Thinking about choosing a pediatrician as your child’s primary medical care provider? The more you understand about the type of medical care professional you choose to provide your child with the regular medical care they need so they can grow up healthy and strong, the more likely you will be able to take advantage of all of their medical care offerings.
Medical care for children
Understanding the importance of medical care from a pediatrician is a great idea, as this type of medical professional is one who has undergone additional education and training in order to treat their chosen age group. Children need ongoing medical care because their bodies are still growing it's important that the growth and development is on schedule. Annual well-child check-up appointments also allow for preventive care.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, pediatrics is a multifaceted specialty that encompasses children’s physical, psychosocial, developmental and mental health.
What age range can pediatricians treat?
The list below includes three general stages of the age ranges that pediatricians can treat. Exceptions allow people up to 21 years of age to continue seeing a pediatrician when the pediatrician and the patient's family agree that continuing care is necessary. This exception is often used for a child who has special health care needs.
Infancy
The stage of infancy is from birth to 2 years of age. This is a time when a pediatrician will pay close attention to the behavior of a child, whether or not the child is getting the proper amount of nutrition and the overall development. Children in this stage need to see a pediatrician at two weeks, two months, four months, six months, nine months, 12 months, 15 months and 18 months.
Childhood
This stage of childhood is from 2 to 12 years of age. Children who fall within this age range will be thoroughly evaluated by a pediatrician to make sure behavior, growth and development is on track for every age. The doctor will also one to ensure that a child is getting all of the nutrition needed. Children who fall within this stage need to see a pediatrician at 2 years and then at least annually until they reach the age of 12.
Adolescence
This stage of adolescence lasts from 12 to 18 years of age. This is a time when pediatricians pay attention to body changes, mood swings, social issues, skincare and hygiene. Children in this stage should be seen by a caring pediatrician at least once every year and more often if they feel the need.
Does your child need a pediatric appointment?
Now that you know what age ranges a pediatrician can treat, do you need to make an appointment for your child? One of the main reasons why parents choose this type of medical professional is because they can treat your child from birth until adulthood. This allows for a long-term and trusting relationship between doctor and patient.
Request an appointment here: https://www.emeraldpediatricandfamilyclinic.com or call Emerald Pediatric & Family Clinic at (281) 444-7726 for an appointment in our Houston office.
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