Parenting Pep Talk: Top Tips For Doctor Visits
Studies show that patients get about 15 minutes face-to-face with their physicians during office visits, and a recent study found that patients in hospitals may only get an alarming eight minutes. Parents are patient advocates, and they need to come prepared to get the most out of limited time. Here are some tips for optimizing time spent with your child’s doctor.
Be prepared with questions and take notes. It’s easy to get flustered during appointments and forget to ask certain questions or provide certain information. Write down questions beforehand, along with any information you think your healthcare provider might need to know. Not every doctor will ask, but it’s important for them to know what your child’s diet is like and what supplements he might be taking. Even over-the-counter medications can interact negatively with prescriptions. Also, it’s easy to forget details about prescription doses, etc., so take notes or use a mobile app to record details.
Use the Internet with caution. The Internet can be an extremely useful tool but it also has the risk of becoming distracting and somewhat addictive. Don’t overwhelm your doctors with numerous printouts. If there is something you think your doctor must see, email it or drop it off days in advance to give your doctor time to review the material. Know which websites you can trust and use caution when taking advice from readers as opposed to the professional writing an article. HealthyChildren.org is run by the American Academy of Pediatrics and is a useful resource.
Opt for consistency. “Kids need what’s called a ‘medical home’—a place where you’ve established a relationship with one pediatrician, or even a nurse-practitioner,” says William Stratbucker, M.D., pediatrician and associate professor of pediatrics at Michigan State University. When you have a doctor who knows your child’s history and doesn’t simply glance at a chart, you have a better chance of receiving comprehensive care. In addition, parents should try to consistently attend appointments rather than sending a nanny or a relative. Emergencies happen, but it’s best for parents to get medical information firsthand rather through a game of telephone.
Trust your gut. Parents know their children better than anyone else. If you think that something just isn’t quite right about your child, persist. If you feel your concerns are being dismissed, seek a second opinion. It’s important to go to professionals who you like and trust and can develop a relationship with. Don’t go to doctors just because you’ve heard they are “the best.” Many of “the best” think they know everything and fail to take parents seriously. It’s important to find the right balance between the qualifications of your health care professional and how comfortable you are working with that person.
Dr. Jaime Black is a licensed psychologist practicing in Westchester and New York City. Jaime works with high-functioning individuals on the autism spectrum, doing psychotherapy, conducting evaluations, and facilitating socialization groups including an improv social skills group. Visit www.spectrumservicesnyc.com, e-mail JaimeBlackPsyD@gmail.com or call 914-712-8208.
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