Is this normal for drs to ask?

[liber]

So we moved from Canada to the US. The kids will see a new doctor next week. I'm sent these forms to fill out. Some are pretty standard and similar to ones I filled out in Canada. However some forms are not. For example, the "Health Supervision" form. I don't even like how that sounds and I especially do not like some of the questions being asked. I think they are intrusive and an invasion of privacy. I also do not see how the questions are even medically necessary. On these forms are questions like, "Do we own a gun and if so, where do we keep it and the ammunition." They want to know if my kids where a bike helmet, seat belts, wear flame retardant pj's. Do they have a computer, tv in their room. How much tv do they watch. Can they swim? Do I know CPR? Do I have smoke detectors in the home? The forms also ask my teen if the rules in the family are clear and reasonable. The forms also want to know what we eat for lunch and breakfast and what kinds of fruits and veg.

 

I understand why they are probably asking these types of questions but I think the questions are just over the top. Is this standard down here in the US? I never had anything like this in Canada.

 

There are also forms that ask questions about my child's mental and emotional health. That's ok I guess if I had concerns in those areas and was wanting to get help for them but since there are no concerns there, I'm not comfortable filling out those forms either.

 

I am going to only fill out the forms that I think are pertinent and relevant medically. Will that cause a problem if I refuse to fill out everything. Do I have a right to decline and can the Dr. refuse to take my kids on as patients if I don't fill out everything?

[Jean in Newcastle]

I have never answered questions like this for my children's pediatrician.

[Jennifer3141]

Yes, those questions are becoming more and more standard. Surely you've seen news reports of all the dead kids who die from gun accidents that are directly related to stupid parents. Same with bike helmets. There has been a lawsuit where the parents sued their pediatrician because he didn't tell them how important a helmet was. The case against the doctor was dismissed but yuck - litigation.

 

Some of the mental health and gun stuff is trickle down stuff from Medicare. Medicare now requires that if a doctor suspects depression that the physican dig deeper into things like guns in the homes. And in America, if Medicare does something - health insurance companies will follow months or years later.

 

I don't think your doctor will dump you immediately if you don't fill out all the forms. Frankly, you will likely turn them into the receptionist before you see the doctor anyway. Just tell the receptionist you have some concerns you want to discuss with him/her before you leave those forms.

 

And yes, a doctor in America can refuse to see you if he/she doesn't want to provided you are not in active medical emergency. But you also have the right to walk out the door at anytime if you are uncomfortable,

[Incognito]

I have only had kids in Canada, but we get asked those questions by the public health nurses at shots or the doctor at well-baby visits. Not all of them, but many. I think you've just been lucky to have skipped them so far.

[Murphy101]

Good heavens. Yes, it is not normal nor unheard of. I'd just tell them to stick to the issues at hand please. In a more PC manner of course. ;)

[Um_2_4]

It sounds normal for here in CA, depending on the ages of your kids. I am not sure what they would do if you didn't fill out whole pages. I've skipped questions or two (ok, sections). It may really depend on your insurance/doctor. Here in CA once the kids hit 14, the dr office has to ask THE KID if it is ok for dad/mom to come back during the appt and/or for the dr to talk to the parents about his medical records(tests/meds, everything)!!!!!

[Annie]

You certainly have the right to decline to fill out the form, but I'm pretty sure the doctor is also able to say that they would rather not have you as a customer if you don't want to play by their rules. Even if you don't fill out the forms, the fact that the doctor hands them out makes me think those type of questions will also be asked verbally to your children. I would be uncomfortable with many of those questions also, and I'm greatful that our pediatrician has thus far stuck almost exclusively to what I would consider medical questions vs parenting questions. I'm on my phone so I can't see the ages of your children, but have you considered finding a family practice doctor rather than a pediatrician?

[Myeightkiddies]

In the past I had never seen such questions asked on any doctor form. However, we moved to Ohio last year. In December, the new doctor's office had such forms. The forms were online, so I answered the ones that I wanted. If some seemed irrelevant (or I thought it was dumb to ask) I simply skipped them. I don't know if it is the norm here in Ohio, or if it is just this doctor's office. Anyway, we are looking to change doctors. It isn't because of the forms, but they aren't good. Anything wrong with you they insist you see a specialist, who of course is in their building. I'm not talking about seriously wrong. Going to the main doctor for anything is a waste. She will just send you to a specialist. They are also pricey.

