Talking with Your Child's Doctor

Here are some helpful questions to ask your child's doctor.

Condition

• Do you have written info that I can use to learn more about my child's condition?

Treatment

• Can you explain what will be done today?
• Whom should I talk with if I have questions about my child's care?
• When and how will I learn about my child's test results?
• Do I need to schedule a follow-up appointment?
• Whom do I call in case of an emergency? Whom do I call when the clinic is closed?

Medicine

• What is the name of the medicine? What is the medicine for?
• Is it safe to give if my child has allergies or reactions to some medicine? Is the dose correct for my child's weight?
• How am I supposed to give it? What time each day? With or without food? What is the best way to measure my child's liquid medicine?
• How long should my child take the medicine? When should I see an improvement?
• What are the side effects? What do I do if my child has seen them?
• Is the medicine safe to give with other medicines or dietary supplements? What food, drink or activities should my child avoid while taking the medicine?
• Whom do I call if I have questions about the medicine?

Support

• Are there any support groups where I can connect with other parents?
• Do you know of any other local or online resources?