Doctor Visit
In this section, you'll find out everything you need to know about coming to the hospital for a doctor's appointment. By the way, this is sometimes also called an outpatient visit.
A routine visit gives your doctor the chance to see that you're growing and developing normally. It's also a good time for your parents to talk with the doctor about any concerns they have, so they can help you stay healthy. And, most important, it gives you a chance to ask your doctor any questions you might have about your health.
At Duke Children's, people usually come into the main lobby and go to the Information Desk for directions. But if you already know where you're going, you can head right to your appointment. On your way to the clinic, you'll see lots of cool stuff like fish tanks, gift shops, and children's art work.
What Happens First?
A routine checkup usually starts when a nurse calls you and your parent or guardian from the waiting room. He or she might start by checking your weight and height, as well as your blood pressure and maybe your temperature.
The nurse may also check your hearing and eyesight and ask you to go to the bathroom and give some urine in a cup. All of these test results will go into your medical chart, so the doctor can look them over.
What Does the Doctor Do?
After the doctor comes in, he or she will probably ask you some questions about how you're doing in school and if you're having any health problems you'd like to talk about. To make sure everything in your body is working like it should, the doctor will use equipment, like:
- a stethoscope (to listen to your lungs and heart),
- an otoscope (to look inside your ears, nose, and throat), and
- an ophthalmoscope (to look inside your eyes).
Your doctor might check the reflexes in your knee with a rubber hammer. Also, he or she will probably feel around your belly, look at your genitals (private parts), and examine your spine.
When Do I Need a Shot?
Shots protect you against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis, measles, and many others. You might worry about needing a shot every time you go to the doctor, but you really don't need many shots after they are old enough to go to school. In fact, you probably got most of your shots before you went to kindergarten. You will need a tetanus booster, when you are about 12 years old, or sometimes sooner if you get a serious cut or injury, and you may get a flu shot once a year.
Can I Ask Questions?
Most doctors leave time at the end of a checkup for questions. Your parents or guardian may want to know if it's safe for you to try a certain sport, or whether you're eating the right foods. Doctors can give you and your parents good advice about many health and safety issues, such as wearing bike helmets and using sunscreen.
And you can ask questions, too--even if you feel a little shy or embarrassed. By asking questions, you'll learn more about the way your body works and how you can take the best care of yourself!
Source: kidshealth.org