 

OP, it isn't widespread, but it isn't entirely uncommon. Maybe you can pick and choose what to answer. I do that with a lot of the forms. Sometimes I just draw a line down the no section. They never question.

[BlueTaelon]

Yep, normal and they will make you fill out those same stupid forms every year. It's the insurance companies doing it and not getting it done affects the clinics contract and pay. The Dr is required to discuss every "wrong" answer with you. Wait until you see the adult forms, they get really personal and ask things like how often you have unprotected sex and such.

[Alte Veste Academy]

So we moved from Canada to the US. The kids will see a new doctor next week. I'm sent these forms to fill out. Some are pretty standard and similar to ones I filled out in Canada. However some forms are not. For example, the "Health Supervision" form. I don't even like how that sounds and I especially do not like some of the questions being asked. I think they are intrusive and an invasion of privacy. I also do not see how the questions are even medically necessary. On these forms are questions like, "Do we own a gun and if so, where do we keep it and the ammunition." They want to know if my kids where a bike helmet, seat belts, wear flame retardant pj's. Do they have a computer, tv in their room. How much tv do they watch. Can they swim? Do I know CPR? Do I have smoke detectors in the home? The forms also ask my teen if the rules in the family are clear and reasonable. The forms also want to know what we eat for lunch and breakfast and what kinds of fruits and veg.

I understand why they are probably asking these types of questions but I think the questions are just over the top. Is this standard down here in the US? I never had anything like this in Canada.

There are also forms that ask questions about my child's mental and emotional health. That's ok I guess if I had concerns in those areas and was wanting to get help for them but since there are no concerns there, I'm not comfortable filling out those forms either.

I am going to only fill out the forms that I think are pertinent and relevant medically. Will that cause a problem if I refuse to fill out everything. Do I have a right to decline and can the Dr. refuse to take my kids on as patients if I don't fill out everything.

 

I would not answer those questions...on the forms anyway. I know they are there to cover health and safety bases but, in my opinion, they feel intrusive because they are, bizarrely, too personal and yet impersonal all at the same time. I get the argument (that will most likely be made) about efficiency, but it just doesn't work for me.

 

Even if you don't fill out the forms, the fact that the doctor hands them out makes me think those type of questions will also be asked verbally to your children.

 

Maybe it is an issue of paperwork vs relationship, but if most of these questions were directed verbally toward my child(ren) or me, I would not be bothered at all. Not one bit. How I wish we could go back to the days when peds or family docs really got to know their patients.

 

"Hey there, Jill, how have you been? Doing a lot of biking this summer? Be sure to wear a helmet to protect that noggin!"

 

"Good to see you, Jack! [yadda, yadda, yadda] So, what's your favorite fruit? Veggie? My son likes broccoli best because it looks like little trees. He pretends to be a brachiosaurus when he eats them."

[Alte Veste Academy]

Yep, normal and they will make you fill out those same stupid forms every year. It's the insurance companies doing it and not getting it done affects the clinics contract and pay. The Dr is required to discuss every "wrong" answer with you. Wait until you see the adult forms, they get really personal and ask things like how often you have unprotected sex and such.

 

Oh, boo. That just figures. Luckily, I haven't seen these yet.

[Heather in Neverland]

No way would I answer those questions. I would go to a different doctor first.

[Laura Corin]

I've never filled in a form like this for my children in the UK.

 

Laura

[Mrs Mungo]

I have never been asked those questions.

[Unicorn.]

I'd find a different doctor. I've been asked the seat belt and bike helmet questions, but I think that list is probably over the top, and most of it is none of their business. And yes, they may refuse to see you. I have found that the doc's offices who ask stuff like that, are less likely to actually get to know you and are more likely not to listen to you and take your concerns seriously. They are usually of the "I'm right, and don't question me" mentality.

[Night Elf]

Do you have a choice about what doctor you choose? If so, look at finding a doctor as interviewing them. I'd say those questions are over the top as a whole, but I've had to answer some like the helmets and seat belts, guns in home (not more detail than a yes/no), and diet. I like a PP's suggestion of skipping them and if the receptionist says anything, say you need to talk to the doctor about how to answer them. You'll have to be able to stick up for yourself once you're with the nurse/doctor who wants to know why you haven't filled them out.

