Questions To Ask Your Provider

When you first learn that your baby may have a medical issue, the following are sample questions that can help you when speaking with medical providers and pediatric specialists. If you have additional questions that are not covered below, feel free to reach out to your dedicated care coordinator at Phoenix Children’s.

• How many procedures were performed at Phoenix Children’s in the past year?
• How much experience does the doctor or surgeon have with this procedure?
• What are the resulting outcomes of this procedure at Phoenix Children’s, and how do these results compare to other hospitals?
• What are the most likely complications that my child may face, and how frequently could those complications happen?
• Does Phoenix Children’s share its outcomes with national data programs, such as the STS Database or Impact Registry to help improve care? If yes, is this information available to the public and where?
• From preparation and treatment to recovery, how many days will my child be hospitalized?
• What are my options for when, where and how my baby will be delivered?
• Will I be able to hold my baby before or after the procedure?
• Will I be able to breastfeed my baby after delivery and again after surgery?
• Will my baby have feeding issues or need a special diet?
• What support is available for me and my family? Does Phoenix Children’s provide financial, nutritional and mental health support?
• What are the expected long-term symptoms for my baby’s condition and recovery process following treatment?
• What is my baby’s life expectancy, and are there other possible life-long issues that I need to be aware of?
• As my child grows, what I should I expect with regards to overall development as they enter school-age, teen years and adulthood?
• As my child gets older, how do we transition from pediatric to adult care?

If answers to any of the above questions cause you additional concern, your care coordinator can put you in touch with counseling and supports services available within Phoenix Children’s and the local community.

Please call 602-933-4411 or email fetalcarecenter@phoenixchildrens.com.