Category Archives: Kids’ Health
What is the Difference Between a Doctor and a Pediatrician?
When it is a question of taking their child for a medical visit, many parents may waver between searching online for a “pediatrician near to me” to find the closest pediatrician or going to their regular family doctor. It is necessary to know the difference between these medical professionals to make the right decision regarding your child’s healthcare.
Differences between a doctor and a pediatrician
Doctors and pediatricians differ in the following ways in their healthcare practices:
The focus of medical care: Doctors see children and older patients and possess a broad and in-depth knowledge of the various issues related to human health. Pediatricians specialize in caring for children and are knowledgeable about the specific behavioral, developmental, and health issues that affect children.
Age of patients: Doctors see patients of all ages and see many of their patients from infancy to adulthood. Pediatricians do not accept adult patients and will generally see child patients up to the age of 18.
Medical training: Doctors and pediatricians both have to complete four years of medical school. A doctor will follow that with three years of residency in regular medicine and study pediatrics, geriatrics, gynecology, and internal medicine. A pediatrician has to do a pediatrics residency for three years.
Certification: Both doctors and pediatricians can practice medicine only after passing the four United States Medical Licensing Examinations. It is also necessary for pediatricians to pass the pediatrics certification examination that the American Board of Pediatrics conducts. Additionally, they have to enroll in a five-year cycle of Maintenance of Certification. Doctors have to complete the continuous certification process requirements every ten years to maintain their certification.
Should you take your child to a pediatrician or a doctor?
Deciding on a pediatrician or a doctor for their child is a personal choice for every parent. It may help base your decision on the following considerations:
• Does the medical practitioner have a good reputation with patients?
• Do you find the medical practitioner easy to talk to and trust inspiring?
• What does the medical practitioner charge?
• Does the medical practitioner offer 24/7 services?
• Will the medical practitioner be available in case of an emergency?
• Is the medical practitioner’s clinic close to your house?
• If it is not nearby, is personal or public transportation available to get you there quickly?
Many parents prefer a medical practitioner whose clinic is closer to their location since that can enable them to take their child for treatment at once in case of an emergency. The availability of 24/7 services throughout the year is important too. Keep in mind that children are generally more active than adults, so they have more falls and accidents than adults. That means they may require urgent medical care more often. So, it makes sense to find a medical practitioner who you can reach fast and who will be willing to see your child without too many delays.
What are the benefits of seeing a pediatrician?
The benefits of looking up “pediatrician near to me” and taking your child to an experienced pediatrician are as follows:
• Their specialization in child healthcare makes them knowledgeable about treating various childhood health issues. Along with providing care to healthy children, they will know how to treat premature babies, children with congenital disorders, children with chronic health conditions, and children with special needs.
• They may offer round-the-clock medical services and make appointments at short notice.
• They will recommend diet plans and lifestyle habits to keep children healthy.
• They will monitor growth rates to ensure that the children’s development is normal for their age range.
What are the benefits of seeing a doctor?
The benefits of seeing a doctor are as follows:
• They have the medical training to treat the health issues of people in different age groups. It will not be necessary for your child to find a new medical practitioner after they turn 18. They can continue going to the family doctor, and they may feel comfortable discussing their health issues with someone they have known since early childhood.
• The family doctor will maintain your family’s health records and refer them to treat your child. It may enable them to detect potential health issues and recommend the necessary preventive treatment.
Four Reasons Why to Choose a Pediatrician as an Urgent Care Pediatric
It is easy to panic when your child unexpectedly gets hurt or falls sick, and it is outside of regular business hours. With your regular pediatrician unavailable, your first instinct might be to rush to the emergency room at your nearest hospital for immediate medical care. However, remaining calm and having an established plan to handle emergencies will stand you in good stead. Unless it is a life-threatening emergency, it does not make sense to go to the ER and end up with high medical bills.