 

I've seen social security numbers talked about on this board as well. Some doctors will request them but some parents deny that information saying it's too private.

[creekland]

Maybe it is an issue of paperwork vs relationship, but if most of these questions were directed verbally toward my child(ren) or me, I would not be bothered at all. Not one bit. How I wish we could go back to the days when peds or family docs really got to know their patients.

 

"Hey there, Jill, how have you been? Doing a lot of biking this summer? Be sure to wear a helmet to protect that noggin!"

 

"Good to see you, Jack! [yadda, yadda, yadda] So, what's your favorite fruit? Veggie? My son likes broccoli best because it looks like little trees. He pretends to be a brachiosaurus when he eats them."

 

This is the way our doctor handled these types of questions and we thought it was great. I don't recall them in paperwork (maybe the gun one). I do recall the dr asking the questions (usually of the kid) every year and doing it in a relationship sort of way. We have guns in our house (as do most in our area), so it's really not a big deal with a "wrong" answer unless one is not keeping their guns properly - in which case - that should change, esp with young kids around. FWIW, my guys had their own bb guns from a fairly young age and all the doctor talked with them about regarding it was safety while having fun - still in a relational way. It's good to have that coming from another source and not just mom & dad.

 

I like the doctor truly "knowing" their patients rather than just a business-like "what are the symptoms" without looking for any potential causes.

[Mom0012]

I haven't been asked those questions on forms, but directly by the ped during the kids' annual physical. Yes, there have been kids that have been hurt by guns and not wearing helmets, but it is the job of the parents to decide what safety measures they want to use with their kids, as well as what they will be feeding them, not the doctor's, IMO.

 

Frankly, I'm sick of conflict with pediatricians, so I just answer their stupid questions and move on with my day.

[ktgrok]

Many of those questions are asked in the exam room at our ped. i don't mind. Yes, we have dogs, and know to be cautious. Yes, we have guns, they are locked up. Yes, we have a pool, we have a pool fence. And I can say that answering yes has not freaked out the doctor or caused any issues. He doesn't give a rat's behind if I have a gun, he just wants to know if it is locked up if I have it. That's a safety issue, and a legal issue, in this state.

[Tess in the Burbs]

I wouldn't say normal but we had one exactly like that in the past 2 years. It was shocking and all I could think is they were trying to prevent being sued for not mentioning something that should be parent taught at home

[EKS]

A lot of those are similar to what we get here.

[Rivka]

This topic comes up from time to time and I seriously don't understand people's reactions.

 

Accidents are the leading cause of death for children. Why doesn't that sound like something a pediatrician should take an interest in? Habits like diet and exercise have a huge effect on health. Why doesn't that sound like something a pediatrician should take an interest in? Mental health problems in children are often underrecognized, and they can cause a lot of suffering as well as negative physical health consequences. Why would it be offensive for a pediatrician to ask about possible symptoms?

 

My kids are pretty healthy. I'd say that 95% of what affects their health on an ongoing basis is stuff we and they do. So when they have their well-child visits, that's 95% of what the doctor and I talk about. I think that's totally appropriate. I want my kids' doctor to care about my kids' health. I don't want him to just inwardly shrug and say, "I hope their parents are fully informed about everything they need to do to protect the kids' health, because it ain't any of my business if they aren't."

[G5052]

Those forms are universal where I live. I'm OK with helmets and fruits/vegetables, but for the more personal stuff I mark "prefer not to answer" or I leave it blank.

 

And the doctors have never given me a bad time about it. Sometimes they'll ask if there might be an issue that way, and if I say "no," they don't pursue it. One told me that it is required by their malpractice insurance.

[Laurie4b]

You might say that you prefer to answer orally. Our family doctor asks some of those. I experience some as intrusive; however, I know the intent is often good. There is a line between privacy and safety --ye old freedom vs. security plays out in so many settings!

[Orthodox6]

Never have visited a doctor's office with forms bearing such questions. I would have left blank such enquiries.

 

[Jean in Newcastle]

This topic comes up from time to time and I seriously don't understand people's reactions.

