It’s always a good idea to be prepared when you take your child to the pediatrician. In addition to the questions about your child’s health, it is helpful to ask the pediatrician general questions about their practice.
This will give you a chance to get to know the doctor and their policies and decide if they’re a good fit for your family.
31 Questions to ask a pediatrician for your child:
- How often should I bring my child in for check-ups?
- What are the most common childhood illnesses?
- How can I help my child eat healthier?
- What are the signs of an ear infection?
- What are the signs of a cold or flu?
- When should I call you if my child is sick?
- Should my child take any vitamins?
- What are the symptoms of ADHD?
- Is my child growing and developing normally?
- What can I do about my child’s tantrums/behavior problems?
- How can I get my picky eater to try new foods?
- Should I be concerned about my child’s screen time?
- How can I get my child to sleep through the night?
- When will my baby start crawling/walking/talking?
- Why is my baby so fussy all of a sudden?
- Why are vaccinations important?
- What vaccinations are recommended for my child?
- What are the side effects of vaccinations?
- Are there risks associated with vaccinations?
- How can I tell if my child is on the right track in its development?
- What are common developmental milestones?
- What should I do if I think my child is not reaching these milestones?
- What are common behavior problems in children?
- What can I do to help my child with behavior problems?
- What are your thoughts on (co-sleeping/crying it out/the use of pacifiers)?
- How do you feel about (spanking/time-outs/other forms of discipline)?
- What is your stance on using food as a reward?
- What are your thoughts on using bribes to get children to behave well?
- What is the best way to potty train a child?
- At what age do you think it is appropriate to start toilet training?
- What are your thoughts on letting children use electronic devices?
18 Questions to ask about the pediatrician:
- What are your qualifications and experience?
- What are your office hours?
- What is your policy for same-day appointments?
- What is your policy on after-hours care?
- How do you handle requests for prescription refills?
- What is your policy on appointment cancelations?
- How do you handle emergencies?
- Which hospitals are you affiliated with?
- Who covers for you when you are not available?
- What are your fees and payment terms?
- Do you accept my insurance plan?
- What services does your practice offer?
- Do you have any specialties or areas of interest?
- Do you have experience caring for children with (chronic illnesses)?
- Are you comfortable working with families who choose to (alternative vaccination schedule/not vaccinate)?
- Would you be willing to speak with me outside of appointments (Skype/Facetime/text message communication) if I have a quick question?
- Can I reach you after hours if I am concerned about my child?
- Do we need to find a new pediatrician if our beliefs differ on certain issues?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main responsibilities of a pediatrician?
Pediatricians are responsible for the general health of infants, children, and adolescents. They provide preventive care, diagnose and treat illnesses, and prescribe medications. Pediatricians also guide child development and parental education.
Can pediatricians also treat adults?
Pediatricians specialize in treating children, so they are generally not the best choice for adults. However, some pediatricians also treat adults, and they can be a good choice for those who do not have a primary care physician. It is important to check with the pediatrician before making an appointment to ensure that he or she can treat adults.
What skills do you need to become a pediatrician?
To become a pediatrician, you must have excellent communication skills. You must be able to connect with children and their families and explain complex medical procedures in a way they can understand. You will also need to be patient and compassionate, as you will be dealing with sick children and their parents. Finally, you must have strong scientific knowledge to diagnose and treat medical conditions in children.
Conclusion
Taking the time to ask these questions at your child’s next pediatrician appointment will help ensure that you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your child’s future health care.
Remember, it’s important that you feel comfortable with your pediatrician, so do not hesitate to ask any other questions that come up during the appointment!
