The only thing as important as your child's good health is finding a doctor that both of you trust. Knowing which questions to ask can help make your search easier.

Here are some questions to consider as you begin your search:

• Do you want a doctor close to where you live?
• Which office hours are best for your schedule?
• Are evening and weekend hours important to you?
• Do you want a doctor who is board-certified*?
• Does your child have the need for a specialist—for example, an allergist?
• Do you prefer a family physician or a pediatrician**?
• Which doctors and services are covered by your insurance?

Once you've narrowed your search, call the office to schedule an appointment for you and your child to meet the doctor. This meeting will let you and your child ask additional questions and determine if the doctor meets your family's needs.

Your child's relationship with the doctor should be built on trust and respect. Both you and your child should feel comfortable asking questions and discussing health issues with the doctor. He or she should listen to any concerns and be able to help you and your child learn more about healthy living.

Finding the right doctor is an important part of your child's good health.

St. Francis offers a physician referral service to help you find a doctor that meets your child's needs. Our online database allows you to search for a doctor by specialty, gender or name. Find our which physicians are accepting new patients, which doctors are part of the St. Francis Medical Group or whether your physician is part of the St. Francis medical staff.

To find a physician by phone, call (317) 782-6699 or toll-free (800) 222-5939. If you experience any difficulty using our online physician referral service, please call (317) 782-7977 or send us an e-mail.

*A board-certified physician has passed a national written and oral exam and has at least three years of training in a specialty field. Board-eligible physicians have completed the necessary training but have not yet taken the exams.

**A family practice physician handles a variety of health-related problems for all ages, while a pediatrician specializes in the medical care of children.