What is "doctor office etiquette"?

Question

I took my infant to the doctor when I first had her. the visit was really short and I didn't get to ask all I wanted. So, I called to ask a question. Not about her healthe or anything. Like what brand brown rice should I use with or without iron and added vits. I call the office a few times...usually after a visit due to the fact that the visits were so fast.

A couple of times they told me that do not treat over the phone and gave me a hard time about the questions.

am I wrong for calling. Should I pick up everything and visit the pedi everytime I have a ques. and expose her to getting sick? It's a shame what is has come too. When I was young your doctor actually called back. Now when you have a question you have to ask the nurse to ask the doctor and sometimes there could be a misunderstanding...terrible!

Answer 1

Next time you go to the doctors make a list of all the questions that you have. Be very straight forward with the doctor and let them know that you have some questions. It is not wrong of you to call after an appointment, your a new mom and things can be confusing, Doctor's know this and expect to be asked tons of questions.  

Answer 2

The state of medicine today is awful!  It is a shame you can't ask basic questions like yours on the phone.  There is no need for a visit just to ask a general diet question.

If I were in your shoes, I'd be changing doctors.  I've actually had better luck with nurse practitioners.  They seem to be just as knowledgable without the big headedness that often comes from too many years of medical school.

Another source would be the internet.  WebMD has forums for new moms where real women share good advice about the early days of mommyhood.  There is also a wonderful line of books called the "what to expect..."  There's What to expect when you're expecting, the first year, the toddler years, and I think there's one more.  They have good advice on everything baby and you can pick them up at any bookstore.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I would change doctors. If you're not getting your questions answered then you're not getting quality health care. I go to the free clinic and the doctor meets with EVERY patient and answers all the questions before you leave. Seriously change doctors or if for some reason you're not able to then when you schedule your appointment and let them know you want an addition 15 minutes so you can ask the doctor questions.  

Answer 4

i would either change doctors OR next time you go for a visit when the DR. first comes in let them know that you have questions that you want to ask. (write them down so that you dont forget any) and tell him that you would like them to all be answered before you leave. if they complain leave and find a new doctor or sit there until he figures out that your not leaving til they are answered

Answer 5

no

Answer 6

As a new Mom try this as questions arise during your day write them down and then before you go to the Doctors office compile them into a neat fashion and rip away once you are in the Docs office or exam room.

These are busy people now a days as are the staff have respect for the amount of people and other problems they have to deal with.  While your question is important think about the level of importance it is compared to someone who has a sickly child.

Hope this helps!

Answer 7

If it is a MEDICAL question, you might call and ask to speak to your doctor's nurse.  Offer to pay for a phone consult if that would be appropriate.

For dietary questions, don't call the pediatrician.  Ask your mom, your aunt, your older sister, or another mom you trust.  Get two or more opinions if necessary.  Get a baby book at the bookstore or go online and research it, similar to you asking this question here.  Every baby is different, and every pediatrician will give you different advice on those type questions, even if they don't mind being bothered with them.

A lot of parenting is trial and error and figuring out things on your own, with the help and support of others you trust with experience.

You honestly won't kill your baby by feeding them a different brand of baby food.  

In general terms, iron is likely to constipate the baby.  Add one new food at a time while you check for allergic reactions and to see how baby tolerates it.  Signs that it isn't a good idea include crying, increased spitting up, gastric distress, etc.

Sounds like you really need a mother mentor.

If there truly is no one in your family or already close to you that you can turn to for things like this, work on finding one through your church, other community organizations, etc., or go to a new mom website online.

Answer 8

I would encourage you to be more assertive in your appointments.  You need to stand up for yourself and demand answers to your questions.  Don't let the doctor run the appointment, you need to be your own advocate.  

I love the idea someone gave of creating a list of questions before you go.  That way you will be more organized and effective in asking your questions.

Answer 9

I have to agree, write down your questions before you go, and if you don't get enough time to ask everything, stop and insist on getting an answer before you leave.  If you feel that this is a pattern, where you always get rushed out before you have time to ask your questions, then you need to get a new doctor.

Answer 10

A good thing to do that I also do is make a list of all your questions before you see your doctor, I do this all the time, then either give it to him when you are seeing him or look at it yourself as you are asking him, make a copy for yourself in case he doesn't regard it and puts it in his pocket, but he shouldn't do that, when at home you can call the doctors at the emergency room even late at night, they will help you, and will let you speak with a doctor, I've done this many times, they are very helpful, but as for asking your doctor over the phone, they just want you to come in again to make more money, they didn't go for years to their college and university to not make any money, they chose one of the the profession's that is supposed to make the  most amount of money, so don't think they don't want to make any.

Answer 11

You need to find another doctor NOW, that is inexcusable. ANY VIABLE doctor will have someone in his ofc who can answer your questions without giving you a hard time or attitude. You get a bad one, so change now.