What to Ask your Health Care Provider

As a parent, you are a crucial partner with your health care provider in making sure your child reaches his or her best potential. Don’t be afraid to share information and ask questions. You are your child’s greatest champion.

Make a list of questions and concerns before your appointment. It is easy to forget to ask what you wanted to talk to your doctor about once the visit begins.

Here are some questions to ask YOURSELF prior to your appointment:

Is there anything you have noticed about your child that would like to know more about?
Is there anything your child is doing that worries you at all?
Is your child doing everything that you would have expected him/her to do by now?
Is your child NOT doing anything you would have expected him/her to do by now?

Here are some questions to ask your HEALTH CARE PROVIDER during the appointment:

Are you using a Standardized Developmental Screening Tool?
What can I expect my child to start doing by next visit?
Are there specific skills/things I should be working on with my child right now?
What can I do to help my child learn and grow?
I have notice that my child ______ a lot. What are your thoughts about this?
I have notice that my child does not ______ yet. What are your thoughts about this?

Here is a question to ask YOURSELF after your appointment:

Do I know more about my child now than when I came to my appointment?

Remember, YOU are the expert on your child. Your doctor needs to hear your questions and concerns to take the best care of your child.