With Many Kids Not Getting the Right Care, Parents Can Be Advocates for Kids' Health

What This Means to You

You don't need a special degree to advocate for your child's health — instead, stay informed, speak up, and build a trusting relationship with your doctor.

To make the most of each sick visit or routine checkup:

• Have realistic — and reasonable — expectations and trust the doctor's ability to diagnose and treat minor illnesses. Though you may want the doctor to help make it all better, sometimes the best remedy is time and TLC.
• Keep a medical journal or running list of symptoms and issues to address.
• Do a little research, but be aware that you can't always trust what you read, especially on the Internet. If you find material you'd like to discuss, make sure your doctor has it before your visit. But don't go overboard — stick to one manageable article or small document.
• Know what should be covered at each routine checkup — immunizations, weight and height measurements, screenings, growth and/or BMI charting, etc.
• Discuss all concerns, even if the doctor doesn't ask about certain symptoms or issues. Be as specific as possible.
• Ask age-appropriate questions about your child's current and future health and development — "What should my child be doing at this stage?," "What should I watch for before the next visit?," and "What can I do to help keep my child safe and healthy at this age?"
• Take notes so you can remember the doctor's instructions.
• Ask the doctor for reliable resources, such as brochures, printouts, and website recommendations.
• Request a referral to a specialist if you think you need more specific help.
• Don't leave confused and frustrated if you feel your questions weren't adequately answered. Politely explain that you're not sure you understand and ask the doctor to elaborate — either at the present visit or at one scheduled for the near future when there's more time to talk.
• Make sure you have all the information — and paperwork — needed for follow-up appointments, tests, and prescriptions before leaving the office.
• Follow up if symptoms or issues continue.
• Follow your gut — you know your child better than anyone and are the very best judge of when something is wrong.

Above all, try to work together — as a team — to make sure all decisions, diagnoses, and treatments are based on your child's best interests, not what makes you feel better or what's easier for you or your doctor.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD Date reviewed: October 2007

Source: "The Quality of Ambulatory Care Delivered to Children in the United States," The New England Journal of Medicine, October 11, 2007.