 

Accidents are the leading cause of death for children. Why doesn't that sound like something a pediatrician should take an interest in? Habits like diet and exercise have a huge effect on health. Why doesn't that sound like something a pediatrician should take an interest in? Mental health problems in children are often underrecognized, and they can cause a lot of suffering as well as negative physical health consequences. Why would it be offensive for a pediatrician to ask about possible symptoms?

 

My kids are pretty healthy. I'd say that 95% of what affects their health on an ongoing basis is stuff we and they do. So when they have their well-child visits, that's 95% of what the doctor and I talk about. I think that's totally appropriate. I want my kids' doctor to care about my kids' health. I don't want him to just inwardly shrug and say, "I hope their parents are fully informed about everything they need to do to protect the kids' health, because it ain't any of my business if they aren't."

 

 

Our pediatrician handles this by giving out information:

 

They have a sheet that they go over with the parents on bike and helmet safety, gun safety, good nutrition and home safety. That is not intrusive and makes sure that parents are fully informed. They do not ask me questions about these things, though of course as they present the information I am free to ask questions to clarify things. If my child were to have G-I trouble or signs of pre-diabetes etc., I would expect further questions about what we eat. If my child were to show signs of allergens etc, then I would expect further information or questions on potential allergens in the home. I do see these blanket questions as intrusive and more importantly, not all that effective or helpful.

[Cinder]

I have also seen questions like that on forms--for children and adult. I do not feel compelled to answer all the questions.

[Serenade]

I have never had to fill out intrusive forms like that, nor would I.

 

I'm glad my kids are older because I would drop my pediatrician in a heartbeat if he started on with that garbage. He would never do it, but I could see something like this happening with the group he is part of. That would force me out for sure.

[FaithManor]

I've never experienced anything quite that intrusive, but the boys are all teens now and they see a GP we like instead of the pediatrician we fired for screaming at me (no exaggeration) about the evils of homeschooling - his nurse came running because she thought something horrible had happened!

 

If I encountered such a form, I would answer that which I was comfortable answering, and put N/A beside the other questions. For security reasons, though we have hunting guns, I would NEVER disclose on such a form that we have them and where we keep them or the ammo. Too many eyes see those forms. However, since we are firm believers in seat belts, we'd answer honestly about that one. As for bike helmets, my kids have petitie heads for their ages - just like Dh - and we haven't found inexpensive bike helmets that fit. Since they have equestrian riding helmets from their horse days, they were those and frankly, they actually offer more brain stem protection than the kids' bike helmets I've seen on most kids. So, I'd answer that too. Since we remodeled our house, we had to bring some things up to code and smoke detectors in specific areas of the house all wired together to a main unit in the kitchen is code, we've got those too. Since it's a public building code, I wouldn't feel upset about answering it, though I think leaving it blank is okay too.

 

The GP brings up some general safety or health issues in non-intrusive, but informative ways. If we've already gone over something at a previous appointment, he marks a box on each form and then he'll say, "Okay, we've already done the information sheet on bike safety, so we don't need to talk about that again." He's never been inappropriate in any way. Mostly he just gives handouts and says, read this when you have a chance. There is some new information there that might be of interest to you. Nothing offensive.

 

So, my advice is to answer what your conscience allows, and leave blank that which you'd rather not answer or would prefer to talk about in person. Let the staff know that you will gladly talk about issues with the doctor, but since the entire staff has access for one reason or another to these forms, it feels like you don't have enough privacy that you're willing to answer all of the questions on paper. Smile nicely while saying it. Chances are, there won't be any problem.

 

Faith

[Luckymama]

Our doctor (family practitioner) verbally asks us those questions. I don't have a problem with it. I figure she asks the same exact questions of all of her patients and that some parents might actually benefit from new-to-them information.

 

She also talks to the older kids about sexual health and drug use. Again, I don't have a problem. I want my children to hear correct information from as many sources as possible!

[DawnM]

Yes, our doctor, a homeschool dad, asks those questions as they are standard.

[KungFuPanda]

I've never been asked any of these questions. They do seem invasive to ME. If I were a health care provider though, and spent half my time fixing things that could have been prevented with education, I guess I'd feel compelled to do SOMETHING proactive even if it offended a few middle class soccer moms.

 

I am conflicted. I can see both sides of this.

[sassenach]

Kaiser (a major medical provider in this part of the country) asks all of those questions. I don't think my doc would blink if I didn't answer them. The eating habit question did help open the door to my oldest's doc having a much needed conversation at her last visit.

