Your child’s attendance

Your child’s attendance at their appointments is needed:

Medicare rules insist that a rebate claim can only be made if the provider “attends on the patient” and meets various other requirements in that “attendance”. This means that your child must be at the appointment, be observable by and able to interact with (as much as possible) their doctor.

Beyond that, there are important clinical, health and developmental reasons why your child’s participation in their appointment is important.

The associated paediatric specialists are skilled in building trust and helping your child feel at ease. They will communicate sensitively regarding your child's development and feelings and assess your child's needs and best interests in line with their professional obligations and judgement. They will speak with, observe and examine your child; ask you and your child (where possible) about their "history" (medical, developmental, social); discuss and consider your expectations, questions and concerns. Following their assessment, they will discuss their diagnosis, which may be provisional or undecided between several (differential) diagnoses. They may recommend a management plan that includes further tests, reviews, therapies, or medications. Often, several appointments are needed.

Older children and adolescents can provide vital input and benefit from participating in discussions about results, medications, and their healthcare generally.

Children enjoy and benefit from building positive relationships with clinicians and staff.

What if I need to speak with the doctor without my child being present?

Advise practice staff or your doctor if you feel it is important to limit your child’s exposure to some of the discussions with your doctor. Some parents send a brief email outlining their concerns.

However, parents should keep in mind that children and adolescents will typically be aware when their parents talk about them. They may feel uncomfortable or upset by their parents' and doctors' perceived negativity and being talked about. Our paediatricians have extensive experience and training in working sensitively with children and will be understanding and tactful with their young patients.

We aim to help your child enjoy their visit, experience a welcoming atmosphere and have fun with age-appropriate toys and activities. Happy, occupied children often allow parents the space to talk with their doctors.

What if parents wish to have an appointment without the child?

Very occasionally, a parent may attend an appointment alone, but only when agreed upon in advance by your doctor; this may be agreed upon in situations where the child is well known to your doctor and because of the child’s condition. Parents may obtain a separate referral for themselves to see the specialist, thereby avoiding higher out-of-pocket costs.