Is this normal for drs to ask?

[Shellydon]

The only questions we've been asked is the seat belt one. I would decline the answer the ones you've listed.

[LibraryLover]

Since we have obesity and bullying issues in our society, the question of screen time is legit, imo. Unmonitored smartphones and computers in bedrooms make it easier for bullying to happen. Great amounts screen time might mean the child is less active (and not getting proper sleep). Throw lots of junk food and soda into the mix, that makes it a health issue, and all- too -common.

 

If folks don't want to answer them, then they don't, but I think a pedi asking them is appropriate. Even the best pedis can't remember everything about each child, so a paper trail to review makes sense to me.

[SailorMom]

I understand the "why" behind the questions, and I do think some are legitimate (bike helmets and seat belts), but I have a friend who is now raising young children (mine are teens - this was not as prevalent when they were little) who gets asked ridiculously private info and then is told how to parent. Well - the problem is, these docs/shrinks/etc. change their minds all the time. Not about the basic safety stuff, but say things like how long for time outs, or when solid food is introduced, or whether kids should be exposed to possible allergens at a young age. Anyway - the "They" are so sure they are right, even though usually every 4 or 5 years they do a switcheroo and pretend that they never thought otherwise. I especially love the fact that some of my friends are being lectured about good parenting by docs with no children, lol.

That's why older parents are frequently seen as parenting 'badly' by their younger peers.

So - other than the really basic stuff (gee - if the diaper is wet, change it; don't use talcum powder on their bums, etc.) I think the "They" should stick to medicine.

[HRAAB]

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

 

Laura

 

 

I always wonder how we compare to some of the 'socialist countries'? An acquaintance from Australia has commented on feeling her privacy was being invaded during a drs visit here in the US - not something she had experienced at home.

 

I just took my dd to the doctor last month, and some of these questions were on the form. I was surprised because I had never seen them before. About bike helmets though, I remember being asked that by the doctor probably 10 to 15 years ago. Anyway, I answered what was asked; we've been going to the same clinic for years, and I don't feel I have anything to hide. At the same, there was the feeling that maybe they were going a little too far, but there wasn't anything asked that I would refuse to answer. I could see how they were related to health and safety, however, if they crossed that point in my mind, I wouldn't answer.

[LibraryLover]

The personal stuff, and I don't know what that was...have you been sexually active/or against your will, have you been bullied?...are not too personal, imo, for a Dr to ask a young teen. If a child is at risk, the pedi can give a mental health referral if needed.

 

I too would not answer questions I thought were 'going too far'. Thankfully that hasn't happened. Our pedi doesn't ask young children such questions.

 

ETA: Our pedi does ask about bullying starting around 7 or so. We have been seeing the same pedi for about 18 years, and have been in the practice for longer, as I mentioned. There aren't that many questions left for her to ask. lol

[HRAAB]

Since we have obesity and bullying issues, the question of screen time is legit, imo. Unmonitored smartphones and computers in bedrooms make it easier for bullying to happen. Great amounts screen time might mean the child is less active (and not getting proper sleep). Throw lots of junk food and soda into the mix, that makes it a health issue, and all- too -common.

 

If folks don't want to answer them, then they don't, but I think a pedi asking them is appropriate. Even the best pedis can't remember everything about each child, so a paper trail to review makes sense to me.

 

 

See, that makes sense to me. If the explanation is reasonable, I wouldn't mind answering.

[SunnyDays]

I agree that a lot of it is about the phrasing. There's a world of difference, for example, between:

 

"If you own firearms, are they stored securely away from children?" Vs. "if you own firearms, please list how many, where they are stored and how they are secured."

 

The first, I'd be happy to provide a yes or no answer. The second is far overstepping.

 

 

[Rivka]

I guess that I take a holistic view of health, so I want my doctor to have a holistic view of health as well. I don't mind at all when he asks about things I already know are important, like sunscreen (my kids are fishbelly white) and physical activity. It confirms that he and I are on the same page and gives me confidence that he knows how kids stay healthy. I like that he cares about my kids' wellness, and not just their absence of overt symptoms of illness.

