Talk to Your Physician

We encourage you to seek the advice of your health care professional at the earliest time possible. Most doctors know the value of working with parents and will listen to your concerns. Here are some questions to ask them, along with some tips, so you can be better prepared.

What to bring:

• Ask your doctor to review your notebook, diary, or Pathways chart of your child’s movement and feeding habits.

Making appointments and screening:

• Ask to schedule your next well-baby appointment earlier than usual--in two or three weeks, rather than a few months. Time is of the essence. Continue tracking your child’s development.
• Ask to schedule a full assessment of your child (usually 20-30 minutes) so the doctor can note any body movements or other issues that concern you. If the doctor has trouble scheduling this length of time, ask for a referral to a specialist.
• Ask if your doctors can suggest a pediatric neurologist or developmental evaluation center, just to be on the safe side. Working with children is very different from working with adults. A pediatric neurologist specializes in caring for even the littlest patients.
• Do you see the same physician all the time, or whomever is available?

General questions:

• How do I reach the physician after hours or during an emergency?
• Accessibility to physicians for return calls
• Billing questions
• To what hospital does the physician admit patients?

Remember, you are your child’s best advocate. Don’t leave the appointment with unanswered questions!