Frequently Asked Questions
Please take a moment to read our most commonly asked questions. We are always available to answer your questions and encourage you to contact our office.
Who is a Pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of children. Pediatricians have graduated from medical school and undergone special training in the health and illnesses of infants, teens and young adults, and a majority of pediatricians are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics after passing a comprehensive exam. A board-certified pediatrician has passed rigorous exams given by the American Board of Pediatrics. To remain certified, pediatricians have to meet regular continuing education requirements.
What does a Pediatrician do?
Pediatricians provide preventive health care for children in good health and medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill. They see children from birth until the age of 18. They also provide parents with support and advice with issues such as growth and development, safety and prevention, nutrition, and emotional wellness to foster a lifetime of good health. As part of providing medical care for your children, a pediatrician will:
- Perform physical exams
- Give your children recommended immunizations
- Diagnose and treat children’s illnesses, infections, injuries, and other health problems
- Monitor your child’s developmental milestones including growth, skills and behavior
- Refer to and collaborate with a specialist as needed
- Provide information about nutrition, fitness, health and safety (Please read our Nutrition Blog)
Can I meet my pediatrician before my baby is born?
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. Please call our office to make an appointment.
How often should my child see the pediatrician?
Your child should not only see the pediatrician for an illness, but 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.
Why does my child need to receive vaccinations?
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 develop immunity and protect your child from potentially fatal diseases. Vaccines are tested to ensure that they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages. For any questions or concerns about vaccines, please call our office.