Ask the expert – Going to the pediatrician

Marjorie J. Hogan, MD, is a pediatrician at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. Here she answers questions about what parents should look for in selecting a pediatrician and how to make the most of your child’s office visit.

Q. HM: What kinds of things should parents consider when choosing a pediatrician?

A. It’s such an important decision! First and foremost, you should feel confident that the doctor listens to you—after all, parents know their children better than anyone—and has time to focus on your child’s needs and on your questions and concerns.

The pediatrician’s gender is much less important, although children approaching adolescence may feel more comfortable with a same-sex doctor. (Personally, I would feel terrible if I couldn’t continue to care for both boys and girls as they get older!)

I always encourage prospective patients to come in for a chat before choosing a pediatrician. Talking with other parents can help with this choice, too. After the visit, parents (and children) should leave believing that the doctor cares about them and feel very positive about the encounter.

Q. HM: Should you ask about the doctor’s availability?

A. Your pediatrician won’t always be available, so discuss the office’s or clinic’s policies about coverage—both during the day and on nights and weekends—when your doctor is away.

Q. HM: Can you pick up clues about the doctor from his or her waiting room?

A. The waiting room should be an inviting place, drawing you and your child in with a friendly, clean, colorful feel. Ideally, sick and well children are separated, since most infections spread in close contact. The waiting room should also be welcoming for older children and teens. If the chairs are all tiny and the diversions geared to infants and toddlers, your child may be less than excited about the visit.

Q. HM: Should you ask if the office alerts you to immunizations and other medical schedules?

A. As part of the visit wrap-up, the doctor or nurse typically discusses when to return to the clinic, whether to follow up a specific health concern or to schedule the next well-child check.

Q. HM: How can you prepare your child for an office visit?

A. Help your child anticipate the visit to the doctor positively. Some children enjoy playing with a toy “doctor kit” or reading children’s books about an appointment with the doctor. In an age-appropriate fashion, parents can help children prepare for the visit. “Dr. Apple will check your whole body from head to toe, so I will help you put on a special gown after we take off all of your clothes.” For younger children, anticipating a shot may be overwhelming and telling them in advance isn’t helpful. For older children, a simple explanation about the shot and its importance for health is respectful and often empowering.

Q. HM: How can you get the most out of the doctor visit?

A. Prepare a simple list of questions that arise before the appointment date—this is your opportunity for helpful discussion! Be sure to arrive on time since lateness can lead to a rushed visit. If your child is on medications or other treatments, bring a list of everything—especially with electronic medical records, medications are updated at every visit.

Q. HM: Should you bring your child’s siblings to the visit or leave them at home?

A. Unless child care is a big stress, make every effort to leave other children safely at home. A doctor visit is a wonderful chance to focus on one special child.