[Susan in TN]

I have never answered questions like this for my children's pediatrician.

 

Me neither - and we've seen 3 different pediatricians in the last 2 years. I'd leave the ones you don't want to answer blank. If they are really necessary, you can have that conversation with the dr. in a better context, maybe?

[jrn]

The first half of the child well check appointments are the nurse asking all those questions and more. She inputs each answer into the computer. Any question that is answered "wrong" the doctor will review the question later in the appointment. ex. So you kids are out on your bikes this summer? Make sure to wear a helmet to protect your head. No shaming, just recommending. There are a few questions that I disagree with the "correct" answer and I tell the doctor this every year. He smiles and moves on to the next question.

[zoobie]

 

 

Our pediatrician handles this by giving out information:

 

They have a sheet that they go over with the parents on bike and helmet safety, gun safety, good nutrition and home safety. That is not intrusive and makes sure that parents are fully informed. They do not ask me questions about these things, though of course as they present the information I am free to ask questions to clarify things. If my child were to have G-I trouble or signs of pre-diabetes etc., I would expect further questions about what we eat. If my child were to show signs of allergens etc, then I would expect further information or questions on potential allergens in the home. I do see these blanket questions as intrusive and more importantly, not all that effective or helpful.

 

Do you read the sheet of paper though? I fold it up and stick it in my purse/diaper bag where it sits until I clean out my bag. Plus, you and I can read. Not all parents can. The handouts our ped gives are prepared by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

 

The pediatrician is the child's doctor. His/her responsibility is to the child. If the minute or so spent running down these questions helps the child stay safe and healthy, then I don't care if it makes the grown up uncomfortable. The doctor doesn't know if the adult care-giver is well-educated on child health issues or the biggest idiot on the planet.

 

If the state's age of medical consent is 14, then the doctor is required to ask patients 14+ if they consent to waiving their right to medical privacy by allowing another person in the exam room. Personal liberty and all that jazz. :)

[msjones]

Funny, I figured all doctors ask those questions. I've had them year after year -- they change as the kids get older to include new topics like drugs and sex and peer pressure.

 

I don't mind. In fact, I kind of appreciate it, because my kids get to hear someone else preach at them about safety and nutrition. They find out that, lo and behold!, mom isn't the only one who believes that a life including fruit-and-vegetables-and-plenty-of-sleep-and-not-playing-with-guns is beneficial.

 

Of course, it probably helps that we have had the same doctor for 12 years and we all really like her.

[LaCEmom]

I haven't been asked all of those questions, only some, but if I were I'd just roll my eyes, answer what I was comfortable with, put N/A for the rest, and try not to take any of it personally. The way I figure it, these kinds of forms/questions weren't designed for me anyway so why should I let them bother me. There obviously ARE parents out there who make poor decisions. Unfortunately the news reminds me of that far too often. The only way I'd be bothered enough to seek out a new doctor over this issue was if the dr or nurse really wanted to push any of the questions. Then I'd be annoyed. But IME even when I've answered a medical question "wrong" I've always had a logical reason for doing it my way. I tell the dr that and it's never been an issue. I wouldn't be too quick to judge a doctor or get upset over a form.

[Cricket]

I was given a form like that at a pediatrician's office once. I didn't answer anything I felt was too invasive or personal. The doctor did look the form over, saw I didn't fill it in, but then explained the dangers of each issue. I'm fine with them explaining. Just explain to everyone. Why put all that in my kid's record? I wouldn't immediately leave a practice just because the office has a form like that. I'd wait and see what the doctor's reaction was. Many doctors are very different from the front office staff!

[LaCEmom]

Just turn on Honey Boo Boo and ask yourself if her m other could benefit from that sort of questionnaire ;)

[Jennifer3141]

Just turn on Honey Boo Boo and ask yourself if her m other could benefit from that sort of questionnaire ;)

 

And rest safe in the knowledge that at least 40% of Americans are just that stupid. We saw kids out on a local HIGHWAY this weekend riding their bikes without helmets.

[elfgivas]

we made that transition 16 years ago now.... its a journey, for sure.