[Alte Veste Academy]

I guess that I take a holistic view of health, so I want my doctor to have a holistic view of health as well. I don't mind at all when he asks about things I already know are important, like sunscreen (my kids are fishbelly white) and physical activity. It confirms that he and I are on the same page and gives me confidence that he knows how kids stay healthy. I like that he cares about my kids' wellness, and not just their absence of overt symptoms of illness.

 

As I said, I do not object to being asked, in a conversational way, during the course of an appointment, about lifestyle choices that impact health. (And if I happen to disagree with the doc's POV, what a great opportunity to model for my children how to respectfully challenge an authority figure! :D) But impersonal questionnaires that serve as checklists are, imo, not in keeping with a holistic philosophy of patient care on the part of a doctor. I am absolutely a believer in a holistic view of health. My favorite doctor was one who asked openly about my sleep habits, stress relief, my diet (even recommended books after we had a lovely chat about what constitutes healthy eating!), etc. To me, however, that means you care about me as a whole person, worthy of a 5 minute chat instead of a generic check-box form. (And, yes, I get that there are time/financial limitations, but still.) I find it off-putting. Like "check this box if you need a lecture" instead of any kind of genuine interest in my well-being. Paperwork doesn't have facial expressions, inflection, meaningful pauses or glances...

 

ETA: I do think the same type of form could be used in a slightly modified way. It could provide a list of health/safety issues and ask if you would like the doc to talk to you and/or your child about any of them.

[Laura Corin]

 

I always wonder how we compare to some of the 'socialist countries'? An acquaintance from Australia has commented on feeling her privacy was being invaded during a drs visit here in the US - not something she had experienced at home.

 

 

 

I found going to the doctor in the US rather invasive: it was all about the form-filling involved in insurance. In the UK, you fill in a general health form when you go to a new doctor (from memory it asks about previous illnesses, births and operations as well as ongoing medication). Thereafter, when you visit the doctor, there are no forms to fill in - you walk up to the receptionist, say that you are 'Laura Corin with an appointment for 10.30', are asked to sit down, then the doctor comes and finds you. No forms.

 

I went to see a specialist at the local hospital last month. Again, no forms: the only form I filled in was a (voluntary) permission for my anonymised data to be used for a study they are conducting.

 

L

[Alte Veste Academy]

In the UK, you fill in a general health form when you go to a new doctor (from memory it asks about previous illnesses, births and operations as well as ongoing medication). Thereafter, when you visit the doctor, there are no forms to fill in - you walk up to the receptionist, say that you are 'Laura Corin with an appointment for 10.30', are asked to sit down, then the doctor comes and finds you. No forms.

 

I'm sure we do use more forms overall, but the above is how it is for every doctor the kids and/or I have ever seen here. They will ask you when you sign in if any information has changed (or have a box to check about that on a sign-in sheet), but there are no more forms after the first appointment.

[Laura Corin]

I'm sure we do use more forms overall, but the above is how it is for every doctor the kids and/or I have ever seen here. They will ask you when you sign in if any information has changed (or have a box to check about that on a sign-in sheet), but there are no more forms after the first appointment.

 

 

That makes sense - I think I was remembering filling in endless forms whilst suffering from an extreme earache, which was at an emergency clinic, not at a doctor where I was registered. I haven't had to go to a UK hospital as an emergency case, so I don't know what they would ask for then - presumably some kind of medical history.

 

L

[Kathryn]

 

 

I'm sure we do use more forms overall, but the above is how it is for every doctor the kids and/or I have ever seen here. They will ask you when you sign in if any information has changed (or have a box to check about that on a sign-in sheet), but there are no more forms after the first appointment.

 

 

Really? Every doctor we go to has us fill out a new form every calendar year.

[LibraryLover]

We have to do a check sheet each year as well. They also ask if anything has changed; addy, phone #, ER visits etc.

[Catherine]

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.

 

 

I'm a doctor for adults. There is nothing irrelevant about these questions! In my old office, we asked patients how many partners they had had in the past 12 months. Only if the answer was more than one were they then asked about unprotected sex.

 

Given the epidemic levels of STDs in our population, it would be irresponsible to not ask.

