Asking questions can help you make an informed decision when choosing a healthcare provider. It is important to know the answers to these questions before starting treatment with a primary care clinician so you know what your responsibilities are and what to expect. Below are some suggestions of questions to ask your primary care clinician, a pediatrician or family practice physician, and you will most likely have more of your own. Make sure to make a list of the ones that are important to you when contacting or meeting with the provider.

• Do you prefer a doctor whose communication style is friendly and warm, or more formal?
• Do you prefer a doctor focused on disease treatment, or wellness and prevention?

A. Practices and Policies

• Does the clinic use email?
• Does the clinic have a care coordinator, case manager or social worker?
• Does the clinic have a parent partner or provide parent-to-parent support?
• Will my main doctor see me after hours or during hospitalizations, or will I be referred to a new doctor on call?
• Does the clinic have a social worker or ask about mental health?
• Does the clinic follow the Medical Home Model? (See our About Medical Home page.)

B. Financial

• Does the clinic help with submitting claims to insurance?
• If out of state or city, can you recommend lodging or do you have a discount plan with a nearby lodging establishment?

A. Practices and Policies

• If my child should ever develop a complex illness that necessitates the care of one or more specialists, will the doctor coordinate care among all the specialists and providers?
• Does the doctor have a conservative or aggressive approach to treatment?
• Does the doctor order a lot of tests?
• Does the doctor refer to other specialists frequently or infrequently?
• Does the clinic have experience helping tube-dependent children wean from a feeding tube?

B. Financial

• What managed-care programs does the doctor participate in?
• Can I submit a claim for payment if my provider doesn’t?

• How easy is it to get in touch with the doctor and nurses?
• Is the office staff friendly and helpful?
• Do you take parents’ information about the child into consideration?