 

if you haven't already, you might consider reading bill bryson's "i'm a stranger here myself" (as released in the UK) or "notes from a big country" (as released in the USA). in short vignettes, it talks about his reintegration into american culture after 20 years abroad. i laughed til i cried.... but it also helped me feel not so alone in my reactions to things. stuff that bothered me didn't faze the americans around me, and it was good to know that others had felt the same way.

 

what felt like the constant use of the SSN (american SIN) and the questioning about race and the references to race were what set me back on my heels initially. and i still can't really talk about the INS/Homeland security without being ready to scream.... bill bryson's article on that captured the high/low points perfectly.

 

re the medical system..... folks here in the usa are much more concerned about being sued than they are back home. that's likely because the odds are much higher that they will be. but it means that they tiptoe around some things that a canadian doctor would just state simply, and ask more intrusive questions than you would expect. the other caution is that it has been our experience that they overstate what they want you to do, hoping that you will at least do something. eg. after surgery, they said, "make sure you walk every day".... a british friend of mine took that to mean, you know, like, walk.... so she was forcing herself to walk at a good pace for 45minutes to an hour, which is what a walk was for her. it turns out what her doctor meant was for her to get out of bed. truly. i also found that writing out symptoms, duration, etc reduced the cross-cultural confusion a lot. i hadn't expected it to be quite so different, but at least here in SoCal, it was/is. the classic canadian understatement is taken literally if i am speaking, but in writing doesn't come thru quite the same way.

 

good luck!

ann

[Joker]

We've lived in several different states from the west coast to the east coast, and I've only been asked a few of those questions and never in writing on a form.

[Whereneverever]

We see a family practice and have all those questions at well visits for the children.

[Kathryn]

I haven't been asked those questions on forms, but directly by the ped during the kids' annual physical. Yes, there have been kids that have been hurt by guns and not wearing helmets, but it is the job of the parents to decide what safety measures they want to use with their kids, as well as what they will be feeding them, not the doctor's, IMO.

 

Frankly, I'm sick of conflict with pediatricians, so I just answer their stupid questions and move on with my day.

 

 

This has been my experience as well.

[Alice]

We don’t use a form for people to fill out but I generally ask some of those questions. I ask everyone about bike safety, car seats and if they see a dentist (you’d be surprised how many kids don’t). I do it more in the way mentioned above, in a conversational way with the kid if old enough. The other docs in my office do the same thing. For diet and exercise I direct the conversation that way. So I’ll ask the parent if they think the child eats well and then ask the kid what their favorite food is, favorite fruit/veggie, etc. I’ll ask them what things they like to do at home. If I get a kid who can’t come up with an answer other than video games I might ask more about exercise or talk about screentime. If I have a kid who is overweight I’ll talk more in depth about activity and nutrition.

 

I think one thing that everyone should remember is that for every parent who comes in thinking “I wish the doctor would just do the exam and shut up about the lifestyle stuff,†there is another parent who comes and and ask the pediatrician “Please tell Johnny to wear a bike helmet (or buckle his seatbelt or eat his veggies or go to bed on time or stop watching TV) because he won’t listen to me but I know he’ll listen to you.†I hear that all the time. Personally, I find the notion that a kid will listen to a doctor he sees a handful of times a year at most when he won’t listen to his parents silly but there are people that want the check-up to be a time when those lifestyle things are heavily reinforced by the doctor. There are also patients whose parents aren’t using carseats, who haven’t been to the dentist despite a mouth full of cavities, who are very overweight and eating fast food, who never read books, etc. You can argue that those are all parenting choices but as a pediatrician we see our role as that of a child advocate. It can obviously be taken too far if the pediatrician becomes antagonistic to the parent but in a best case scenario we might be able to educate a parent who perhaps doesn’t know that a 5 year old should still be in a carseat.

 

If the questions make you uncomfortable just don't fill it out. Then see what they do with the answers. All of the things that you mentioned are ones that the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) recommends that we discuss at well child visits. From my standpoint it’s ridiculous as I have only 20 minutes for most visits and can’t even begin to cover all of that. It sounds like that practice is trying to follow the guidelines for what to discuss but in a more efficient way. Just because they give out the form though doesn’t mean that all the doctors in the office are going to necessarily except you to answer every question or to have the “right answerâ€. In my own practice there is some variation between doctors on how we handle these kind of parenting issues. I tend to be more “find what works for you and do itâ€. Some parents love that. Some don’t. One of my partners is much more of a checklist kind of doctor and much more of the “one right wayâ€. Some parents love that.

