Pediatrician (Huntsville, Madison: insurance, opthamologist, how much)

[Charles]

We are still having a hard time finding a pediatrician taking new patients. Anyone know of any for us as we're coming from the southeast side of Huntsville?

[zenjenn]

Did you try Fields Pediatrics?

[Charles]

Originally Posted by zenjenn

Did you try Fields Pediatrics?

Michele did and they were full.

[mm42]

UAB Health Center is good. We go to Dr. Maria Salazar. They were taking new patients as of last summer.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by mm42

Dr. Maria Salazar

Not taking new patients.

[friday13]

Have you tried Pediatric Associates in the Medical Mall (Governors&Pkway). They have 6 peds on staff. They had my kids since birth. I initially asked for Cochran, I was passed around and ended up with someone else.
Overall, they are ok, my mantra is "any doctor is ok as long as you don't need them". Needless to say in the end I make the decision whether I follow dr's advice or not (for simple colds, easy stuff like that)-a few times I was given medicine I never filled, I took the wait-n-see approach instead. But we do a have a ped "just in case" (and the mandatory annual checkup), otherwise I try as much possible to stay out of their business.

They took my kids right away, but again they were newborn new patients.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by friday13

Have you tried Pediatric Associates in the Medical Mall (Governors&Pkway). They have 6 peds on staff. They had my kids since birth. I initially asked for Cochran, I was passed around and ended up with someone else.
Overall, they are ok, my mantra is "any doctor is ok as long as you don't need them". Needless to say in the end I make the decision whether I follow dr's advice or not (for simple colds, easy stuff like that)-a few times I was given medicine I never filled, I took the wait-n-see approach instead. But we do a have a ped "just in case" (and the mandatory annual checkup), otherwise I try as much possible to stay out of their business.

They took my kids right away, but again they were newborn new patients.

My wife filled out their online form a while ago and they never responded, though the website says they will in 5-7 days.

I just filled it out again.

[gsp4ever]

I remember a big feature article in the Huntsville times maybe 1.5-2 years ago about the SEVERE shortage of pediatricians in the Huntsville area and the struggles that people have trying to get their children (who are not newborns) doctors. I think this is a huge problem for this area. Not only for people who relocate but also for people who may need to change pediatricians.

I just did a google search to try to find that story but couldn't locate it.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by gsp4ever

I remember a big feature article in the Huntsville times maybe 1.5-2 years ago about the SEVERE shortage of pediatricians in the Huntsville area and the struggles that people have trying to get their children (who are not newborns) doctors. I think this is a huge problem for this area. Not only for people who relocate but also for people who may need to change pediatricians.

I just did a google search to try to find that story but couldn't locate it.

I don't think this is it, but it is similar:

Base Realignment Brings Physician Issues to Light

[friday13]

Originally Posted by Charles

My wife filled out their online form a while ago and they never responded, though the website says they will in 5-7 days.

I just filled it out again.

I wouldn't trust my life with their office personnel, or rely on their online application feedback. A straightforward "no" on the phone would put your waiting to an end, and maybe more ("we only take newborns" or "call us again in 3 months" or "you're the 23rd on our waiting list" something along those lines).
If you need a referral, I'd be happy to DM you -although I do not see how or why is this referral system working--> if people call because they need you, you as a dr. take them in because that's your job