Parents know that their child's health appointments are important for their well-being and development. When a child has a disability or medical condition, you may have more frequent health visits.
Adding some small but important steps to your routine can lead to more productive appointments and better health for your child.
Here's how to get ready and feel confident before, during and after each visit.
Prepare yourself and your child for the next health visit.
Talk with your child and explain the purpose of the appointment.
Use simple, understandable
words and pictures. For young children, focus on what they will see, hear and feel. For older children, provide more details and encourage them to ask questions.
Validate their feelings and
let them know you are listening to them.
Parent tip
Pack an activity bag. An activity bag can add fun to your child's next appointment. Pack things to keep your child busy, like coloring books, sticker sheets, or a small puzzle. Include comfort items, like a favorite blanket, book, or toy. And don't forget basics like snacks, drinks and a change of clothes.
Review your child's records and list of questions.
Look over the information that you have kept about your child's past health appointments, including records and notes.
It can include:
Medical history, including test results and immunization records
Medication list, including dosages and allergies to medications, and notes on any behavioral or adverse effects from current or past medications
Medical equipment details
Details about your child's therapies
Specialists and their role and contact information
Insurance and
billing information
A list of questions you'd like to ask at any upcoming visits
Your notes from visits, calls and other conversations with your child's health care team
Keep in mind that you may wish to track information for reasons beyond medical care. For example, you can look back at records for tax purposes or to help budget expenses and time.
Parent tip
There are many ways to organize your child's medical information. Choose a system that works for you and fits your family's needs.
Online patient portals: Access your child's online patient portal to view records, schedule appointments, and send messages.
Calendar apps: A shared family calendar helps everyone keep track of health appointment dates and plan accordingly.
Reminders: Use multiple types of reminders, such as text messages, emails and calendar alerts, to let you know about upcoming visits.
Notebook/binder: Color coding or tabs can help keep things sorted.
Scan printed documents to keep digitally no matter how short-term or small. It may help to have a record of them later.
One-page profile: Keep a current snapshot about your child. One option is to use an
online template.
Ask questions and take notes during the appointment.
Asking questions helps boost your understanding of your child's health care plan so you can better advocate for their needs. Consider asking a question before your appointment, either over the phone or in the online patient portal, so your provider can come prepared with an answer.
Here are a few things to consider asking:
Can I record this appointment?
This will allow you to go back and review what was said if you can't take notes during the visit. Remember to also keep notes that other members of your child's care team may find helpful.
If you cannot record, ask if there is an option to use an
artificial intelligence (AI) tool to take notes.
What are our goals for this appointment?
Test-related questions.
Who can I call and what is the phone number if I need support for my child's medical needs after hours?
What are the next steps after this appointment?
Is there any information I should track before my child's next appointment? Is there anything I should track for future reference? Details will depend on your child's needs. Common things to track could include:
Bathroom habits
Changes in eating habits (eating more/less, not eating something)
Illnesses
Sleep
Medication and treatment notes
Behavior concerns
Extracurricular activities
Developmental milestones
- Who would you recommend for a second opinion?
Families have the right to seek a second opinion on their child's diagnosis and health care plan. If finding answers is a challenge or you feel that it is difficult to collaborate with someone on your child's health care team, you have a right to seek care with someone else at the practice or at another practice. Every hospital typically has a dedicated patient relations department or team whose role is to address the concerns and needs of patients and their families.
What to do after each appointment
Review the after-visit summary and notes.
Act on treatment recommendations and set up follow-up appointments and/or referrals.
Make a note of any questions.
Contact the office by phone or send a message through your child's patient portal.
Remember
Having a disability or medical condition may mean spending more time on health appointments. But by adding a few steps to your routine, your child and their health will benefit.
More information
This article was developed with insight and contributions from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Family/Caregiver Workgroup—a dedicated group of parents and caregivers of children with special health care needs. These individuals generously shared their lived experiences to help shape meaningful, accessible, and family-centered educational resources. As part of this workgroup, members advised on content, reviewed materials, took part in planning discussions, and supported the sharing of resources. Their collaboration with the AAP and subject matter experts ensured that the information provided reflects both evidence-based guidance and real-world needs of families. The AAP is grateful for their time, partnership and commitment to improving health outcomes for children and supporting those who care for them.