 

When accidents and suicide are the commonest causes of death in some age groups, it is tantamount to negligence to not make some assessment of the risk in a given household. There is no question that seat belt use and bike helmet use saves children's lives. Yes it's a free country, and you are free to expose your child to these risks if you want to, but you may not be free from ever having your choice pointed out to you.

[Alte Veste Academy]

Really? Every doctor we go to has us fill out a new form every calendar year.

 

I'm racking my brain here... At the my doctor and the kids' ped that we used for the 7 years before we moved here, no. And nothing ever changed (same insurance, address, etc.). Now, in that time, I might have filled in a new form once or twice, but no way it was yearly. I don't see a yearly update form as a big deal though. Not like it is an unreasonable mountain of paperwork.

[Berta]

 

I'm a doctor for adults. There is nothing irrelevant about these questions! In my old office, we asked patients how many partners they had had in the past 12 months. Only if the answer was more than one were they then asked about unprotected sex.

 

Given the epidemic levels of STDs in our population, it would be irresponsible to not ask.

 

When accidents and suicide are the commonest causes of death in some age groups, it is tantamount to negligence to not make some assessment of the risk in a given household. There is no question that seat belt use and bike helmet use saves children's lives. Yes it's a free country, and you are free to expose your child to these risks if you want to, but you may not be free from ever having your choice pointed out to you.

 

Just because you choose not to answer the questions doesn't mean that you don't make your kid wear a seat belt or a helmet. If the doctor feels that XX needs to be brought up at a certain age, then do so to ALL parents that come into the office. But don't assume that because a parent values their privacy that it means they are guilty of exposing their child to risks. This harkens back to the "if you have nothing to hide" argument. Sorry, it's my right to NOT answer questions I feel are an invasion of my privacy and it most certainly does not mean I am "guilty" of anything.

 

I absolutely will not answer any of those types of questions, written or verbal.

[Kathryn]

 

 

I'm racking my brain here... At the my doctor and the kids' ped that we used for the 7 years before we moved here, no. And nothing ever changed (same insurance, address, etc.). Now, in that time, I might have filled in a new form once or twice, but no way it was yearly. I don't see a yearly update form as a big deal though. Not like it is an unreasonable mountain of paperwork.

 

None of our information has changed either, and with the amount of doctors, therapists, and specialists we visit, it is really annoying. At some offices, it is just a couple of pages, but at others it can run 10 pages or more.

[LucyStoner]

I don't mind the questions but I would assume the paper was just a jumping off point for discussion. We've used the same ped for 7 years now. We have never filled out a form with those questions but all of it has been asked and answered in conversation (and I assume some recorded in the patient file). I don't find it intrusive. It's the boys' doctor, not a random stranger or the piano teacher or busybody.

 

If you think that's extensive you should see the questionnaire from my ND. But again, it just goes to a holistic approach to health and wellness. If I didn't want that sort of care I'd find someone else to see.

[liber]

Thanks for all your replies.

 

this Dr. was recomended by another homeschooler as I am looking for a Dr. that is not going to push vaccinations. I referred the Dr.'s info to my husband's colleagues wife as she was looking for a similar kind of DR. She went and really liked this Dr. The doctor was supportive or her not vaccinating and extended breastfeeding etc.

 

I have never had a doctor ask me about bike helmets and seat belt use. I have probably been asked about eating habits. Whether I thought the kids were good eaters.

 

I don't really mind answering some of these questions as long as they were asked in a getting-to-know-you type of conversation. If I had concerns about their eating habits,I wouldn't have a problem them asking more specific questions.

 

I have a problem with these questions being on a form that will go in their medical files.

 

I'm just going to fill out the questions I feel comfortable answering and either write n/a or leave the question blank and if a big deal is made of it then I will discuss my concerns with the doctor then.

[msjones]

I guess I just assume that the invasion of certain elements of privacy is part going to the doctor.

 

If I'm seeking help and advice regarding my health or my child's health, I just assume they'll ask some potentially uncomfortable health-related questions. It doesn't bother me.

 

A school asking me those questions would bother me. But not a doctor.

[chicagoshannon]

These questions are becoming more common because of Obamacare. Answer what you feel necessary and leave it at that. If the doctor won't. See you then find another one.

