Pediatric Care

When should my child see a pediatrician?

You should bring your child to AAA Pediatrics for well-child visits and any time your child is sick and requires medical care. For serious illnesses and emergencies, the team recommends that you go to your nearest emergency room.

What is a well-child visit?

A well-child visit is a regularly scheduled visit to review your child’s growth and development. These visits occur frequently in the first year of your child’s life, then they’re spaced every six months to one year until your child reaches age 18 or 21, depending on when your child wants to begin seeing a primary care doctor.

During a well-child visit, the team first checks your child’s height and weight and uses that information to plot your child’s growth curve. The growth curve is unique to your child. Significant changes in the curve can indicate nutritional or medical problems that may be altering your child’s growth.

Your pediatrician asks questions about eating, sleeping, daily activities, bathroom habits, and any relevant health issues your child may have. The AAA Pediatrics team specializes in behavioral health for children and teens and can perform screenings and tests for behavioral issues, like autism and ADHD, if appropriate.

Follow-up care is recommended as needed. The team can also provide resources to support your child’s ongoing growth and development, including developing the mental and emotional health.

What are the benefits of seeing a pediatrician rather than a primary care physician?

Primary care physicians are trained in general medical care for people of all ages, while pediatricians specialize in the care of young people under the age of 21. This specialization allows the AAA Pediatrics team to understand the unique changes and challenges that children experience physically, mentally, and emotionally as they grow from babies into children, teens, and young adults.

Pediatricians are also trained to diagnose less common and rare childhood illnesses and work with pediatric specialists if your child needs additional medical care. The AAA Pediatrics team stays up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field of pediatrics, so your child gets the best care possible.

To schedule a well-child exam or sick visit for your child, call AAA Pediatrics, or schedule online now.