How To Make The Most Of Your Pediatric Visit

One of the most frequent complaints of parents is that the pediatricians do not give them sufficient time during a consultation; I would not blame pediatricians as they are hard pressed for time, with sound and smart preparation helping to get the most out of child’s pediatrician consultation.  

Some tips to make the most of a pediatric consultation:

• Fixing up a prior appointment with the pediatrician would help save you of a toddler’s tantrums in the waiting room; most toddlers get cranky, bored and irritable. Fixing an appointment and reaching the clinic in right time would be the best start you could give to the consultation, with a cranky and irritable child putting an end to the consultation even before it starts.

• You would be a smart parent if you make a detailed note of all the symptoms you have noticed in the toddler before going in for the appointment; allergies of certain drugs, vomiting or diarrhea while weaning or any other unusual behavior could be some examples. This would help you present all the information the doctor needs for his/her diagnosis.

• A smart parent would make the most of a pediatrician’s visit by keeping all the files and records ready; this includes the toddler’s birth details, reports of tests, vaccination details and other prescriptions. If there are many reports, it would be advisable to make 2 files; one of reports and the other of prescriptions. Make sure to attach height and weight and immunization details in both files, thereby enabling the pediatrician to glance through all details in one go, thereby saving time for other consultations.

• Your ability as a parent to be organized with writing down the queries you wish to ask the doctor about anything of concern to would make the pediatrician respect you as a patient. If you do not jot down the important queries, there is a chance that you may forget to ask the doctor, with this organization will help the doctor to advice and answer you in a focused manner.

• Your baby’s comfort would help the pediatrician to conduct a thorough examination; make sure you have fed your baby before taking him/her for the appointment and he/she is comfortably dressed in loose and comfortable clothes. This would not only make examination easy, but would also help in the case of immunizations.

• Once you have told the doctor all about the baby and have addressed your queries ensure you do not grumble about the various complaints of the baby. Give enough time for the pediatrician to reflect over his/her examination and write his prescription or give his medical advice. Most important of all make sure you attentively listen to the doctor and not miss any piece of advice he/she gives you.

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