[Aspasia]

I fill out a form like that every year for each kid. It doesn't bother me. I guess I don't understand why it matters. A pediatrician's job is to ensure the health and safety of his/her patients, and that involves all of those things. They're not asking those questions to judge you or for any reason other than to make sure that you are aware of the general safety recommendations. It doesn't have to be an insult to your parenting intelligence. Just remember that not all parents read books and magazines and frequent parenting forums. Some parents actually do need to hear this information, and the questionnaire just gives the doc an opportunity to address it. I just smile and nod during that part of the appointment. Even when I disagree with something the ped is telling me, I just smile and nod. If I've made my decisions thoughtfully and I'm confident in them, I don't feel like I need to discuss my philosophical differences with the pediatrician.

 

Smile and nod. Smile and nod. It really isn't worth getting cagey about, IMO.

 

[zoobie]

 

 

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.

 

 

Good gravy. I wasn't arguing with YOU. This is a discussion forum. I used your post as a jumping off point. My ped gives out handouts too, as I said. I don't think handouts are an effective substitute for the questionnaire or discussion as a general policy.

[Luanne]

I would go to a different doctor. The things you mentioned are none of the doctor's business. I can't believe they even think they have a right to ask questions like that.

[Cricket]

 

I always wonder how we compare to some of the 'socialist countries'? An acquaintance from Australia has commented on feeling her privacy was being invaded during a drs visit here in the US - not something she had experienced at home.

 

 

 

When we had private insurance, I was asked these questions. When we had coverage throug the state (Medicaid), I wasn't asked them. Before my experience, I would have thought it would have been the opposite.

[Aspasia]

 

 

When we had private insurance, I was asked these questions. When we had coverage throug the state (Medicaid), I wasn't asked them. Before my experience, I would have thought it would have been the opposite.

 

We've always had private insurance and always had the questions. I don't think it has anything to do with how you pay for your doctor visits. It probably has everything to do with the practice. Different doctors have different ideas about what their due diligence is.

[HRAAB]

When we had private insurance, I was asked these questions. When we had coverage throug the state (Medicaid), I wasn't asked them. Before my experience, I would have thought it would have been the opposite.

 

I would think the questions would be more invasive if on Medicaid, too. Hmmmm......

[Catherine]

These questions are becoming more common because of Obamacare. Answer what you feel necessary and leave it at that. If the doctor won't. See you then find another one.

 

This is completely and utterly without any basis! The Affordable Care Act has absolutely zero to do with primary care providers questioning patients about public health measures. ACA addresses payment for care and for insurance. Period.

 

What I am seeing in this thread is disturbing, but not surprising. The goals of public health have always been greeted with suspicion by some members of the public. I really don't believe that providers are going to turn patients away who do not complete their forms. Many people make that choice. All one does by refusing to answer is avoid a conversation with the provider about one or another public health measure. But the level of paranoia I'm hearing in this thread is...disturbing.

 

Reminds me of the guy who accosted me in line today at Motor Vehicle Administration to inform me that "there are 79 confirmed Communists in Congress!" I kid you not!

[Aspasia]

 

 

This is completely and utterly without any basis! The Affordable Care Act has absolutely zero to do with primary care providers questioning patients about public health measures. ACA addresses payment for care and for insurance. Period.

 

What I am seeing in this thread is disturbing, but not surprising. The goals of public health have always been greeted with suspicion by some members of the public. I really don't believe that providers are going to turn patients away who do not complete their forms. Many people make that choice. All one does by refusing to answer is avoid a conversation with the provider about one or another public health measure. But the level of paranoia I'm hearing in this thread is...disturbing.

 

Reminds me of the guy who accosted me in line today at Motor Vehicle Administration to inform me that "there are 79 confirmed Communists in Congress!" I kid you not!

 

I couldn't agree more! I don't understand the suspicion. What exactly do people think these doctors are going to do with their responses? They're just conveying information. I think they use the questionnaire as a vehicle because it requires an action on the part of a parent, whereas, information sheets are easily tucked into the diaper bag and forgotten. Really not a big deal.

[Jennifer3141]

These questions are becoming more common because of Obamacare.

 

 

You are 100% wrong on this. But you're welcome to live like that. And best of luck to you. You are going to need it.

[Luanne]

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."

