It’s that time of the year again.  We start seeing a lot of kids for their physicals and sports physical clearance, etc.

Here are a few tips to make your visit go smoothly.  This, of course, applies to parents who need to complete forms and be present for at least part of the child’s appointment, depending on age.

  1. Make sure you have all the necessary forms to be signed off by the doctor before your scheduled exam.
  2. Complete your portion of the forms, answering all medical history questions, and sign the medical release portion of the form before your doctor’s appointment.  This will speed up the process and the doctor can simply review all the information right away.
  3. Bring your child’s immunization records for review.  Even if you think the doctor should have everything on file.  This way, if there are shots that need to be given, the card can be stamped and updated.
  4. Bring or have a list of any medications that your child may be need to take at school.  There is usually a separate form that needs to be completed by the doctor for medications administered at school.  You can usually check with the school nurses’ office for these forms.
  5. If your school requires that your child get a TB test, make sure you ask for an appointment day that will allow you to return in 2 days to have that TB test read and the forms signed off.  For example, don’t come in on Thursday or Friday unless your doctor has weekend office hours.
  6. There’s usually no fasting blood work that needs to be completed at these visits so your child can eat.  If for any reason, you think your child may need to have fasting blood work, make your appointment first thing in the morning so your child can eat immediately after the blood test.  Or check with the doctor in advance if this is necessary.
  7. And for this year, young children and those with chronic medical conditions should get the flu shot.  Ask the doctor about whether your child needs it.
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