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02-20-2013 at 1:12 PM
jglenn4
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XP - Pediatrician Consultation Fee?

Just curious...how many of you had to pay to do meet with pediatricians/pediatric practices you are considering for your LO?  I've never had to pay a consultation fee before and I'm wondering if this is something limited to major cities, popular doctors etc.  I'm not complaining because I recognize time is money, but I'm wondering if this is commonplace.  I don't want to end up shelling out $500 to find a qualified doctor.
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02-20-2013 at 1:14 PM
MrsWindyCi...
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MrsWindyCity is not online. Last active: 05-22-2013, 9:02 PMPlatinum

We only did a consultation with one pedi when I was pregnant with #1 (and actually ended up choosing a different pedi anyway), but there was a fee for the visit.

ETA: I think it was like $25. 
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02-20-2013 at 1:39 PM
KrisM86
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I met with 3 different pediatricians before having DD and never had to pay a fee. That seems sketchy to me.
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02-20-2013 at 1:56 PM
smash1228
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Our ped does a New Parents Night once a month. It's free. It is a group setting but def open to questions and you are able to talk to her afterwards about more in depth stuff if you want. It last a little over an hour, and was very informative.
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02-20-2013 at 2:00 PM
mhickey426
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I did not have to pay a fee.  I wouldn't use that dr if I had to because that seems wrong to me like all they care about is money.  Shouldn't they be more concerned with showing me what a good Dr they are so I choose them which in the long run will make them more money.
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02-20-2013 at 2:30 PM
imn_angel2...
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Didn't have to pay a fee to meet with our pedi. We aren't anywhere near as large as Chicago or NYC, but I am in the biggest city in Iowa. Never heard of such a thing.
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02-20-2013 at 2:35 PM
SarahRae85
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I've never done a consult, but I can see the reasoning behind it. After all, to make an appointment to meet with you, they have to fill an appointment slot that could have gone toward an appointment that would make them money. As long as it's a reasonable fee (the pp's $25 seems fair for a short meeting), I wouldn't think too much about it. If it's a small practice, you have to remember their overhead costs (rent, nurse's wages, etc.)
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02-20-2013 at 2:43 PM
jglenn4
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Thanks for the replies everyone.  If it was $25, I wouldn't have even bothered to post.  I called a few local friends (I live in NYC) and a few friends from my hometown (D.C.) and it turns out that quite a few practices do charge a consultation fee.  I actually contacted two other practices and one of them also charged a fee.  Both of the practices that charge the fees come highly recommended.  Guess it's the cost of doing business in NYC.  
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02-20-2013 at 3:20 PM
kellopes
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mhickey426:
I did not have to pay a fee.  I wouldn't use that dr if I had to because that seems wrong to me like all they care about is money.  Shouldn't they be more concerned with showing me what a good Dr they are so I choose them which in the long run will make them more money.

 

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02-20-2013 at 8:39 PM
Gabbabridg...
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Just did a consult today for one of the top recommended peds in my area (live in DC) and there was no fee. Going to check out one other at their monthly meet-and-greet in March (no fee there either). NYC may simply be different...

If you get lots of recommendations for a place that you can trust, you might opt to forgo the costly consultation and just go with the office. If you find that you really disagree with everyone else's experience/feelings, you can always switch. 
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02-21-2013 at 8:25 AM
jglenn4
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jglenn4 is not online. Last active: 05-22-2013, 7:43 PMNewbie
Gabbabridge:

Just did a consult today for one of the top recommended peds in my area (live in DC) and there was no fee. Going to check out one other at their monthly meet-and-greet in March (no fee there either). NYC may simply be different...

If you get lots of recommendations for a place that you can trust, you might opt to forgo the costly consultation and just go with the office. If you find that you really disagree with everyone else's experience/feelings, you can always switch. 

That's a good idea.  Thanks.  I did, however, pay the fee and met with my first choice practice earlier this morning.  I really liked everyone affiliated with the practice (they were extremely knowledgable, friendly and patient), the facilities were immaculate and it's a 5 min walk from my apt.  I think I'm going to go with them and switch if there are any issues that subsequent visits reveal.
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02-21-2013 at 8:43 AM
mainerocks
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The pedi office thought I was nuts when I asked about consultations. Maybe they just don't do them in my area?  I asked a local moms group and picked the pedi with the most recommendations.  Turns out they were right because I love him!
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