 

Unless it seems like your child/ren are getting hurt a lot, I think the doctors shouldn't assume you are stupid and don't know how to raise your child/ren. That is just my opinion though.

[Anne in CA]

My son just had his wisdom teeth out and I felt the doctor's office asked all kinds of questions that were not their business, especially since they did not pertain to the matter at hand, so I told the receptionist that I was not answering those and she was very nice about it. The questions all pertained to our financial situation. I told the receptionist that I knew more than I would like to about identity theft through medical files and she gave me a puppy dog look and dropped it totally.

[kwickimom]

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?

 

 

 

No I haven't been asked those and if I was I would not answer most of them. I do not need a document listing where my guns and ammo are. NO ONES business but my own.

[hillfarm]

We live in a small, rural community where everyone knows everyone else. The last time I took my then 13yo dd in, the Dr. didn't ask about guns, but congratulated her on her recent win at a local shotgun competition. He knows we have guns and comprehends the fact that she has her own ammo, which she has decided where to locate. The last time he asked what her favorite foods were was when she was 3. She proudly reported to him, "Cake, bacon and suckers!" He hasn't had the nerve to ask again.

 

I feel strongly that medical Drs. should practice medicine and psychologists or social workers should practice evaluating parenting skills. If I take dd to the Dr. for a health issue, it would really tick me off to waste precious time answering questions not relevant to the health problem at hand. And the flip side of that coin, I would certainly not expect a psychologist to ask questions related to dd's medical health - it is easy to see that he would not have adequate training to correctly interpret my answers or render any diagnosis. So why should I respect a medical doctor's perception of my parenting?

 

My dh has worked in several medical facilities, very closely with many Drs., some good, others not so much. But none of them were infallible nor were any of them any better than any other professional when working outside their area of training and specialization. The concept of "I'm an MD, therefore I know more about good parenting than you do" is abhorent to me. More about setting a broken bone, more about which medication will get rid of her congestion most effectively? Absolutely. What she should eat, whether we should have guns and ammo and where we should keep them, whether my teen agrees with my parenting rules and consequences, no thanks. I'll raise my child without outside intervention. Not from schools, doctors, or any other self proclaimed authority, because as others have pointed out, their incontrovertable "facts" frequently change and what is considered perfectly fine parenting today will be vilified tomorrow and rediscovered as wisdom from the ages a few years later. I will not have my parenting influenced by such changing winds.

[Jean in Newcastle]

 

 

I feel strongly that medical Drs. should practice medicine and psychologists or social workers should practice evaluating parenting skills. If I take dd to the Dr. for a health issue, it would really tick me off to waste precious time answering questions not relevant to the health problem at hand. And the flip side of that coin, I would certainly not expect a psychologist to ask questions related to dd's medical health - it is easy to see that he would not have adequate training to correctly interpret my answers or render any diagnosis. So why should I respect a medical doctor's perception of my parenting?

 

 

 

 

Precisely. Fortunately, as I said upthread somewhere, I have a doctor who actually limits his practice to medicine other than the occasional non-invasive information tidbit.

[twoxcell]

I have never heard of anything like that. :huh:

[twoxcell]

I just wanted to add that our Doctor has asked some of those types of questions during an actual Well Check up for the kids(i.e. bike helmets, car seat safety, exercise etc.), but never on a form.

[DianeW88]

Those are generally new patient or annual physical questions. Some offices use forms, some doctors just ask the questions they feel are relevant during the exam. You don't have to answer them if you don't want to. They don't have to accept you as a patient if they don't want to. Some offices are persnickety about the forms and questions, some could give a rat's patootie if you answer them or not. If your doctor is one of the persnickety ones, he or she may refuse to accept you as a new patient if you don't fill out all the forms appropriately.

[Alice]

 

I feel strongly that medical Drs. should practice medicine and psychologists or social workers should practice evaluating parenting skills. If I take dd to the Dr. for a health issue, it would really tick me off to waste precious time answering questions not relevant to the health problem at hand. And the flip side of that coin, I would certainly not expect a psychologist to ask questions related to dd's medical health - it is easy to see that he would not have adequate training to correctly interpret my answers or render any diagnosis. So why should I respect a medical doctor's perception of my parenting?

