Baby

Winning the Doctor Scheduling Game
Advice for new parents from Dr. Ari Brown’s book, Baby 411.

Here, Dr. Ari Brown offers some insiders’ tips on playing the scheduling game with the doctor’s office.

Parent asks: How do I schedule well child visits/sick visits?

A better question: How does your daily schedule flow? How much time is allotted for visits?

Most practices schedule well child checks in advance. A smart tip: in a busy practice, schedule the next well child visit when you are in the office having one. The doctor’s nurse or secretary will always advise you when another well child visit is needed.

Sick visits are usually scheduled on the same day you call. Obviously, you can’t predict when your child will get sick, and you won’t settle for waiting until tomorrow to be seen. This is probably different than what you are used to with your own doctor. I once tried to see my doctor for a sick visit and was told I could have an appointment a week later. I told the receptionist, “Thank you. I could be dead by then.” But I digress.

If you keep up with the news, you know that the U.S. health care system is under intense scrutiny. The costs of medical care and prescription drugs are on the rise. Your insurance premiums are on the rise. The CEO’s salary of your health insurance company is on the rise, too. But, insurance companies have steadily decreased reimbursements to doctors for office visits and procedures. Yet, doctors need to keep up with our bills (overhead costs, malpractice insurance, student loans—yep, I’m still paying those off). The result? We have to schedule more patients each day.

BOTTOM LINE

Sick visits are “problem oriented.” Be prepared to ask all your questions up front. If you have numerous issues or chronic issues to discuss, schedule a separate consultation. Doctors expect your list of burning questions at well check appointments, not sick visits. You can always call too.

Dr. Ari Brown is an official spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and has been frequently quoted or interviewed by the national media. Dr. Brown earned her medical degree from Baylor College of Medicine and then went on to complete her pediatric residency at Harvard University/Boston Children’s Hospital with acclaimed pediatrician, Dr. T. Berry Brazelton . She is the co-author of Baby 411, a guide for new parents.