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How to Make the Most of Your Child’s Doctor Appointment

Many times visits to a busy pediatric practice can feel rushed. The doctor may have dozens of patients in the waiting room and lots of calls to answer so you want to make the most efficient use of your time together.

First, if you are coming in for a sick visit be prepared. “Present” your child’s situation as you may have seen cases presented on medical TV shows. Start with the chief complaint. That is what brings you to the doctor’s office. Example, “Sarah has a barking cough and a fever.” Then follow up with the history of the present illness.  When did these symptoms begin?  What have you done to treat your child, i.e., “I gave Sarah some Tylenol and cough medicine, but she didn’t get any better.”

Bring a list of medications your child is on to every doctor visit. Your child might be taking something that this particular doctor did not prescribe. For example, your child might have been diagnosed with ADD by a psychiatrist and is taking aderol. This is important information for your pediatrician to be aware of.

Write down all your questions before you get to the visit. Your doctor may cover these on their own, but this way you’ll make sure you don’t leave the office with unfinished business. Also, take notes on what you are told and write down the  answers to your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask the doctor to pause in their explanation so you can do this.

What you hear isn’t always what the doctor thinks they have said. Make sure you understand all the important information you have been told. After the doctor has finished their explanation or given information, you can say, “in other words…” and repeat what you were told in your own words. That way any potential miscommunication will be cleared up.

If you think you need a longer than normal appointment, choose an off peak time. Ask the person who makes the appointments when the doctor has the most time. This is often during school hours.

Pharmacies sometimes make mistakes. Be aware of what is in any prescription you are given by your child’s doctor as well as the dosage instructions, how often the medicine need to be given and any other special instructions so that when you pick up the medicine from you pharmacy there are no mistakes or confusion.

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