If your child has a new diagnosis or procedure, never worry that you are asking too many questions.

If you can, bring somebody with you to take notes. It is hard concentrating on spoken information and note taking at the same time.

Don’t rush. You are not taking up too much time. You are entitled to all of the information that you need to feel informed and help put your child at ease.

If English is not your first language be sure to ask your medical team what translator services are available for your language. There are also translation apps available on your phone. 

Here are some sample questions that you may want to ask before surgery or a procedure:

• How long will the operation or procedure take?
• What are the risks involved?
• What kinds of medical equipment will be used?
• What does that equipment look/sound/feel like?
• What will happen just before the procedure?
• What will be expected of my child?
• How long will my child have to go without eating beforehand?
• Is there any prep that is required of my child before the procedure? Any special dietary restrictions the night before?
• Is there any medication that should /should not be taken prior to the procedure (or the days leading up to/ or following the procedure)?
• Will my child be awake during the procedure?
• If so, how long will my child be awake before the procedure?
• What will be expected of me?
• Will I need to leave the procedure room?
• Will I be with my child when he/she wakes up?
• How will my child feel when he/she wakes up?
• Will my child be in pain? If so, how will it be managed?
• How long will it take for the anesthesia to wear off?
• How long will my child need to stay in the hospital?
• What medications will my child need to take?
• Are there any side effects of those medications?
• How long will it be until my child can go back to school?
• Will my child need to restrict his/her daily activities?

Download pdf of sample questions.

Here are some sample questions that you may want to ask about a diagnosis:

• What type of illness does my child have?
• Does this illness have a cure?
• What are the long-term ramifications/future predispositions that come with this illness or come about as a result of the treatments and how will this be monitored or how can this be minimized?
• Is there any dietary/nutritional support that can help my child?
• How many patients have you treated with this type of illness?
• What treatments are considered the gold standard for my child’s illness and what other options do I have?
• Does this facility have access to all of these treatments?
• If not where are these treatments located?
• Are there other possible treatments that are not available at this facility?
• What are the pros and cons and side effects of these treatment options?
• Are these treatments covered by my insurance plan?
• Are there any more tests that need to be done before starting treatment?
• What tests will determine how my child’s disease responds to the treatment?
• How long will the treatment last?
• Are there any side effects associated with these treatments?
• What signs or symptoms should I bring to your attention to help you follow my child’s treatment and evaluate their response to treatment?
• When speaking with other healthcare providers, how do I describe my child’s condition/treatment? Do I need to alert the school of any issues relating to this illness/condition?

Download pdf of sample questions.