Pediatric Care

Sometimes when your child isn’t feeling well, you know just what to do and say to make him or her feel better. Common colds, scrapes and bruises are part of growing up, and most illnesses can be treated with plenty of fluids, rest and over-the-counter medications. High fevers, vomiting and diarrhea are more serious symptoms that may require pediatrics care. If a child’s condition appears to be serious or even life threatening, seek emergency care. This blog will help you decide whether you should take your child to the doctor or treat them at home.

A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of children. Pediatricians have undergone special training in the health and illnesses of infants, teens and young adults, and the majority of pediatricians are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. Pediatricians provide preventive health care for children in good health and medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill. They also give parents support and advice with issues such as growth and development, safety and prevention, nutrition and emotional wellness to foster a lifetime of good health.

Routine examinations allow pediatricians to observe the progress of your child’s physical and mental growth and development, counsel and teach parents, detect problems through screening tests and provide immunizations. It’s very important for your child to establish a strong relationship with his or her pediatrician, and we strongly recommend well-care visits as part of preventive pediatrics care.

Well-child visits give parents an opportunity to raise questions and concerns about their child’s overall well-being. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine well-care visits at the following ages: three to five days, one month, two months, four months, six months, nine months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 24 months, 30 months, and then at ages three, four, eleven and sixteen . Then, your child should visit the pediatrician yearly for a routine physical exam as well as a developmental, behavioral and learning assessment.

Yes, teenagers should continue to see their pediatrician throughout their adolescence. As their bodies and minds are maturing, teenagers can experience a variety of health-related issues that a trusted doctor can provide guidance on and treatment for. These include sports injuries, sexual health and contraception, gender-affirming care, nutrition and eating disorders as well as mental health issues like depression and anxiety. A pediatrician will serve as a primary care physician for a child until they are 18 years old and can provide referrals when necessary or provide treatment directly. Our adolescent providers at Valleywise Health are trained to understand not only the physical changes that adolescents experience, but also the emotional and mental ones as well. They provide a confidential and compassionate space for teenagers to talk freely about their concerns and wellbeing. Plus, making sure your teenager continues to see their pediatrician will help them transition to adult care when their health care decisions are in their hands.