Hello to all the wonderful parents and growing families in our City of Angels! I am Dr. Anita Sabeti. If you are reading this, you are likely on a very important mission. You are looking for a medical home for your child. Maybe you are expecting your first baby, or perhaps you just moved to LA and need a new doctor. I know this process can feel a little overwhelming.
Los Angeles is a massive city with so many options. It is easy to get lost in the sea of information. However, finding the right pediatrician is one of the best gifts you can give your child. It is about more than just check-ups and shots. It is about building a relationship that lasts for years. Today, I want to guide you through exactly how to find the right los angeles private pediatric practice for your specific needs.
Why the “Private Practice” Model Matters
First, letās talk about the setting. In the medical world, you generally have two main choices. You can go to a large hospital system, or you can choose a private practice. As a doctor who runs a private practice, I am admittedly a little biased, but I truly believe this model offers something special.
In a large system, you might see a different doctor every time. You might have to navigate complex phone trees just to ask a simple question. In a los angeles private pediatric practice, the vibe is different. It is personal. We know your name. We know your childās favorite sticker. We remember that your toddler is afraid of the scale. This continuity of care is vital. It means that if your child gets sick, the person treating them knows their full history, not just what is written on a computer screen.
Location, Location, Location (and Traffic)
We have to be realistic about living in Los Angeles. Traffic is a huge factor in our daily lives. When your child has a fever of 102 degrees, the last thing you want to do is sit on the 405 for an hour.
When you are narrowing down your list, look at the map. How far is the office from your home? How far is it from your childās school? A fantastic doctor who is 20 miles away might work for annual check-ups, but for urgent sick visits, that distance can become a major stress point. I always advise parents to draw a reasonable circle around their neighborhood. Convenience reduces stress, and less stressed parents make for happier kids.
Checking Credentials and Experience
Once you have a list of local doctors, it is time to look at their background. You want to ensure your pediatrician is Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. This means they didnāt just finish medical school; they went through rigorous residency training and passed a very difficult exam to prove their expertise.
Beyond the paper qualifications, look for experience. How long have they been practicing? Do they have privileges at local hospitals like Cedars-Sinai or UCLA? This is important because if your child ever needs hospital care, you want your pediatrician to be connected to the best specialists in town.
For more information on what to look for in a pediatrician’s qualifications, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers excellent resources for parents.
The Philosophy of Care
This is where things get personal. Every doctor has a style. Some are very by-the-book and strictly medical. Others, like myself, take a more holistic approach. We look at the whole childātheir nutrition, their sleep, their emotional well-being, and their environment.
You should find a doctor whose philosophy aligns with yours. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Antibiotics: Do you prefer a doctor who prescribes medicine immediately, or one who waits to see if a virus passes on its own?
- Vaccinations: It is crucial that you and your doctor are on the same page regarding immunization schedules.
- Breastfeeding and Nutrition: How much support does the practice offer for feeding issues?
- Mental Health: Does the practice screen for developmental milestones and behavioral health?
In a los angeles private pediatric practice, we often have the luxury of time. We can sit down and discuss these philosophies deeply, ensuring we are partners in your child’s health journey.
Access and Availability
Kids have a knack for getting sick at the most inconvenient times. They spike fevers on Friday nights or wake up with an earache on Sunday morning. When you are evaluating a practice, you need to know what happens “after hours.”
Ask these specific questions:
- Is there a 24/7 nurse line or direct access to the doctor?
- Does the practice offer same-day sick appointments?
- Can I email the doctor with non-urgent questions?
- Is telemedicine an option for minor issues?
In my experience, accessibility is one of the biggest advantages of a private practice. You aren’t just a number in a queue. When you call, we try our hardest to get you in because we care about your peace of mind.
The Office Environment
Take a look at the office itself. Is it clean? Is it welcoming? Does the waiting room feel chaotic, or is it calm? The front desk staff are the gatekeepers of the practice. If they are friendly, organized, and helpful, your life will be much easier. If they are rude or disorganized, it can make every appointment feel like a chore.
I believe the environment should make children feel safe. We want them to associate the doctor’s office with staying healthy, not just with getting shots. A warm smile from the receptionist can make a scared toddler feel brave.
Comparing Your Options
To help you visualize the differences, I have put together a chart comparing what you typically find in a large system versus a boutique private practice like ours.
| Feature | Large Hospital Clinic | Private Pediatric Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Continuity | Likely to see different providers (MDs, NPs, PAs). | You see your dedicated doctor every visit. |
| Appointment Length | Often short (10-15 minutes). | Extended time to discuss nutrition and development. |
| After-Hours Access | Usually a general call center. | Direct access to your doctor or a trusted partner. |
| Scheduling | Can be weeks out for physicals. | Flexible, often with same-day availability. |
| Personal Connection | Transactional. | Relationship-based and family-focused. |
Communication Style
Communication is the bridge between a doctor’s knowledge and a parent’s action. When I speak to parents, I try to avoid heavy medical jargon. I want to explain things in a way that makes sense.
During your first visit or meet-and-greet, pay attention to how the doctor listens. Do they interrupt you? Do they look at the computer the whole time, or do they make eye contact? Do they validate your worries, even the small ones? A good pediatrician acts as a translator, helping you understand what is happening with your child’s body so you can make confident decisions.
The “Meet and Greet”
Most private practices in Los Angeles offer a “meet and greet” for expecting parents or new patients. This is essentially an interview. I encourage you to take advantage of this.
Bring a list of questions. Ask about their view on sleep training. Ask how they handle emergencies. But mostly, trust your gut feeling. Do you feel comfortable in the room with them? Do you feel like they respect you? Parenting is hard work, and you need a cheerleader in your corner, not a critic.
Technology and Modern Care
While the old-fashioned “country doctor” vibe is nice, you also want a practice that uses modern technology. Electronic medical records are standard now, but look for patient portals. Can you access your child’s vaccination records online? Can you request prescription refills through an app?
These digital tools save you time. As a busy parent in LA, saving twenty minutes on the phone is a huge win. A forward-thinking los angeles private pediatric practice will utilize technology to make your life easier, not more complicated.
Financial Considerations
Private practices operate in different ways regarding insurance. Some accept all major PPO plans, while others operate on a concierge or cash-pay model. In Los Angeles, concierge medicine is becoming more common.
In a concierge model, you typically pay an annual membership fee. In exchange, you get perks like 24/7 cell phone access to the doctor, longer appointments, and home visits. It is not for everyone, but for some families, the convenience and high level of access are worth the investment. Make sure you understand the billing structure before you commit so there are no surprises later.
Community Reputation
Finally, ask around. Word of mouth is powerful in Los Angeles. Ask your friends, your neighbors, or your local parenting Facebook groups. What do they love about their pediatrician? What do they wish was different?
However, remember that every family is unique. A doctor who is perfect for your best friend might not be the right match for you. Use reviews as a guide, but rely on your own interaction with the doctor to make the final call.
Your Partner in Parenting
Choosing a pediatrician is a big decision, but it is also an exciting one. It signifies the start of a new chapter. I truly love what I do because I get to watch babies grow into teenagers and young adults. I get to support parents through the sleepless nights and celebrate the milestones with them.
If you are looking for a los angeles private pediatric practice, I hope you find a place that feels like a second home. You deserve a doctor who listens, cares, and is there when you need them most. Trust your instincts. You know your family best, and you will know when you have found the right fit. Here is to a healthy, happy future for your little ones!
