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.