Secrets of the Pediatrician's Office

You probably have plenty of questions for your baby's pediatrician, but there might be a few you're afraid to ask: Did it drive him crazy that you brought up a possible speech delay at the end of a sick visit? And you like his partner better, but will his feelings be hurt if you switch? Lucky for you, we talked to lots and lots of doctors, nurses, and office managers to find out 12 must-know secrets of the pediatrician's office.

By Sarah Lorge Butler

Veer

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Mondays have the longest waits.

If you're thinking you can bring your kid in for a well visit first thing Monday, be out by mid-morning, and squeeze in a grocery-shopping trip by lunchtime, forget it. Pick any other weekday, because Mondays are crammed with appointments for kids who got sick over the weekend. So when should you schedule that visit? Wait times are often shorter -- and the staff is fresh and friendly -- for the first appointment in the morning (Tuesday through Friday) or after lunch. Avoid anything right after walk-in hours.

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Comments (4)

kmw17 wrote:

So, you've never had a bad day at work? Perceptions may not be point on if you're a parent at whit's end. Hypersensitive maybe? We all want our children well when they are sick, but hey, there are no magic beans. Medicine is NOT foolproof that's why they call it "practicing medicine." It cant be easy coming into an office on Mon a.m. with bunches of people wanting a quick fix for their child when they themselves ignored the symptoms and put off taking their child into the doctor.

1/26/2011 08:39:36 PM Report Abuse

anonymous wrote:

I agree with biddy1. As long as I am paying their salary they better act like I am the best thing since sliced cheese to ever grace them with my presence!

1/26/2011 06:15:02 PM Report Abuse

mjcarter74 wrote:

I agree 100% with ( biddy1 ) Go biddy1.............Lol

8/24/2010 01:23:29 PM Report Abuse

biddy1 wrote:

I loved the article but disagree with #4 "The office will remember if you're naughty or nice". Parents will remember that as well. I've dealt with my fair share of moody nurses and doctors who act like they don't like children. I think as their profession, that they should be prepared to deal with parents of sick children at their whits end. I don't think parents should be prepared to deal with nurses and doctors who have had a bad day. We don't get PAID when our kids are sick, but they DO!

4/5/2010 07:57:28 PM Report Abuse