Doctor Visits for the First Time

Whether you’re a first-time parent embarking on doctor visits for the first time or you’ve switched to a new doctor, taking your baby to her initial appointment can be nerve-racking. It’s essential to prepare yourself and your child for this important step in their healthcare journey.

In this case, one word stands out: preparation. That is the key to a successful office visit.

Dr. Robert M. Blum of Southfield Pediatrics recommends that parents bring general medical information, such as immunization records, a list of medications the children are taking, a list of any chronic illnesses they have, and the phone number of the pharmacy they intend to use.

Have your questions and concerns ready if you’re a new mom or a parent whose child is experiencing new symptoms or issues.

“If they have them written down, we can go through them all,” Dr. Blum says.

You will feel free during your visit this way.

With so little time to spend with the doctor, you want to make the most of it and leave the appointment confident that you have received all the information you require.

Here are some suggestions from Dr. Blum regarding the best time to schedule an appointment.

If you’re going in for a good visit, Blum recommends scheduling your child’s appointment before his or her nap so that she can rest better after the exam.

Dr. Blum says the child will be a little fussy during the visit, but that’s nothing a pediatrician can’t handle.

Scheduling a visit for your unexpectedly ill child is a little different. The child will be fussy no matter what time you arrive.

However, because illness strikes suddenly and unexpectedly, scheduling an appointment in advance is out of the question, so Dr. Blum suggests the following:

“It’s beneficial if people have sick children who can call early in the morning,” he says.

This ensures that the doctor can see the child that day. Calling at midday does not leave enough time for the appointment to be scheduled.

If you’re still unsure about what the doctor might expect of you, asking a nurse or receptionist before the appointment is a great way to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Other resources include the office’s website, which contains general information as well as information about the doctor.

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