Tips for Sick Visits

When your little one is sick, a doctor’s visit might feel challenging for both of you. Consider these tips to help the experience go as smoothly as possible:

Before:

• Call the doctor’s office and explain what’s happening, along with any worries or concerns. Tell the doctor or nurse about your child’s medical history.
  • Ask if you should go to the emergency room or to an urgent care center.
• Make a list of questions or concerns to bring up at the visit.
• Bring your insurance card, your child’s immunization record, a list of any medicines they take, and your pharmacy’s contact information.
• Explain where you’re going and why to your child. Let them know that the doctor and nurse can help figure out what is making them feel sick, and find a way to help them feel better.
• Bring a comfort item, such as a favorite stuffed animal.

During:

• If the doctor prescribes medicine, make sure you understand how and when to give it to your child.
• Ask the doctor or nurse what you should expect and why you might need to follow up with a call or visit to the doctor.

After:

• Pick up any prescribed medication, and ask the pharmacist any questions.
• Talk with your child about how you will take care of them, and how the medicine may help them feel better.
• If someone other than you will be taking care of your child, share important information about medicines the child will have to take or symptoms to look for.