Tips for Sick Visits
When your child isn’t feeling well, a doctor or nurse can give them the expert help they need.
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.
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Communication and connection with families is key to building a strong, effective healthy team.
Visiting the Doctor: Helping Kids Grow Up Strong & Healthy
Preparation and communication help you get the best care for your child at every medical visit.
Communicating at Doctor’s Visits
Good communication leads to good care for your child.
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