Yasiph gives an idea of the kind of Questions that you can ask when choosing a doctor November 29, 2006

Yasiph gives us some ideas on the kind of questions you can ask when choosing your doctor.

• 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?
• 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?