 

You do have a right to decline. Doctors do have a right to refuse non-emergent care, although we have to make sure you have time to find another doctor. I can't imagine though someone refusing to see you just for not filing out a form.

[Jean in Newcastle]

Do you read the sheet of paper though? I fold it up and stick it in my purse/diaper bag where it sits until I clean out my bag. Plus, you and I can read. Not all parents can. The handouts our ped gives are prepared by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

 

The pediatrician is the child's doctor. His/her responsibility is to the child. If the minute or so spent running down these questions helps the child stay safe and healthy, then I don't care if it makes the grown up uncomfortable. The doctor doesn't know if the adult care-giver is well-educated on child health issues or the biggest idiot on the planet.

 

If the state's age of medical consent is 14, then the doctor is required to ask patients 14+ if they consent to waiving their right to medical privacy by allowing another person in the exam room. Personal liberty and all that jazz. :)

 

I was explaining what my doctor does. Why are you arguing with that? Do you want me to march in there and demand that he give me a questionnaire? My pediatrician belongs to a very popular clinic in this area. I don't see reports of helmet-less children being run over or shot by unsecured handguns (though a couple of children an hour away have been in the news for that). My doctor talks to me as he hands me the literature. He doesn't preach but he doesn't interrogate either. He spends his time wisely and matches his information to his patients. He doesn't confuse himself with a social worker. Not coincidentally, he is one of the top pediatricians around and gives excellent health care.

 

OP - go to a doctor you are comfortable with. I really like what someone far up-thread (can't remember who, sorry) who said to interview doctors to find one who gives the kind of healthcare that you want for your children.

[albeto]

I think one thing that everyone should remember is that for every parent who comes in thinking “I wish the doctor would just do the exam and shut up about the lifestyle stuff,†there is another parent who comes and and ask the pediatrician “Please tell Johnny to wear a bike helmet (or buckle his seatbelt or eat his veggies or go to bed on time or stop watching TV) because he won’t listen to me but I know he’ll listen to you.â€

 

Good point. There are also parents who hear these questions and are grateful to the doc for doing his/her part to keep our (collective, the community) kids safe. My taxes pay for the ER visits of kids who don't wear helmets and seat belts, but more importantly, these are kids we're talking about. Not money, not privacy, actual children who are vulnerable to accidents and not every parent is aware of every issue. Also, the more we know about mental health the more we can address, and hopefully prevent some life-long challenges. The idea that these questions are an insult to one's privacy seems paranoid to me.

[LibraryLover]

We've been at the same pedi practice for about 22 years. They know us, we know them. Our pedi has asked certain questions in the past, and we have filled out forms for their insurance records. They are what I would consider basic health and safety questions, and I do not find them intrusive. How often does your infant breastfeed? How much formula does your baby consume daily? Have you started your infant on solid food? Does your child wear a bike helmet when riding? If your family owns a gun, is it stored out of reach of children? (Can't remember the exact wording, honestly). Does your child use a carseat/booster seat/seat belt? What are your child's favorite foods? Does your child eat yogurt or cheese? How much milk and juice does your child drink? Do you have any particular concerns about your child?

 

Teens fill out their own checklist. (They are not essay questions.) Have you been sexually active or had unprotected sex? Have you ever been bullied? Do you have concerns about nutrition? Do you text and drive? Do you wear a seat belt? etc I think these are legitimate safety & health issues for pedis.

 

The gun question here does not ask where exactly in the house you store your guns and ammo. Just a question that seems a reminder to keep them out of the hands of small children. I have also seen the question, "If you own firearms, have you or your children taken a firearms safety course? " Again, not sure of the wording, but they were not asking for a map of the house, and specific gun storage areas.

[CourtneyBrooke]

I would never answer those questions on a form. Particularly the gun one. It's just not safe to have an entire office of people who live near someone to know where they store their guns.

 

If the doctor would like to discuss any of those questions with me, I would welcome it. If not, he's not going to find out. If he refuses me as a patient, I will happily find another one.

 

We should all discuss with our children how we want them to answer any of the above questions. I have instructed my children what they should say in the above cases, so they don't surprise me with anything strange or inappropriate!