Choosing a Pediatrician in Italy: How It Works

In Italy, the family pediatrician is usually the first healthcare contact for a child within the National Health Service. The choice is generally made after birth through the local health authority, a "scelta e revoca" office or regional online services, but details vary by Region.

Administrative information should always be checked on your local ASL or regional website. This guide is updated as of July 4, 2026 and uses cautious wording because availability, doctor lists and online channels can change.

When to Choose

Start soon after birth registration and tax code assignment. Many offices ask for the parent's ID, the child's tax code or equivalent certificate, personal details and residence or healthcare domicile.

If your baby is newly born and final documents are not ready yet, ask the ASL which temporary documents they accept. Do not delay too long because the pediatrician is important for growth, feeding, vaccines, fever and everyday concerns.

Where to Do It

The channel depends on where you live: ASL office, regional health portal, online service, enabled pharmacy or another local service. Use the official page of your ASL or Region.

If you move, you may need to revoke the previous doctor and choose a new one. For long temporary stays, check temporary registration rules.

What to Consider

Availability is the first filter, but not the only one. Consider distance from home or daycare, opening hours, contact methods, urgent advice, substitute doctors, stroller access and clarity around scheduled checkups.

Ask how the practice handles growth visits, certificates, prescriptions, phone advice, email or apps. A skilled pediatrician who is nearly impossible to reach may not fit a family with little backup support.

First Questions

At the first visit, bring birth or discharge documents, weight history, feeding details, medicines and written questions. Ask when to call, what to do with fever under 3 months, how growth is monitored and how vaccines and checkups are organized.

Use the family documents checklist and post-birth documents checklist to keep the admin side under control.

Changing Pediatrician

Changing pediatrician is possible, but follows local rules and availability. Before switching, clarify whether the issue is communication, hours, distance or trust. If you change, keep medical records, vaccination details, reports and current treatments.

When Not to Wait

If your baby has fever under 3 months, breathing difficulty, refusal to feed, unusual sleepiness, fewer wet diapers or rapid worsening, do not wait for administrative paperwork. Contact local healthcare services or emergency services when needed.