Pediatric Primary Care
Pediatric Primary Care
Babies and children are not just small adults - their healthcare needs are different. So, it is important to find a healthcare professional that can provide specialized care. As a baby grows and develops, a healthcare provider is essential for well baby and child care as well as when illnesses or injuries occur. A pediatrician, family practice physician or pediatric nurse practitioner can be your baby's primary care provider. The medical specialty dealing with children is called pediatrics.
Pediatric Groups
F. Read Hopkins Pediatric Associates
Advocates for Children Pediatrics
Family Medicine Groups
Centra Medical Group - Altavista
Centra Medical Group - Big Island
Centra Medical Group - Brookneal
Centra Medical Group - Lynchburg Family Medical Residency
Choose a baby's primary care provider before birth
Newborn babies require medical care as soon as they are born. Each newborn receives a complete physical examination and is screened for common medical conditions. Many physicians will see the baby while the mother and baby are in the hospital together. Your baby's primary care provider can answer questions about breastfeeding, screening tests, immunizations, jaundice and other concerns.
It is recommended that all newborns be seen at their primary care office within 1-2 days of discharge from the hospital. Some babies with feeding problems or jaundice may need to be seen right away. If a family has not decided which provider to use for their baby, the parents may not know what to do.
Sometimes, the medical insurance of the family will determine which provider a baby will see. Many pediatric providers offer prenatal visits to prospective parents so that they can get know each other before the baby is born.
Preventative care visit
All children need to be seen in the physician office on a regular basis to monitor growth and development. These visits are called preventive care or well child visits. Check with your child's primary care provider for a full schedule of preventative care visits.
Immunizations
Vaccines are recommended at specific ages and some are required for school attendance. Your child's primary care provider is the best source for reliable information about immunizations. The virus and bacteria germs that cause disease such as pertussis (whooping cough), measles, mumps, tetanus, chicken pox, pneumonia and meningitis are in every community. Immunization provides protection for children and adults to prevent them from getting sick. For more information:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Academy of Pediatrics
Sick visits
All children will become ill from common problems such as fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea or rashes. Many of these problems are caused by virus germs. Your child's primary care provider is best able to evaluate your child and determine how to help your child feel better.
Some children have chronic conditions that affect their health such as asthma, severe allergies, diabetes, obesity and developmental delays. Your child's primary care provider can monitor your child's progress in collaboration with any specialist physician. Pediatricians receive training during their residency to manage children with special health needs.
