How to Share Your Child’s Doctor Visit With Other Caregivers

When one person attends a child’s appointment, others may need a clear handoff. Share only what each person needs to help, and consider your child’s privacy and preferences.

Make a short handoff

• What was discussed: the concerns raised and what the clinician said.
• The plan: instructions for home and any written plan from the care team.
• Next steps: appointments, referrals, forms, and who is responsible for each.
• Questions: anything that needs clarification and the care team’s contact information.

For school or childcare, ask the clinician which instructions or forms are appropriate to share. Do not assume a general summary replaces an official care plan or school form.

Check details before sharing

Review names, dates, and instructions against the clinician’s written materials. If a detail is missing or conflicting, contact the care team. Choose a sharing method appropriate for sensitive information, and check with the other parent or your child when appropriate.

A visit summary can help you remember a conversation. It may contain mistakes or omissions, so confirm important details with the clinician.

More support for your family

VisitAssist can help you remember what was discussed at your child’s appointment. See how VisitAssist works for parents. Review any summary against your clinician’s instructions; summaries can contain mistakes or leave things out.

Questions to ask at your child’s appointment · Prepare for a well-child visit · Share a visit with caregivers · Questions after a sick visit