Instead, it might be a better idea to head for an urgent care pediatric office. If you do not already have one on your list, you can search online for “urgent care for pediatrics near me” and contact a reputable and experienced doctor closest to your location.
Choosing a pediatrician as an urgent care pediatric
There are four main reasons for choosing a pediatrician as an urgent care pediatric:
1. They are open to patient visits on short notice
You may not be able to see your regular pediatrician outside of their specified business hours or even get a same-day appointment for your child. However, you can conveniently do that in an urgent care pediatric clinic. You can phone them at any time, including on weekends and holidays, or turn up with your child at a moment’s notice. A friendly team will greet you and provide your child with the essential medical treatment.
2. They are experienced in treating children of all ages
The pediatrician at an urgent care pediatric clinic will have experience treating children of all ages, from infants to 18-year-olds, and that will make a difference in the treatment they provide. Your child will feel more comfortable being examined by someone competent and knowledgeable, and you will feel reassured too. Furthermore, the pediatrician will know which treatment will best serve to alleviate your child’s symptoms. It will be unrealistic to expect the same personalized care and attention in a chaotic emergency room at the hospital.
3. They have modern facilities and are affordable
When you search online for “urgent care for pediatrics near me,” it is advisable to find out about their facilities and medical equipment. You can even visit the premises and talk to the staff long before your child ever needs emergency care. Based on your findings, you can consider if you would like to go there in an urgent situation.
Fortunately, many urgent care pediatric clinics have clean facilities, the best available equipment, and well-trained, competent staff who knows how to provide high-level pediatric care to children. That can help to put you at ease and also make the visit less traumatic for your child. And the best thing is that whatever the treatment your child receives, the medical fee will be less than what you might have to pay in the ER at the hospital.
4. They offer fast and efficient services
If you take your child to the ER and the ailment turns out to be a low-priority one, you will have to wait for your turn until the doctor has finished with the more urgent cases. That can sometimes take hours, and, in the meantime, your child will be in a waiting room filled with sick people and at risk of catching a contagious disease. It could just be a recipe for disaster. A minor health issue could turn into something serious.
On the other hand, the pediatrician at the urgent care pediatric will see patients on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you arrive first, they will see your child almost immediately and be quick in their examination. They understand that children are often scared or overwhelmed in an emergency, and, so they will try to keep the visit as brief as possible.
In some cases, if the ailment is minor, the pediatrician might even suggest a phone or video consultation rather than an in-person visit. They will speak directly to your child, examine them remotely over the video call, and understand what the issue is. They will then advise a treatment plan and prescribe medication. That can usually suffice for many minor ailments like cuts, bruises, allergies, cold, fever, ear infection, diarrhea, or dehydration.
Three Things You Didn’t Know About Pediatrics
A child in their growing years needs special care and attention. They should not be treated as young adults as their brain is still in the developing stage. They need a specialist who can deal with issues specific to their age.
A pediatrician is your best ally when it comes to providing superior quality care for your child’s medical needs. They are specialists in dealing with health issues specific to infants, newborns, children, adolescents, and teens. They help your kid with their mental and physical development to enable a better adult life when they grow up. They aid in the early diagnosis of diseases that make it easy to deal with these issues later in life.
Pediatrics have become an increasingly popular part of the medical field in recent years. However, there are a few things about a pediatrician that you might not know. Read further to know some interesting facts about this field of medicine.
1. There are thirty-three different types of pediatricians.
Most people think that every pediatrician does the same thing and can only help you with general issues related to your kid’s health. However, this is not true at all. Like other divisions of medicine, pediatricians also specialize in their field.
There are thirty-three different kinds of pediatricians ranging from general pediatricians to specialized pediatrics. Pediatric medicine is a vast field and covers every health aspect that you can think of. This includes physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral aspects.
Some pediatrics specialize in physical ailments like issues related to stomach or brain development. However, pediatrics can also specialize in treating kids with a history of abuse or other behavioral problems.
