Make Visits Go Smoothly
Tips to Help Visits to the Pediatrician’s Office Go Smoothly Include:
Call a few days in advance if you need a refill on a medication, a referral to a specialist, immunization records, a school/camp form filled out or some other non-urgent request. Don’t wait until the last minute when you need something done by the office.
Show up to your appointment on time. If it is your first visit, you might even want to show up 15-20 minutes early, as you will likely need to fill our forms with your contact/insurance information. People showing up late for their appointment is usually the main reason that offices get off schedule and other patients have to wait.
If you can, call early when your child is sick and you need an appointment. If you call first thing in the morning, you will likely be seen later that morning or in the early afternoon. If you wait until later in the day, you might not be seen until the end of the day or the next morning.
Consider scheduling your well child checkups in the morning and in the middle of the week when there will be less sick children. This may give you more time with the doctor and you will be less likely to have to wait for your appointment.
Prepare a list of questions or issues that you would like to discuss with your Pediatrician during the visit. It is hard to remember everything you want to talk about, but getting all of your questions answered can prevent your having to call back or schedule another appointment.
Ask questions if you don’t understand or don’t completely agree with what your doctor has said. A little bit of discussion about your concerns can help prevent misunderstandings and reassure you about what your Pediatrician thinks is going on.
If possible find someone to watch your other kids when you take your child to the doctor. This isn’t always possible, but you will likely have a better visit if their aren’t 2 or 3 extra kids running around the room.
