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well baby/child visits -- expectations?
My boys' last couple of well baby/child visits have left me a bit disappointed, and curious of how other clinics/providers structure these visits. They feel (to me) very rushed (maybe 8 min total 'face time' with all staff) and, although they joked about a "revolving door," it felt that way when 3 different staff came in (nurse, MD, nurse for shots, 1st Five consultant). The Walnut Creek office is doing the 1st Five (parent questionnaire to assess social/emot, PDD, caregiver stress, etc), and at times it feels like it's the focus (for stats purposes). 1st Five is a great assessment tool, but it feels like it takes away an interpersonal piece to the visit.
Aside from chronic ear issues/tubes, I've not had many concerns to bring to well visits, but (again, in my mind), these milestone appointments could be a way to learn more about the patient. I've worked for Iowa Health and I fully understand and take into account the expectations for productivity, wait times, empty offices, etc, so part of me wonders if it's more the "sign of the times" and I'm old-fashioned!
After writing this I will most-likely start the process to look at a new provider, but I'm curious if my description is the norm for a well-visit? I appreciate any feedback!
Re: well baby/child visits -- expectations?
Ditto Erin - I also know we go to the same practice.
I have never felt rushed and I feel they answer all of my questions in person or over the phone if I call in for a question. I truly feel like the doctor and nurses do take the time to "know" you and ask lots of questions about what ds is doing, what he likes, and what he should be doing. We've been very happy with DSM Pediatric and Adolescent Clinc.
Ditto Erin and mz.
We go to the Ankeny Peds clinic, also part of Iowa Health. Our appointments usually run about an hour. Face time with the doc is proabably 30 minutes.
It makes me feel good that so many of you are pleased w/ your experience at DSM Peds (and w/ adam
. I know he always tries to spend as much quality time w/ every family as he can, and this in turn can result in some longer waits at times, which he feels bad about. It is such a balancing game b/c you want to give your best attention to everyone, but also need to try to stay on schedule.
And you are right, op, that the climate in which they are working (pediatrics is the lowest reimbursed specialty, so they have to see a decent number of patients per hr to stay afloat) makes everything more difficult. But even if that is the case, you deserve some quality time w/ your physician and are right to expect it.
I use Blank Peds, at Methodist, I LOVE Dr. Boonstra, he's great! And really sets my mind at ease, he remembers us each time and talks with me and H, and my H gets uneasy with certain people he actually likes Dr. Boonstra too!
For our well checks, they weight her and check temp and length. Then we go back to a room, the nurse does the vital checks, and has us fill out a sheet, they fill out a sheet that has what %they're in, (I have them all for her baby book) then we get info, same, kept them, on what shots she's getting, and her milestones. Then the doctor comes in, he listens to all our concernes, and questions, tells me I'm right on track for development, and they give us a book to keep.
If you're feeling rushed, you should find a new provider. And it sounds like there are quite a few rec's on here for you! good luck!
We also go to Ankeny Pediatric Clinic. There's a milestone/screening form filled out while waiting, then the nurse, then the doc, then the nurse again if shots are needed. The doc always opens up time for questions and concerns and I've never felt rushed.