It’s the time of year for sports physicals and back to school checkups. Deep down, kids and parents know that we need to visit the doctor regularly for our health. But there can still be a lot of anxiety and fear associated with a visit. Or maybe you just hate the time that it takes. Try these ideas for a great experience.
Scheduling and Prep
Prepare, don’t scare. Give kids a few days’ notice that they’ll need a checkup. That’s enough time to prepare but not get overly anxious. With a small child, try playing with a doctor kit or reading books about doctors.
Write lists. Bring a list of questions to ask your doctor and a list of symptoms with details such as severity and duration.
Schedule early. Ask for the first appointment of the day to avoid getting backed up behind other patients. Another good time: the first appointment after lunch.
Check on wait time. Avoid long waits by calling before you show up to ask if the doctor is behind schedule.
Waiting Room
Take a walk. If there’s a delay, ask for a time estimate. Then, once you sign in, stroll around the medical building to pass some of the time.
Bring your own magazine or toys. Viruses such as flu or rhino virus (the ‘cold virus’) can linger for a few days on hard surfaces.1
Focus on humor. Mad Libs are a perfect way to pass the time with kids.
During The Exam
Add color. Bring crayons to draw on the white paper they’ll spread out on the exam table. It’ll help them stay calm and pass any wait time.
Chat up the nurse. While the nurse takes your vitals, share your symptoms. Nurses will likely be able to spend more time with you and often know how to help patients understand conditions.
Perk your doc’s ears. Use words like “new” to describe pains or symptoms. And stick to one problem at a time—don’t jump from head to toe in one sentence.
Know your vaccine options. If your visit involves a vaccine, here are a few things to consider. First, there are combination vaccines that combine several vaccines into one.2 Also, some vaccines can be given without a shot. For example, the rotavirus vaccine is given orally3 and there is a nasal spray version of the flu vaccine.4 Further, since flu vaccines can be given during a well-child visit, you may be able to skip a follow-up visit later.
1. Kramer A, Schwebke I, Kampf G. How Long Do Nosocomial Pathogens Persist on Inanimate Surfaces? A Systematic Review. BMC Infectious Diseases. 2006; 6:130.
2. Combination Vaccines for Children: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr4805a1.htm. Accessed June 19, 2009.
3. Rotavirus Vaccine Information Statement. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-rotavirus.pdf . Accessed June 26, 2009.
4. Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm. Accessed June 19, 2009.
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