 

 

I get that the lifestyle kinds of questions can get ridiculous. I also get that too many doctors have the attitude that being a doctor means that they are an expert in parenting. As soon as I had my first son I told people I should make a list of all the parents I needed to call and apologize for the ridiculous or inflexible parenting advice I gave before I actually had kids of my own. I’m a much better pediatrician now that I have kids, simply because I know that all kids are different and there is more than one way to do almost everything.

 

However, I’d object to the idea that the kinds of questions mentioned here are not at all related to health. You may be thinking about the other kinds of issues but many of the kinds of questions relate to 1) potential accidents or 2) nutrition/exercise. The leading cause of death for all age groups 1-44 is accidental injury. For those 5-44 years old, it’s by far car accidents. For kids (age 0-20) in 2010, that meant almost 9000 deaths from car accidents. There were 1500 drowning deaths in that same age group, 207 unintentional firearm deaths in that age group, 3200 accidental poisoning deaths, 273 deaths after accidental falls, 435 accidental deaths from fires in that age group. (All data is from WISQARS)

 

Looking at carseats alone, NHTSA data suggests that using a carseat correctly reduces the risk of death for infants by 71% and for kids ages 1-4 by 54% and reduce injury in kids 5-8 by 59%. The way I see it is that I probably impact the life of my patients more by asking about carseats than I do by giving them the an antibiotic for their ear infection.

 

I also think that for kids at least these kinds of questions are usually being asked and addressed at the yearly check-up or physical. I’ve never asked a parent who was coming in for her toddler’s cold symptoms about whether or not their home has smoke detectors. But I might ask it as at a check-up when we are talking more about global health.

[kroe1]

Since the number one cause of death of children in certain age groups is accidents, then many of those questions are medically relevant. Obviously, nutrition questions would be medically relevant also. I, personally do not like those kind of questions, but I do not have problem with a physician asking them.

[Aspasia]

 

 

No I haven't been asked those and if I was I would not answer most of them. I do not need a document listing where my guns and ammo are. NO ONES business but my own.

 

There's that paranoia again. Seriously?

 

 

Unless it seems like your child/ren are getting hurt a lot, I think the doctors shouldn't assume you are stupid and don't know how to raise your child/ren. That is just my opinion though.

 

This is the problem. People are so defensive about it. The doctor asking you these questions does not mean he assumes you are stupid and don't know how to raise your children. I don't view this as an insult to my intelligence. Some parents don't know what you and I consider basic parenting information. For their benefit, I can answer a few simple questions and nod along while the doctor gives his schpiel. It just isn't that big of a deal.

[NicAnn]

These questions are becoming more common because of Obamacare. Answer what you feel necessary and leave it at that. If the doctor won't. See you then find another one.

 

I oppose Affordable care act for a lot of reasons and don't much care for Obama, but that is totally untrue. People have been asked these questions long before Obama even came on the scene.

 

For what it's worth, I worked with a low income ped clinic, and those forms were standard. We saw a lot of abuse, and foster kids, so I assumed it had to do with that. I find it intrusive personally.

[Um_2_4]

I have received lectures about the school thing as well. :sneaky2:

I have yet to find a pedi I am comfortable with. I am limited (we have private HMO through DH work) choices in drs in my county.

There is a lot of info that is not needed in medical files. If the dr wants to ask questions and offer advice based on that, fine.

But not a "formal" questionnaire. And the gun thing is just basic safety protocols. Too many eyes see those files and not all are people that I would tag "trustworthy". I was taught that you NEVER tell others IF you have guns at all in your house. Only those residing in the house need to know.

As far as the other things (seat belts,helmets)... I don't care.

It is the more personal choices. Like schooling/rules/household procedures, that are not a MEDICAL drs business. If they see signs of abuse, I understand they are required to report. But if no signs of abuse, then not up to them. If I don't want to discuss s@x ed with my kids till 12-13, that is my business, not theirs. If I teach abstinence and they want to discuss birth control (for non-medical reasons) that is NOT up to the DR. But the "advice" they might offer my kids, may go against our household policies/belief system, kwim.

Anyways, we only go in case of illness/injury. Do any kids go for annual check ups after 6-7??? They never mentioned it to me after the 5yo wellness visit.