And even when you have plenty of time in your visit, parents often forget the questions they have.
Preparing our sick visit checklist in advance of your visit to your pediatrician can help to make sure you don't forget any questions or concerns you have about your child.
Sick Visit Checklist
Among the information you should record include:- the 'chief complaint' or main reason that your brought your child to the doctor, which can include something like a cough, runny nose, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. This is usually the most bothersome or worrisome symptom that your child has.
- details about when your child began to get sick and how long he has been sick. It is important to try to be as clear as you can about this, as some people say that their child has had a cough for 2 or 3 months, for example, when they really mean that he was sick a few months ago, got better, and is now sick again.
- all of the symptoms that your child is having
- any medications that you have been giving your child, including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal remedies, etc. Including some details about whether these treatments have made your child's symptoms better or worse can also be helpful.
- information about sick contacts and any other reasons that your child might be sick, such as exposure to other sick kids at daycare, a recent visit to a petting zoo, recent travel history, or a recent tick bite, etc. A family history of similar symptoms would also be important to mention to your doctor.
Ask Your Pediatrician
At your visit with your doctor, it is important to ask questions to make sure that your understand what is wrong with your child.Be sure to ask about:
- when your child will no longer be contagious and can go back to daycare or school
- when you can expect your child to get better
- what signs or symptoms to look for that might mean that your child is getting worse
- when you should make an appointment for a recheck
- what treatments are being prescribed or recommended for your child
