As a parent, you always prioritize the health and wellness of your child. But, you might be wondering whether to visit a pediatrician or a general practitioner for your little one’s health needs. Keep in mind that a pediatrician offers services focused on child health. The following are the reasons to visit an Argyle pediatrics expert:
They Are Specialists
Your child has unique medical needs and issues at each stage of life. Thus, they need health care providers who are well-versed, experienced, and trained in dealing with such needs and issues. Apart from med school and residency, a pediatrician has experience with every aspect of child health, including development and growth, common childhood illnesses, immunizations, and inherited disorders.
They Are Used to Treating Children
A family doctor sees adults and children, but a pediatrician exclusively sees children including babies, toddlers, and adolescents. Because of this, they can focus their practice, education, and training on children’s needs. Experienced pediatricians have dealt with children who have fear of needles, show temper tantrums, have fear of doctors, and have worried parents. They can put children at ease and answer questions from parents patiently. Also, a pediatrician knows when your little one must see a specialist.
Moreover, child doctors are trained in the mental health of children. For kids who have ADHD, autism, anxiety, or depression, a pediatrician is a great first point of contact. Often, they can diagnose and treat the issue. And when the problem is beyond the doctor’s range of expertise, they can refer your child to a child psychologist or psychiatrist.
Because of their tailored experience working with kids, a pediatrician can work with parents in dealing with children’s difficulties and fears when they see a doctor. A lot of pediatric offices and waiting rooms are designed to accommodate children. Books, toys, and treats are available to ensure a child has a pleasant experience.
They Can Give Routine Child Well Checks
Your child needs routine well checks or annual physician’s exams. They will check if your child is growing as they should. Usually, these physical checks include overall body appearance, weight, and height. When the doctor determines that your little one is not growing as expected, they will suggest incorporating certain measures to ensure your child achieves optimal growth and wellness.
They Can Offer Nutritional Advice
Your child’s doctor can also advise you of ways to ensure your child needs the right nutrition necessary for their growth. Children become picky eaters, resulting in them missing nutrients their bodies need to grow and develop optimally. The pediatrician can offer alternative sources of nutrients to you.
They Have Connections With Hospitals
Should your child need to stay in a hospital or get surgery, they will need an admitting doctor, who can be a pediatric hospitalist or surgeon. The majority of pediatricians have admitting privileges at hospitals for children or hospitals that have a good pediatric ward. Such connections make sure your child gets specialized pediatric treatment while they stay at a hospital that can accommodate and meet children’s medical needs.
