FAQ

A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of children from the newborn period through adolescents to young adulthood. Most pediatricians are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics after passing a comprehensive exam. Pediatricians provide preventive health care for children in good health and medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill. They also provide parents with support and advice with issues such as growth and development, safety/prevention, nutrition, and emotional wellness to foster a lifetime of good health.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this schedule for routine Well Child Checks:

• Newborns (1-2 visits for infants under 30 days old)

• 1 month

• 2 months

• 4 months

• 6 months

• 9 months

• 12 months

• 15 months

• 18 months

• 24 months

• 30 months

• 3 years

Once a child turns 3 years of age, annual visits are recommended thereafter. The Well Child Checks include a physical exam, vaccine administration (if needed) as well as a developmental, behavioral, and learning assessment.

Immunizations are a series of vaccines given to children at different ages to help ward off serious and potentially fatal childhood diseases. Making sure your child receives immunizations when scheduled is the best way to help protect him/her from potentially fatal diseases. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, vaccinations have reduced the number of infections from vaccine preventable diseases by more than 90%. If you are apprehensive about vaccinations, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Your child should not only see the pediatrician because of illness, but also through regularly scheduled Well Child Checks. Well Child Checks, also known as Wellness Visits or Check-Ups, are routine examinations that provide the best opportunity for the doctor to observe the progress of your child’s physical and mental growth and development. They also enable physicians to counsel parents, detect problems through screening tests, to provide immunizations and to get to know families. Well Child Checks are strongly recommended as part of preventive pediatric care.

Yes, in fact we strongly encourage parents to be, to visit our office for a prenatal appointment. This is a great way to get acquainted with our office personnel and our physicians. During this visit, we will answer any questions you many have about our practice or your child.

Yes, we always welcome new patients. Contact our office for additional information or request an appointment.

You can schedule an appointment by calling our office (832-930-7756) during regular business hours or by requesting an appointment online.

If you are preparing for your child’s first visit, the following documents are required:

• Insurance cards

• Complete immunization records

• Medical records from your previous pediatrician

Currently, we do not have weekend hours but we offer after hours care during the week until 7pm on Mondays and Thursdays.

In case of an emergency, please call 911 or go immediately to the nearest hospital.

For most office visits we encourage you to make an appointment. However we always strive to see our patients the same day for sick visits. We have an on-call service and there is always a pediatrician available to assist you. Simply call our office number and you will be connected to the on-call doctor who will be happy to assist you. **Remember if you have a life threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately.**

We understand that sometimes circumstances prevent you from keeping your scheduled appointment. If that happens, please notify our office in advance as soon as possible. Please give at least 24-48 hours’ notice. Our scheduling coordinators will do their best to promptly reschedule your appointment.