Doctor Appointment or Clinic Visit

Preparing for your doctor's appointment or clinic visit is key to effective communication. The following checklist can help you be prepared and set the stage for building a positive relationship with your doctor. 

Tips to Promote a Good Relationship

Be focused.

• Avoid distractions such as siblings, cell phones and personal digital assistance devices so that you can ask-and answer-the doctor.
• Stick to the reason for the visit in your questions and conversation.
• If you have other concerns, schedule a separate visit.

Follow the rules.

• Arrive on time or a few minutes early.
• If you are unavoidably late, call the office to let them know.
• Call the office at least 24 hours in advance to cancel an appointment.

What to Bring

• Your child's insurance card (my child does not have health insurance)
• Co-pay amount at the time of the appointment

What to Share with the Doctor

• How long the condition has been a problem
• What symptoms your child has exhibited and how often
• What tests and previous treatments have been done
• What, if any, change or information resulted
• Questions you or your child would like to ask

Helpful Information
For Parents
Preparing for Your Child for Visits to the Doctor
How to Talk to Your Child's Doctor 
How to Talk to Your Child About the News

For Kids
Going to the Doctor
Going to the Hospital
What Happens in the Operating Room?

For Teens
What's It Like to Have Surgery?
Talking to Your Doctor
Questions to Ask Your Doctor