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Questions to ask your pediatrician
From the Post Adoption Learning Center:
Questions that you should ask of the office staff:
1) How long do patients usually wait to see the doctor?
2) What are the office hours?
3) How does the office handle routine questions?
4) How does the office handle emergency calls and after hour calls?
5) Does the office have evening and weekend appointments?
6) How does the office handle Sunday and holiday emergencies?
7) Is your physician listed within the health insurance network?
How much lead-time do you need in order to make an appointment for a physical examination?.
10) How much lead time do you need in order to schedule a Post-Adoption Medical Examination?
Here are some important questions to ask your pediatrician himself during the “get to know you visit”:
1) Does your doctor have experience in dealing with the complex issues of the internationally adopted child?
2) Will he perform the Post-Adoption Medical examination or will he refer you to a specialty clinic.
3) Where did he go to medical school and more importantly where did he do his Pediatric residency training.
4) Are the physicians in the office board certified.
5) If a hospitalization of your child become necessary, does the office admit to a local community hospital or do they admit to a hospital that is geared towards the care of children?
6) How long does the Post-Adoption medical examination take to perform
7) Does your doctor feel that the Post-Adoption examination is just another check-up?
How many of the physicians within the group actively see Internationally adopted children?
9) What are you doctor’s views on well childcare and early childhood development.
10) During the Post-Adoption Medical examination period will a primary Adoption doctor handle the entire case or is the care shared amongst the entire medical staff?
The internet is also a great resource. The following links will provide you with a wealth of information concerning the medical care of your child. Especially if you’re not seeing an international adoption specialist, these sites provide information that you can print out and bring to your doctor.
