Making the Most of a Health Visit

When making the appointment, tell the receptionist your child will need extra time

If you need to cancel the appointment, call your provider at least 24 hours beforehand

Ask your provider whether your visit needs a referral and/or authorization

Think about the purpose of the visit. What matters to you most?

Make a list of questions and concerns to talk about

Bring paper and pen to take notes during the visit

Bring along any medical records you might need. Bring Directions

Bring your child's medications or medication list

Prepare your child for the visit. Encourage your child to ask questions too

Be on time

Bring health insurance referral and/or authorization paperwork, if needed

Talk about your list of questions and concerns

If your child is a teen or young adult, encourage your child to talk to the provider alone

Discuss any changes in your child's health since the last visit

Talk about important events that have occurred lately

Ask about any treatments or procedures you may have questions about

Take notes

Leave paperwork (such as school physical forms, nursing orders, etc.) with your health care provider to be filled out and sent back to you later

Ask about future medical tests and appointments

Review your notes. Think about whether your questions were answered

If you have more questions after the visit, it's okay to call your provider

Did your provider give you any new instructions about your child's care? If so, share these and other things you learned at the visit with those who need to know- like caregivers and family members

If you were given a referral to see another provider, make sure to call and make that appointment

On your calendar, write down the next appointment or when to call for the next appointment

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