How to Interview a New Doctor

When you meet a new doctor, you know you will be asked a lot of questions about your medical history. But have you thought about the questions you need to ask the doctor? Especially when you are the caregiver of a child with disabilities. 

It is important to get some basic information about the new doctor and how their office works. This information will tell you if the doctor is a good fit for you and your child. Interviewing the doctor also sends the message that you expect communication to flow both ways. An interview also communicates that you want to be an equal partner in your child’s medical care.

Let your new provider know that you will need some extra time at the appointment to ask a few questions. You may not have time for this whole list, so select the topics that are most important to you. For instance, if your child rarely visits a hospital or emergency room, you could save those questions for a later visit or send them through a patient portal.

The answers to the following questions will help make the transition to a new doctor go more smoothly. The questions are not just helpful for your child with a disability., They can also be used for yourself, an aging parent or any family member.

Communication:

What’s the best way to get in touch with you? Is there a phone number for urgent needs? Will I be able to speak directly to you or your nurse?

Who do I contact when I need help after hours or when you are out of the office? Who covers your practice in the evenings and on weekends? Will the covering provider have access to my child’s medical records?

Is there someone in your office who speaks my language? Do you have translation services?

Care Coordination:

Can you coordinate my child’s care with specialists? How will you communicate with my child’s specialists?  

Do you have a process to handle repeated paperwork for supplies and equipment, nursing care and medicines? 

Hospitalization:

What hospital and emergency rooms do you work with?  

Will you take care of my child in the hospital? If not, who will provide hospital care?

How will you find out what happened in the hospital or emergency room? Will you talk to the hospital doctors directly.

Accessibility:

Does your office provide easy access for people with limited mobility like automatic doors and large elevators?

Does your office have specialized equipment like a patient lift, an adjustable table and a wheelchair scale?

If I can’t bring my child to the office, do you make house calls or provide virtual appointments?

Partnership:

I want you to understand my child as a whole person. What can I tell you that will help you see the whole picture?

What can I do to make the transition process smoother?  

Does your clinic have an Advisory Group to get input from patients and families? How can I join it? 

You may also have an interest in a patient-centered medical home for your child. Learn more about what this is here.