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Do you have a doctor’s visit coming up and wondering what to expect? Whether it be a well visit, a sick visit, or a visit to a specialist that you’ve been waiting to see, it’s always good to go prepared and know what to expect as best as you can.

Before your visit

The first thing that always comes to my mind when going to see a new doctor is all the paper work that must be filled out before the exam. This usually requires arriving early and taking 15-20 minutes to complete all the forms. If you’re anything like me after having my little one, arriving on time – let alone early – is a challenge within itself. It can also be hard to keep your little one entertained and sitting quietly while you fill out all the paper work. Some pediatric offices are making their required forms available online to download and complete before you get there which is a big help. If your doctor’s office does not have this available, call and ask if they can mail the paper work to you ahead of time.

Another helpful thing to do before your visit is to write down all those questions that you’ve been thinking of to ask the physician. It’s easy to get distracted and conversations can easily go down one particular path, especially when dealing with food allergies. The topic of most visits would probably be just that – food allergies, but what about those other questions that you had, like sleeping issues, or maybe a behavioral issue. If you write down your questions you’ll be sure to leave with all of your answers.

If possible try to bring your significant other, grandparent, or close family friend to the visit with you. It’s always good to have an extra pair of hands if your infant starts crying, or your toddler starts to misbehave. It’s also good just to have a second set of ears to listen so you don’t miss anything.

During your visit

As with most doctor visits, a weight and height check is always to be expected along with listening to heart and lungs, maybe checking ears and asking about what’s been happening since your last visit. Most pediatric doctors are also interested in hearing about your child’s developmental skills, like can your infant sit up, or can your toddler stack blocks.

Now is your opportunity to ask all those questions that you have written down. Don’t be nervous to ask what you think is a dumb question; a good doctor will hear anything and be happy to answer. If not, you may want to think about switching doctors. If it’s something that worries you, ask – no question is too minor. And if you need clarification on a question that has been answered at a previous visit or even at the beginning of this visit, it’s always best to ask again so you are not left guessing. Also, you may want to have the doctor write down what they are recommending so you don’t forget when you get home.

After your visit

If a follow-up visit is necessary, try to schedule it before you leave the office. This can save you time and help get you in with less of a wait.

If you have visited a specialist, follow-up with your pediatrician to make sure your specialist relates all of their findings back.

What other tips/hints have you discovered to help get yourself prepared for doctor visits? Would love to hear about them.

- Sarah

You probably remember, like I do, dreading trips to the doctor as a kid. It seemed like nothing good came from those visits, except maybe a lollipop if I was well-behaved. Unfortunately, children who depend on Neocate have conditions like cow milk allergy and eosinophilic esophagitis(EoE), which can mean more doctor visits than usual. Those visits can involve some unpleasant tests. Here are some steps you can take to make those trips less scary for your little one.
 

Be Prepared

If nothing else, it can help you focus more on your little one and less on paperwork. Check out our previous blog that lists things you can do ahead of time to make the visit easier, especially when seeing a new doctor. The less stress you feel, the less stress your child will feel. Also, try to schedule the visit around meals and naps, when your little one won’t be tired or hungry.
 

Help Your Child to Prepare

It may seem silly, but simple things, like showing your little one what to expect, can make a big difference. First tell them, in simple terms, what the visit will involve. You may be able to read them a book (like this one about EoE) or watch a video about going to the doctor. It could even help to drop by the office ahead of time (to pick up paperwork) with your child, so he or she can become familiar with the office. Your child might enjoy role-playing a visit too – a toy doctor kit like this one can help them be more comfortable around medical instruments.
 

At the Office

On the day of your visit, ask your child which favorite toy, stuffed animal, or doll he or she wants to take along to provide comfort. Choices help children feel like they have some control. The doctor can examine the doll first, then your little one. This is a great way to show your child what to expect.

Many of us learn to associate the white lab coat with doctors at a young age. Seeing the coat can make us anxious. Many pediatricians do not wear one for this and other reasons, but if your child’s doctor does, you can ask them to remove it before coming in the room.

During the visit, remain calm and relaxed, since your child watches you to see how to behave. Give reassuring words and gentle contact during the exam. A distraction can also help, especially with shots. If you’re able to take a video game or a movie (on your phone), this can take your child’s focus off of the shot itself.
 

After the Visit

If possible, try to plan an activity that your little one enjoys after the visit. That way, going to the doctor becomes associated with something fun that is an activity to look forward to. After the visit is also a great time to break out the toy medical kit again, as this allows your child to think about the visit during play time.

What tips can you share with other parents to help make doctor visits less scary?

- Rob
 

[Photo: Microsoft Images]