Jacksonville pediatrics can be found in your local hospital, clinics, and private practices. General pediatricians can help you with health concerns like flu, cold, etc. However, if your child is suffering from an ailment that requires specialized care, it is advisable to go to a specialist who can diagnose and treat the issue correctly.
2. A student needs to devote a minimum of eleven years to become a pediatrician.
Pediatricians are relatively new in the medical space, which means a lot of people are unaware that it takes almost eleven years to become a qualified pediatrician. Their education includes numerous levels of schooling to ensure they are trained to handle all aspects of a child’s health.
A pediatrician is required to go through a four-year graduate program, after which they study for four years in medical school. This is followed by a pediatric internship of twelve months. After which, they spend two years residency in a hospital for a specialty.
Children are unable to express their medical issues as clearly as adults. A pediatrician realizes the need to understand all the signs to gather an understanding of the child’s medical needs. The cumulative period of eleven years trains a pediatrician to handle these medical issues efficiently.
3. Pediatricians are generally focused on providing preventive care.
We all know that prevention is better than cure and a pediatrician follows this mantra to the letter. While some pediatricians are trained to perform emergency care, most pediatrics aim to prevent ailment and diseases right from their initial stage.
A pediatrician understands that the impact of diseases on children is far severe than adults. This can hinder their growth and development as well. Hence, they try to diagnose preliminary signs and symptoms to eradicate disease at the initial stage.
It is always advisable to take your children for regular checkups with your pediatrician so that they can trace any development or medical issues. A significant part of a pediatrician’s occupation involves dealing with vaccination and immunization of infants. Pediatricians have played a significant role in eradicating diseases with a severe impact on children, for example, polio, tuberculosis, smallpox, etc.
These are some of the lesser-known facts about your pediatrician. This medical field is relatively new but holds immense importance for the development and care of children.
Qualities to Look for in a Pediatrician
If you have ever looked for a pediatrician, you already know how challenging it is to choose a pediatrician. Finding someone who can understand your child, someone you can trust for handling your child’s health is complicated. But when it is done, you can feel relaxed as your child’s health will be in safe hands. So, choosing a pediatrician who will be trustworthy will involve some research and a checklist. You will have to look for certain qualities to get the effective one. Let’s go through various attributes you must look for while choosing the best pediatrician in Jacksonville FL. Having all of them in one can be a blessing to your child.
Someone Who Listen to You:
What will be the use of such a physician who will not even listen to your problems and disregards the concerns of you and your child? Such pediatricians can be the best fit for your family. No one apart from you can decide what is best for your children. Going to pediatricians and explaining your child’s concern to the physician, and seeing him listen is equally important.
They should be able to explain the case scenario of your child’s problem and illness.
Look for someone who listens to your concerns finely and then figures out what should be done to ensure your child’s good health.
Pediatrician Who is Personable:
Having a pediatrician who belongs to your comfort zone will be the good one. You and your child must feel comfortable around your pediatrician. If you don’t feel easy and convenient around your doctor, it will not be a good fit for seeing your children.
If your child doesn’t feel safe and comfortable around your chosen pediatrician, then he won’t be able to describe his/her issues in one go without any hesitation. You won’t ask him the questions to which you are looking forward about your child’s health.
Knowledgeable:
Good doctors will have enormous knowledge about their field. Choosing someone who does not have proper experience can be risky as it is all about your child’s health. Your pediatrician should perform specific medical-related jobs and strive as if they are familiar to you and your children. Its part of their studies to act in a friendly manner with the children so that child sees for a friend figure into him and tells all his issues.
If he has enough knowledge, he will tell you about the root cause and how to deal with the child’s problem as a priority.
Fellow Parents:
When a pediatrician is himself/herself a parent, he/she will be much familiar with the child’s actual condition and the situation he is going through. Their personal experience will help them judge and find the best possible medication for their better health. Their concern towards the child will be way different than other available pediatricians. They will be much prepared to handle a child in the best possible way.
