Your pediatrician should be your number one medical advocate, partner and confidant. That all starts with vetting the pediatrician’s office either prior to having a baby or when/if you are making a switch to a different pediatrician.
As mentioned in part one of this series, the most important thing to always remember when asking any questions in the medical world is to trust your instincts.
What to Ask When Searching for a Pediatrician
It’s important to make sure you thoroughly research potential pediatric offices online and even ask friends and families for reviews. Here are some questions to consider asking a potential pediatrician:
- Do you have evening or weekend hours?
- Is there an after-hours nurse/triage phone line?
- What types of insurance do you accept?
- What sets your office apart from the others in Forsyth County?
- Do you utilize an online portal system for messages, test results, etc.?
What to Ask on Your Initial Visits
Those first few visits, especially with a newborn as a first-time parent, often feel overwhelming. The lack of sleep seems to only aid in increasing that feeling. Preparing your questions in advance is a great way to make sure you don’t forget anything.
- Is my child gaining enough weight?
- Is my child having enough wet diapers? What about bowel movements?
- Share and ask about anything that feels out of place, from a rash to excessive fussing.
- If breastfeeding, be sure to bring up and share any issues or questions about latching or problems feeding.
What to Ask at Sick Visits
Having a sick child is one of the worst parts of being a parent. It’s so hard when we can’t make them feel better. Luckily, your pediatrician can help in the fight to feel better.
- First, share all symptoms; even something that seems small or unconnected might be important.
- If your child has had repeated infections, ask if a further workup should be done. Or, if repeat ear infections, inquire if it’s time to see an ENT about ear tubes.
- What remedies will work best to alleviate my child’s symptoms?
- How often should I be giving acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen, and how much?
- Should they get a nasal swab or throat culture done today? (If it’s an illness impacting their upper respiratory system and/or throat.)
- When should I expect them to start feeling better and, if symptoms aren’t subsiding, should they come back?
- What warning signs should I look for to know if it’s more serious?
What to Ask at Well Check Ups
Even when your child is well, a doctor’s appointment is a great time to touch base on their overall health – and yes, ask questions.
- If diet or weight is a concern, ask for tips on ways to help your child have a more balanced diet.
- Be sure to ask about any changes you’ve noticed in your child’s health or behavior.
- Ask any questions about vaccinations to be received at that checkup – including side effects, effectiveness, etc.
If you are worried about more serious health issues and how to handle it, you won’t want to miss part three of this series, “Questions to ask in an ER visit.”