Questions to ask when choosing a Doctor

Written by Yasiph
Thursday, 26 April 2007
Do you see children with special health care needs in your practice? Do you and your staff have experience with a child who has (your child’s special health care need)? What type of services does your practice offer? Of these which do you provide and which are provided by others such as a nurse or physician assistant? Are you comfortable working in a team situation with my child’s other providers? (other physicians, teacher, PT, OT, SLP, case manager, home care nurse, etc.) Are you comfortable being my child’s medical care coordinator? How many patients do you see each day? How long does an average appointment take? Which hospital(s) do you have admitting privileges to? What is your telephone call policy? Do you give advice or prescribe medication over the phone? How about sms messaging? Do you have an e-mail address and can I use it to communicate with you? Who will my child see when you are on vacation or it is after hours? Which place of service do you use if my child needs tests or lab work done? Are you comfortable discussing alternative treatment such as the use of homeopathic treatment, traditional medicines etc...? Do you mind answering questions? Do you allow a parent to make an appointment specifically to ask questions and discuss a plan of care? How would you feel if I ever asked for a second opinion?
Last Updated ( Thursday, 26 April 2007 )