Accommodating:
Being a doctor, he must know that there can be emergency cases, and thus answering calls immediately becomes a duty to them. If your doctor doesn’t receive your needs quickly, drop them directly and look for the immediate ones. Ask yourself how you feel when you visit their clinic. Do you feel satisfied or not? The more important thing is how your child feels at that place?
The best pediatrician ensures that you feel welcome, especially at their practice place. IF your doctor provides all such comfort to you, then the obvious thing is he is going beyond his duties to serve his patients. No one better than this you will find for your children. Look for smooth and friendly conversations, warm wishes, an inviting and pleasing atmosphere, courteous staff of the clinic, and much more.
They Care:
Don’t just come into the talks. See if they do and offer what they say. The fact is excellent pediatricians care about you and your children. They have concerns and ensure that no part is left that you or your child cannot describe to him. They work with your child individually to understand them.
Step-by-Step Guidelines for Finding the Best Dentist
The right dentist can make a difference to your oral health. The best dentists not only offer the best treatments; they also diagnose potential problems and recommend the right products to use for your perfect oral health.
If you are having a hard time, find a dentist suitable for your dental care requirements, consider the step-by-step guide below for help.
Search Online
One of the easiest ways to search for anything is to conduct an online search. You can do the same when looking for a dentist. Use search terms such as best dentist McLean VA or use your location. You will be able to find the names of leading dentists in your area using such keywords.
The first step to finding the best dentist for you and your family is to collect some names. It will help you to research properly and look for a dentist that fits your dental care needs.
Conduct your own Research
Yes, you can also ask for referrals from your friends or acquaintances. But it is best to do your own research, whether it is for the referrals or for the names you found through the online search.
Check the websites of the dentists from your list of names. The best dentists always maintain a website with all the information about their services, credentials, and clinics. So, this step can be very helpful for you to find the best dentist in your area.
First, check the website for information about the dentists. Look for their educational background, dental school training, any special training (such as for pediatric dentistry), licenses, and professional affiliations.
Education and training – Professional dentists will have completed their four years of dental school training. For any additional training, they will study for at least two more years. For instance, pediatric dentists undergo additional training for at least two years to practice in this field.
Licenses – Dentists cannot practice (legally at least) without obtaining the requisite licenses from the state where their clinic is located.
Professional associations – The best dentists always obtain their board memberships. So, always check if a dentist is board-certified or not. Many dentists are members of not only national organizations (such as the Academy of General Dentistry) but also of their state’s and even international associations.
To obtain board certification; dentist needs to take stringent tests. They also need to take these tests every few years (depending on the organization) to retain their memberships. So, when you choose a board-certified dentist, you can be assured of their training and expertise.
Services – It is best to check beforehand if the service you want is offered by a dentist or not. Some dentists only practice pediatric or cosmetic dentistry, while others may offer comprehensive services along with general dentistry. If you are looking for a dentist for you and your kids, it is best to choose one who offers comprehensive services including pediatric dentistry.
Schedule an Appointment
Once you have identified one or two clinics that fit your requirements, you can schedule an appointment with them. Start with the dental clinic you like the best and then take it from there. You can schedule an appointment for general cleanup if it’s due or for any specific treatment that you require.
Scheduling an appointment will also help you assess the ease with which you were able to secure one. If there is no proper response to your inquiry from the clinic staff or if the waitlist is too long; you may want to check other clinics in your list.
Visit the Dental Clinic
It is important to visit the clinic to know for sure if it’s for you. Check the clinic for cleanliness. Assess the behavior of the staff (professional, courteous, and helpful?).
Do you feel the dentist offered you the best treatment? Did the dentist explain the treatment and informed you about the costs beforehand? Did you feel comfortable with the clinic’s setup?
Make your Assessment
Once you have gone through the above steps, it is time to assess if the dentist and the clinic are right for you. If you feel even a tad uncomfortable with something, feel free to choose another clinic.