Clinic Appointments: Frequently Asked Questions
Who should come to the medical appointment?
The child (or teenager) and an adult they trust. (When the word “child” is used here, it also refers to teenagers). We recommend that you not bring other children with you. The whole appointment can take 1 or 2 hours. Some children like to bring a favorite stuffed animal or toy. If the parent or legal guardian is not coming to the appointment, they must send a signed form or letter stating we have permission. Please call if you have questions.
How do I get there?
We are located at DHMC in Lebanon, NH in the Faulkner Building on the sixth floor at Reception Area 6L.
- Directions, Maps, & Parking
- If you have any questions about getting here, you may call (603) 653-3658 and ask for the CAPP secretary. Please check in at the Faulkner Building on the sixth floor at Reception Area 6L
What happens at the appointment?
The person doing your child's exam and other members of the team—which may include a nurse, pediatric social worker, and child life specialist—will meet with you and the child. We will check weight, height, and blood pressure.
A CAPP doctor or nurse practitioner and other CAPP team members (for example, our CAPP nurse, social worker and/or child life specialist) will meet with you and the child. We will check your child's weight, height, and blood pressure. The doctor or nurse practitioner will talk with you privately about your concerns. While this is happening, our child life specialist will play with your child and explain what will happen during the check-up. Our CAPP doctor or nurse practitioner may want to talk to your child alone for a few minutes. We will give your child a choice of who will be in the room during the exam. The exam itself is fairly short. During the exam, we will use equipment that magnifies any small genital or anal injuries. We will capture and retain a video record of that part of the exam. This video record will be stored in a locked area, separate from the child's regular medical record.
(A child life specialist has training in child development, knows how to build trusting relationships with children, and provides emotional support through therapeutic play.)
What should I tell my child about the appointment? Will it hurt?
Tell the child he/she is going to have a check-up of their entire body, to make sure everything is healthy. We try to make the exam a positive experience. For young girls, there is no "internal exam" as for an adult woman. Very rarely, a child is upset during the exam. If this happens, we may need a second appointment to complete the exam. A child will often sense the adult's mood or worries. Call us if you have concerns.
How long should it take?
The exam is short, but the whole appointment can take one to two hours.
Should I try to find out from the child what really happened?
You are helping by coming to the appointment. Please do not ask the child questions about his or her maltreatment or abuse. When there is a possibility of abuse, children may talk to several people (police officer, social worker, others). Talking with these people is often the best way to learn what happened. Do spend time with the child. If he or she wants to talk, it is best to simply listen in a caring way. Remember what the child says and how the child looked or acted when talking, without asking questions.
What will the exam show?
Many of the exams are normal. They show no injuries. This happens whether or not the child has been abused. It is important to have an exam to find any changes or problems that may be there. The exam can also reassure the child that his or her body is normal and healthy.
Why are the exams normal?
The genital and rectal tissues are stretchy, and may not be injured. If there are injuries, they often heal quickly.
How will I get the results from the appointment?
The doctor or nurse will speak with you shortly after the exam to tell you what was found. If lab tests are done, we will call you with the results in about a week or two. You can request an alternative way to learn these results. We can arrange for help with any needed treatment.
Who else should get the results?
We are required by state law to send a written report of the exam to the local child protection office. We can also send results to the child's healthcare provider, any police officer involved, and others involved in the child's welfare.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule the appointment?
Please call us as soon as possible, so that another child may use that time. Call (603) 653-3658 and ask for the CAPP secretary.
What if I have other questions?
Please call (603) 653-3658. The CAPP secretary can find the right person to answer your question. We can talk with you before or after the appointment.
