Angie's LIST Guide to
Primary care pediatrics

The medical field of primary care pediatrics focuses on the everyday health needs of children, from infants to 18-year-olds. Pediatricians help ensure that your children grow into healthy adults.

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Pediatric primary care physicians offer specialized treatment for children age 18 and younger. These specialists can ensure they are providing the proper care and advice younger patients need during their critical years of growth and development. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Donetta G.)

What pediatricians treat

A pediatrician primarily sees to the physical health of children, but many also help parents with the mental and emotional health issues. The doctor monitors a child's development, from birth to adulthood, and tends to normal, everyday illnesses, such as ear infections.

If a primary care pediatrician encounters medical problems that are beyond his or her expertise, that doctor will typically refer the child to a pediatric specialist.

Pediatricians also help prevent debilitating and sometimes fatal diseases by administering vaccines and inoculations against diseases, such as smallpox, measles and mumps.

Seeing a primary care pediatrician

Typically, a primary care pediatrician examines a child shortly first after birth and again a few days to a week later. Children should also have regular well-child checkups. You should schedule infants and children for well-child visits roughly every three months during the first year and a half of life and once a year every year after that. During these check-ups, a pediatrician can monitor the child's growth and development to ensure it's on track. He or she measures the child's height, weight and head circumference checks that the child is reaching important milestones. Well-child visits also provide an excellent opportunity for you to ask questions or voice any concerns you may have.

You should also call your pediatrician when your child falls ill. Generally, pediatricians recommend bringing children to the office when symptoms such as a high fever, vomiting or diarrhea are present for more than a day or two. You should have your child's pediatrician check out such things as rashes and ear pain.

If you suspect any problem with your child's health, contact your pediatrician as soon as you can. Even some behavior changes, such as uncharacteristic irritability, can indicate that most children need to see their pediatrician.

Finding the best pediatric care

Your search for the right pediatrician should start well before your child is even born. You should choose and meet with your child's future pediatrician shortly before your due date, which will give you a chance to discuss your child's care and ask any questions.

Start by asking your hospital staff, general practitioner or obstetrician for recommendations on reputable pediatricians. Contact your health insurance company to check your coverage. Read through the listing of pediatricians in the provider directory available from your health insurance company. Carefully research the pediatricians you are considering. Verify their qualifications, education, continuing education, accepted insurance plans and affiliated hospitals by consulting Angie's List, where you can also see member reviews and rankings.

Pediatricians must be board certified, usually through the American Academy of Pediatrics. Although many parents simply assume that most pediatricians are licensed to practice, you should double-check to make sure.

Almost nothing matters more than your own gut feelings and personal experiences with pediatricians. A good pediatrician should take the time to answer questions, address parental concerns and give advice when it's needed. They should always take as much time as necessary with you. They should never ignore your concerns, nor should they seem irritated when you ask several questions. Above all, both you and your child should feel comfortable with your pediatrician.

Angie's LIST Guide to
Primary care pediatrics

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