Appointment Policy Guidelines for Separated Parents

Dr Sukanya De is committed to providing optimal care to all children referred to her for management by working collaboratively with all members of the parenting team. This policy outlines parent/carer responsibilities in order to facilitate the care of your child.

For all medical appointments:

• It is recommended that both parents attend where possible
• Decisions regarding a child’s medical treatment (e.g. whether to commence medication or start intervention/therapy) be made jointly by both parents wherever possible.
• It is the parents’ obligation to provide a copy of any relevant legal documents or court order or other reports relating to the child’s management
• Payment is to be made on the day of the child’s appointment 

If there is legal agreement that requires the other parent to pay all or part of the treatment costs, it is the attending parent’s responsibility to settle account and collect reimbursement from the other parent.

• Referrals will not be accepted where the purpose of the assessment is to generate information for legal decision making around custody issues of parental separation. 

Either parent or legal guardian can:

• • schedule an appointment with their child,
  • be present at their appointment
  • and/or be sent a copy of their child’s reports

unless 

There is a court order restricting their involvement in their child’s care. If this is the case, please ensure you provide these court orders at your first visit to the clinic.

• If the appointment is made by one parent, it is the responsibility of this parent to inform the other parent, invite them to attend, and provide feedback to them.

Privacy and information disclosure:

Both parents are entitled to all reports and appointment information on their child unless there is a court order explicitly stating one parent is not entitled to medical information/correspondence.

It is expected that parents/carers will work together respectfully and cooperatively, regarding the care of their child.  Dr De reserves the right to cancel any appointment or course of treatment where parental conflict is impacting on the care of the child or the ability of the clinician to do their job.