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Before Your Visit
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Home For Patients and Families Before Your Visit Tips: Making the most of your visit
Flower Tips: Making the most of your visit
Tips from our Family Advisory Committee:
Write it down before you come
You'll want to write down any questions you or your child may have prior to your visit. If your child is anxious, consider visiting the hospital before the appointment or take a virtual tour (see Arthur's Guide to Children's).
Gather your information
As an active partner in your child's health care, you play a valuable role. Bring a list of your child's current medications, including names and the doses. For children with complex health needs, consider creating a medical history binder and include evaluations from other physicians and/or school.
Medication List
Bring someone with you
If possible, bring another adult with you to the appointments. It's helpful to have an extra set of hands and ears when hearing new medical information. If you can't bring someone with you, many of our clinics have people who can assist you, such as Child Life specialists, social workers and volunteers.
Arrive early
Build in an extra 45 minutes of travel time. Traffic and parking often takes longer than you may expect. Also, allow 10 to 15 minutes for the check-in process.
Delays do happen - be prepared
If you have to wait due to an unexpected emergency or on a very busy day, remember that your child will receive the same immediate care if he or she is in a similar situation. A favorite book or some drawing paper can be helpful to make the time go by more quickly.
Optimize your child's appointment
Ask questions while meeting with your child's doctor. Also, remember to ask for any instructions from the doctor or letters of medical necessity that you need for school or your child's primary care provider.
After the appointment
Right after the appointment, write down notes and any additional questions you have. Before leaving, identify important numbers to call, such as the clinic's nursing line, prescription refill line and appointment line. When possible, make your child's follow-up appointment before you leave and write down new appointment dates.

If you need more information before you arrive, go to www.childrenshospital.org.

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