhelming response was that it cost $80-90 for this "15 minute" interview. Is this normal in DC or should I be looking for another doctor. Also, any good recommendations for pediatricians in the Dupont area of DC? Am looking for a few basic things besides being licensed, competent and kind: (1) pediatrician who does not believe in medication for every aliment; (2) available via phone for emergency and responds quickly; (3) email responsive for non-emergencies; (4) doesn't talk to you like you're an idiot. Thanks |
Anonymous
| I just went through the same thing and was shocked to find out there was a charge - but both I interviewed charged so oh well! I really liked Pullman and Ariza on M street - particularly Dr. Valois. It is a smaller practive so if you need something bigger - try the Childrens Hospital Pediatrics on K street - 2141 K Street I think! Good Luck! |
Anonymous
| Everyone I know of charges. I couldn't find a pediatrician in DC that we liked and took our insurance so had to go with one in Bethesda, so I'm sorry I don't have a rec. for you. Good luck in your search. |
Anonymous
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I only ended up interviewing one practice - GU Pediatrics, and they didn't charge me. However, I think any doctor can charge you for any type of consultation, so I am not surprised, you are using up their time after all. My OB's office charged me to have my short-term disability form filled out.
Good luck. |
Anonymous
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Our ped did not charge. The office offered an evening gathering for expectant parents, where they talked about the practice philosophy and the early weeks and worries, and answered questions. The practice (Children First, in Silver Spring) had been recommended to us and is very close to our house, so we probably would have gone with them anyway, but the meeting was a good confirmation.
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Anonymous
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Wow - I hadn't heard of this before. I live in Arlington and went to 2 peds before deciding on one of them - but with no fee for the 'get to know you visit'. My thought as to why they charge:
1. They have enough patients already so only *serious* patients apply. 2. Because it is time where they can't bill you, this is their way of getting something. I, for one, would go outside the city to find one of the MANY great peds available to you. |
Anonymous
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You are getting charged for meet & greets???? That's crazy. I've visited three different offices (in VA) when I was looking and it was just an informal gathering in the nurses' lounge, followed by a tour, and then a talk about the office and their policies, etc.
No charges, no co pay, no nothing. If I opted not to chose them they simply figured it out when they didn't get called when my baby was born. |
Anonymous
| Mine did not charge. OI also called 3 places before selecting one and they also said there would not be charge for the meet and greet |
Anonymous
| The charges are very common in the district. When we were interviewing a little over a year ago, the standard fee was about $40. That is what Lang and another practice near Trader's charged. At the time 2141 K was doing consults for free. Overall we are happy with that practice and like Drs. Hamburger, Sepe and Schoonover. Check the old archives for discussion on Dupont peds. They meet your requirements for 1,2, and 4. For non-emergencies there is an Advice nursing during business hours. Emily is great and always calls back within an hour. After hours or weekends there is someone on call but it should really be used for non-emergency things. GL! |
Anonymous
| I agree with the PP, the practice is standard in DC as most of the practices have all the patients they can handle and then some. To disagree with another poster, I really don't think you should consider a doctor in a suburb (if you even considered it) because one of the most important qualities in a pediatrician's office is that it is easy to get to. You'll hear a lot of "We can see you today if you can get here in 20 minutes..." Good luck! |
juliek
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| I'm due in 4 weeks, live near Logan Circle and have interviewed a couple of doctors so far. Here's what I've found: 2141 K St. charges $90 so I didn't bother. I drove all the way to Chevy Chase and interviewed (for free) Dr. Linda Goldstein. I really liked her. She's in a practice with 2 other doctors and there's a garage with free parking in the building. But I really wanted something closer to home so then interviewed (for free) Dr. Marjorie Mcknight at Washington Hospital Center. She was very no-nonsense and seemed very competent (in practice at WHC for something like 18 years). I checked out the Brookland Kids online forum for advice on this and she came very highly recommended. According to those posts (and from my own questions), she is not quick to prescribe antibiotics and is responsive in emergencies by phone. I don't know about e-mail. She in a practice with one other doctor. Also, parking in the building is free for the 1st hour and $4 for the 2nd hour and it took me like 5 minutes to drive there. I like the fact that it's not in downtown, but still just as close to home. The only downside for me is that she's not admitted at Sibley where I'm scheduled to deliver, but she told me she would be available by phone if I wanted a 2nd opinion on anything. I figured with all the ped visits in the first year, all the other positives outweigh this one downside. Good luck and please post if you find out any other good info on area peds. |
Anonymous
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I met with Foxhall Pediatrics and was not charged. My children have been to several practices (Ariza: dirty offices, horrible staff; Spring Valley: just too expensive with two kids since they don't take insurance) and we're very happy with Foxhall. The doctors there are Balour, Sweeney and Sheehan - all great.
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escrappy05@yahoo.com
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| WOW! Moms! Thanks. The information is very, very helpful. I found Dr. Lang through a friend and she charges $40 for the consult which includes as one other mom mentioned a pre-natal office tour and you can ask questions afterwards. I have an appointment with Dr. Aziza, but it's $80 and I think I am just going to cancel it. Insurance does not reimburse for these expenses and since Dr. Lang came highly recommended and is admitted at Sibley where I will deliver, I'm going to try her! Thanks again. I love this list serve! |