1. Please provide the following information at every call: Your child's name (spelling the last name), date of birth, an unblocked telephone number with area code, your child's primary office of record, and a brief history of the problem.
   
   
2. Give the most important information first and try to be brief. For example, "My child has had a fever of 101 under the arm and vomiting six times a day for two days."
   
   
3. A parent's intuition is very important. If you feel very nervous about your child's condition, say so. If you believe that your child looks well despite his present symptoms, report that also.
   
   
4. Report any chronic illnesses your child has, such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease, any immunizations (shots) recently received, and any medications or other treatments your child is presently receiving.
   
   
5. If medicines are prescribed, report any allergies that your child is known to have.
   
   
6. Before calling, be aware of which children's medicines are available in your home.
   
   
7. If a medical visit is not necessary, at the completion of your call you should understand the most likely cause of your child's condition, which medicines or treatments should be given, and what signs or symptoms to watch for. You should also understand under what circumstances you should all the office back.
   
   
8. If you don't understand the instructions given by the doctor or nurse, ask to have them repeated.
   
   
9. If you are instructed to come to the office or to go to the emergency room, obtain travel instructions before leaving home. When traveling in a car, even during an emergency, drive slowly and carefully, and use a restraining car seat for your child. If you feel too nervous to drive, call a friend or a taxi. If an ambulance is needed, the nurse may be able to call it for you.

• Guidelines for Calling
  with Problems

• Peabody Phone
   System