What to Give Your Doctor...
No, not a cold, not a gift, and only sometimes a piece of your mind.
You are taking your child to the doctor and there are bags to juggle, kids to direct, and things to remember while the doctor is trying to fit things in to as short of a time as possible. Make life easier on yourself and be ready. If you walk in there with a plan and everything you need laid out for the doctor you are saving time and energy for you both.
The most important thing I have found is that you should write or copy the important stuff down so you and the doc each have one. There are a few that you to take to each appointment and some just as they change.
You should have an updated medication list with dosage and the number of times it is taken. Make sure it includes any diet supplements and OTC medications. Make or write up a copy for the doctors office to add to the record.
Have a list of the patient's specialists and recent tests that include the date and place. You should try to have fax numbers as well as telephone numbers and names, because this may help the exchange of information.
And the thing you must give to you doctor to help you the most, is a list of questions. You can move through things smoothly without forgetting key things you need answered. Use your copy to take notes. I have found that this is one of the most important steps to take when you deal with multiple doctors and ailments.
On your question paper, write down any important information that goes with the question. If you are asking about the side effects of a certain drug, include what you think the side effects that may apply to the patient. Or if you see a certain behavior after a seizure, describe the timing and other factors that may play a role. I must add that you should be brief so choose your information wisely.
If it is a visible condition that may not be visible when you get to the doctor, it is a great idea to take pictures. My son has swelling on his knee that comes and goes, so I took pictures to show his doctors. I have also taken videos of his seizures for the same reason. And I also took pictures of the rash he gets from certain foods. It gives us all a very visual record to see and use.
The bottom line is that you should walk in the door with paperwork for the doctor that is informative and complete without being too long winded. You want a copy for yourself and a pen to make notes as you go through it.
If I have forgotten anything please share it so we can all learn.
And the thing you must give to you doctor to help you the most, is a list of questions. You can move through things smoothly without forgetting key things you need answered. Use your copy to take notes. I have found that this is one of the most important steps to take when you deal with multiple doctors and ailments.
On your question paper, write down any important information that goes with the question. If you are asking about the side effects of a certain drug, include what you think the side effects that may apply to the patient. Or if you see a certain behavior after a seizure, describe the timing and other factors that may play a role. I must add that you should be brief so choose your information wisely.
If it is a visible condition that may not be visible when you get to the doctor, it is a great idea to take pictures. My son has swelling on his knee that comes and goes, so I took pictures to show his doctors. I have also taken videos of his seizures for the same reason. And I also took pictures of the rash he gets from certain foods. It gives us all a very visual record to see and use.
The bottom line is that you should walk in the door with paperwork for the doctor that is informative and complete without being too long winded. You want a copy for yourself and a pen to make notes as you go through it.
If I have forgotten anything please share it so we can all learn.
