Your child’s pediatrician probably hasn’t told you everything you’d like to know when it comes to doctor visits – from the best time and day of the week to schedule appointments, to prescribing antibiotics. But, good thing for Good Morning America because pediatricians are spilling the beans, and it’s information all parents should know.
Here are a few highlights from the segment, “13 Things Your Pediatrician Won’t Tell You.”
1. Schedule your appointments for the middle of the week, and ask for the first time slot of the morning or right after lunch. You won’t have a long waiting time, which annoys your kids just about as much as it does you!
2. Don’t ask if the doctor will take a “quick look” at your other child who doesn’t have an appointment. Doctors not only don’t have the time, but say that every patient deserves a full evaluation and all of their attention.
3. If you have an urgent concern and the front desk says they are all booked up, ask to speak to a nurse. Sometimes they can work you in the schedule when you explain the situation.
4. Don’t delay treating your child because you want the doctor to actually see the symptoms! You’re doctor does not have to actually feel the fever – give your kid some medicine and get him/her to the doctor as soon as you can. Don’t make them suffer.
5. Don’t say things that remind your child of their last visit like, “He doesn’t like it when you look in his ears.” It just reminds him of how much he doesn’t like it! Be matter-of-fact, and say, “It’s time for the doctor to look in your ears,” instead.
6. There really isn’t much of a difference between the “sick” waiting room and the “well” waiting room. Germs are everywhere, so either don’t let your kid play with the toys in the waiting room, or make sure you have sanitizer with you.
7. Even though studies show that antibiotics for ear infections are rarely better than watching and waiting for kids over age 2, many doctors prescribe them anyway. “We want to feel like we’re doing something. If I prescribe an antibiotic and a few days later your child feels better, I look like a genius.”
Honest and useful advice to remember at your next doctors visit! To read the rest of the list, visit goodmorningamerica.com.
