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September 16, 2006
Questions For the Doctor
Going to a new doctor is always a stressful time. When you get there, most of the time, we always forget to ask some very important things. Keep in mind that you are “hiring” this doctor to perform services for you and your family. When you are scheduling the appointment, remember that you are "interviewing" this doctor. These are some questions you should ask.
1. How many children does the doctor see for adhd?
2. How the doctor screens for adhd or other learning disorders?
3. What kind of opinion does the doctor have on adhd? Many doctors don't like to medicate younger children.
4. How many times does the doctor want to see your child a month? Meaning does the doctor want to drain the pocket book.
5. How does the doctor deal with emergencies? Can you call the doctor if there is a problem or will they just tell you to go to the emergency room?
6. How long does it take to get in for a follow up? You don't want to wait for several months.
7. How does the doctor deal with refills, do you have to go in to pick up a prescription or will they do refills on once a month or mail order for 90 days and, does the doctor charge you to pick up a script for refill script, or will the doctor mail the prescription to you.
8. How long has the doctor been in practice and how long has the doctor been in practice with children?
9. What kind of training qualifies them to work with children? What doctor fills in or takes his calls while the he or she is not on call.
10. Will the on call doctor make you go to the emergency room or can you call the doctor yourself or can you have the on call doctor paged to your house?
Always remember to go overboard with the questions to ask. If you think you will forget, make a list and copy it. Have the doctor read the list and answer the questions while you take notes. The doctors are here to help you. Remember, you are choosing the doctor, the doctor doesn't choose you. You will be employing this doctor to give your child medications if necessary, so you can ask the doctor anything you want until you are satisfied. Remember, you are just as smart as the doctor, you just chose a different career path.
By: Margo Richter
Posted by margo1 at September 16, 2006 08:34 PM
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