Please take a moment to read our most commonly asked questions. We're always available to answer your questions and encourage you to contact our office if you have a question that is not answered below.
Q: What is a Pediatrician?
A: Choosing your child's doctor is one of the biggest decisions you make before your baby is born. Which pediatrician is the right one for your child? Before you start your search, take a few minutes to learn exactly what this kind of doctor does. It will help you make a better choice and know what to expect when your little one arrives. Pediatricians are doctors who manage the health of your child, including physical, behavior, and mental health issues. They are specially trained to diagnose and treat childhood illnesses, from minor health problems to serious diseases.Pediatricians have an education that gives them special skills to take care of your child's health. They graduated from medical school and completed a 3-year residency program specific to pediatric conditions.All of the Pediatricians are "board-certified." That means they've passed rigorous exams given by the American Board of Pediatrics. To stay certified, pediatricians have to meet regular education requirements. Our Pediatric Nurse Practitioners are Board Certified by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
Q: Can I meet my pediatrician before my baby is born?
A: Yes, in fact we strongly encourage parents-to-be to visit our office for a prenatal appointment. This is a great way to get acquainted with our office and our doctors. During this visit, we will answer any questions that you have about our practice or your new child. Visit our expectant parent's page for more information.
Q: How often should my child see the pediatrician?
A: Your child should not only see the pediatrician for an illness. It is also important to schedule well-child-care exams regularly, beginning in infancy. Also called well-care visits or checkups, these routine examinations provide the best opportunity for the doctor to observe the progress of your child's physical and mental growth and development; to counsel and teach parents; to detect problems through screening tests; to provide immunizations, and to get to know one another. Well-care visits are strongly recommended as part of preventive pediatric care.
Well-child visits are also a good time for parents to raise questions and concerns about a child's development, behavior, nutrition, safety and overall well-being.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this schedule for routine well-care visits:
- 3 to 5 days
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 24 months
- 30 months
- 3 years
- 4 years
- And once every year thereafter for an annual health supervision visit that includes a physical exam as well as a developmental, behavioral, and learning assessment.
Q: What is the best way to schedule an appointment with your office?
A: You can schedule an appointment by calling our office during regular business hours.
Q: Is your office accepting new patients?
A: Yes, we always welcome new patients. Contact our office for additional information or request an appointment.
Q: Why does my child need to receive vaccinations?
A: Immunizations are a series of shots given to children at different ages to help ward off serious, and potentially fatal, childhood diseases. Making sure your child receives immunizations when scheduled is the best way to help protect your child from potentially fatal diseases. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, vaccinations have reduced the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90%. If you're apprehensive about vaccinations, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Q: What Does Your Pediatrician Do?
A: They'll see your child many times from birth to age 2 and once a year from ages 2 to 18 for "well-child visits." They're also the first person to call whenever your child is sick.To take care of your child, your pediatrician will:
- Do physical exams
- Give your child vaccinations
- Make sure they meet milestones in growth, behavior, and skills
- Diagnose and treat your child's illnesses, infections, injuries, and other health problems
- Give you information about your child's health, safety, nutrition, and fitness needs
- Answer your questions about your little one's growth and development
- Refer you to specialists if they think your child needs expert care
Q: How Does Your Pediatrician Work With Your Delivery Team?
A: Most hospitals ask if you have a pediatrician when you go in to deliver. Your baby's first examination will be by one of our pediatricians within 24 hours of birth or may be with a hospital pediatrician (for example, a neonatologist if the baby is born by a C-Section).
Q: Why Do You Need a Pediatrician?
A: One thing to keep in mind: Family medicine doctors are also an option for your child. They look after the health of your whole family -- kids and grown-ups alike. It's a personal choice whether you use one or a pediatrician. Some reasons to go with a pediatrician are:
- They have special training in children's health.
- They only see children in their practice, so they have a lot of experience in recognizing and treating childhood illnesses.
- If your child was born early or has a health condition that needs close monitoring, a pediatrician may offer more specialized care.
Q: How long should my child see a pediatrician?
A: A child should see a pediatrician up to age 18 (or graduates from high school)