Preparing for the Doctor’s Visit 1: Who and When

When to set appointments:

Schedule a time that will allow you to arrive about 10-15 minutes early. This will give you leeway for those “unpredictables” like tantrums and bathroom visits. It will also give you enough time to complete the administrative paperwork prior to meeting the doctor. This is critical to the smooth running of the office and easy delivery of health care for you. Be sure to fill in ALL of your (and other care givers) relevant contact information.  You may also use his time to find out what the contact arrangements for follow-up and emergencies are for the practice in general and for your personal physician.

Who should come:

If this is the first time the child is going to see this doctor, or first trip for a referral then all care-givers should be there. All care-givers, aunts, grandparents, nannies etc, who are familiar with or manage parts of the child’s daily routine and especially those who will be implementing the changes and treatments recommended, should be present at the visit.

This can very tricky for working and / or out-of-town parents and caregivers, but the time spent coordinating everyone will make it MUCH easier for the doctor to get the facts right and give clear meaningful instructions the first time.

Nobody likes to have to go to the doctor, but if you are prepared,

the whole visit can be a truly helpful, healing experience

and a learning opportunity for all involved.

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