Key Takeaways
- The best time to choose a pediatrician is before your baby is born, so care is in place from day one.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents-to-be visit a pediatrician during the third trimester of pregnancy.
- Ask each practice whether its doctors see newborns in the hospital, how quickly sick kids can be seen, who answers calls after hours, and whether it accepts your insurance.
- A practice with newborn rounding, same-day sick visits, and its own on-call providers can grow with your family from the first day through the teen years.
- Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates is a private, physician-owned practice that has served Lancaster families since 1977, so request an appointment online to start your baby's care with a team that knows you by name.
Request your baby's first appointment with Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates
Why Establishing Care Before Birth Matters
Choosing a pediatrician can feel like one more item on a long to-do list. But making this choice early takes stress off your plate once your baby arrives.
Here is why timing matters:
- The hospital will ask. According to the AAP, most hospitals ask for the name of your pediatrician when you are admitted to deliver your baby.
- You get time to ask questions. The AAP recommends that all parents-to-be visit a pediatrician during the third trimester. This visit can cover topics like car seats, safe crib bedding, breastfeeding, and which vaccines family members need to protect the baby.
- Your insurance needs to know.Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates recommends choosing your baby's pediatrician before birth, ideally during the second trimester, and checking that the practice is in your insurance network.
A Note for Families With Medicaid
Newborns are covered by Medicaid for at least 60 days after birth. However, Medicaid requires parents to select a primary care provider (PCP) for the baby. If you do not choose one before birth, your baby may be assigned to the same provider the mother sees, and claims for visits with the pediatrician you picked may be denied. Selecting your baby's pediatrician as the PCP early helps avoid these problems. You can view the full list of insurance plans accepted at Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates.
What Does Newborn Hospital Rounding Mean for Continuity of Care?
'Newborn rounding' means the pediatrician visits and examines your baby in the hospital after birth. 'Continuity of care' means your child sees the same trusted team from one visit to the next.
When your pediatrician rounds at the hospital where you deliver, the doctor who checks your baby in the first days of life is part of the same practice that will see your child at home. There is no need to start over with a new team.
The AAP notes that a routine newborn exam can take place anytime in the first 24 hours after birth. It also recommends a checkup within 48 to 72 hours after your newborn goes home from the hospital.
The board-certified pediatricians at Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates perform newborn rounding at LGH Women's & Babies Hospital, so care continues from birth into your baby's first office visits.
Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Pediatric Practice
The AAP suggests that both parents attend the interview when possible and that you not be afraid to ask questions. Use this table as a guide:
| Question to Ask | Why It Matters | How Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates Answers |
|---|---|---|
| Do you accept my insurance? | Out-of-network care can lead to surprise bills. | Accepts a wide range of Pennsylvania plans, including Medicaid. |
| Do your doctors see newborns in the hospital? | A familiar team from day one supports continuity of care. | Pediatricians round at LGH Women's & Babies Hospital. |
| How quickly can a sick child be seen? | Babies and kids can get sick fast. | Offers same-day sick appointments whenever possible. |
| Who answers calls after hours? | You want answers from people who know your child. | Providers are on call 24/7 and do not outsource nights or weekends. |
| How can I ask routine questions? | Easy contact makes everyday concerns less stressful. | Questions are taken by phone during the day and through the patient portal. |
| What feeding support do you offer? | Feeding is one of the biggest early challenges for new parents. | Offers support for breastfeeding, formula feeding, and starting solid foods. |
What Same-Day Sick Visit Availability Says About a Practice
A practice's schedule tells you a lot about its priorities. When a pediatric office holds time for sick kids each day, it shows that the team plans for the unexpected.
For new parents, this matters. A newborn with a fever or a feeding problem cannot wait a week for an opening. Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates offers same-day sick visits for children of all ages, so your baby can be seen by a provider who already knows their history.
Signs of a Strong Long-Term Parent-Provider Relationship
Your pediatrician will be part of your child's life for many years. The AAP recommends well-baby checkups at about 2 to 4 weeks, then at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months, with more visits in the toddler years. That is a lot of time together, so the relationship matters.
Signs that a practice is a good long-term fit include:
- You feel heard, and your questions are answered with care.
- You feel comfortable with the office staff and the overall setting.
- Your child sees providers who know them and their health history.
- The practice cares for children of all ages, so you will not need to switch doctors as your child grows.
- You can reach a provider who knows your family, even at night or on weekends.
If something does not feel right, the AAP encourages parents to talk with the pediatrician directly. A strong relationship is built on trust and open communication.
Start Your Baby's Care With Lancaster's Trusted Pediatric Team
Choosing a pediatrician before birth gives your family a trusted partner from the very first day. Look for newborn hospital rounding, same-day sick visits, after-hours care from providers you know, and a team that makes you feel heard.
Request an appointment online to begin newborn care at Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates. As a physician-owned private practice serving Lancaster since 1977, the team is ready to welcome your growing family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the best pediatrician in Lancaster, PA, for my newborn?
Start by asking other parents you trust and your obstetrician for recommendations. Then check which practices accept your insurance and ask each one about hospital rounding, same-day sick visits, and after-hours care.
When should I start choosing a pediatrician for my newborn?
Start during pregnancy. Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates recommends establishing your baby's pediatrician before birth, preferably during the second trimester. The AAP recommends a prenatal visit with a pediatrician during the third trimester.
What does a newborn care specialist do?
A pediatrician who provides newborn care checks your baby's growth and development, keeps vaccines on schedule, supports feeding, and answers your questions as a new parent. At Beittel-Becker Pediatric Associates, this care starts at the hospital with newborn rounding.
Do I need to tell my insurance which pediatrician I chose?
It depends on your plan. If you have Medicaid, you must select your baby's primary care provider. Otherwise, your baby may be assigned a different provider, and visit claims may be denied.
What should I look for in a top pediatrician in Lancaster, PA?
Look for board-certified pediatricians, a practice that accepts your insurance, same-day sick visits, and providers who take their own after-hours calls. Most of all, choose a team you trust and feel comfortable talking to.
