I am expecting a child. May I come meet you?
Congratulations on your bundle of joy! We would love to meet you and answer any questions you have about our office. The best way to meet us would be to schedule a prenatal visit with our office. Please be ready to provide insurance information and be prepared to answer any questions about your medical history and the pregnancy. We are excited to play a role in your child's healthcare!
When should I bring in my child for his/her check-up?
Based on American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)guidelines, we recommend that children be evaluated at the following times: 3-5 days old, 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 24 months, and 36 months. After 36 months, your child should be seen yearly up to the age of 21 years old to monitor his/her health and to obtain any routine labs/vaccinations.
What are your policies on vaccination?
We at Carolina Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine are advocates for immunizations based on the CDC guidelines, but we understand that some families have different beliefs and opinions. Therefore, we encourage immunizations and can provide you with resources and information on the topic to help you make an informed decision. If you prefer not to vaccinate your child, we will have you sign a refusal to vaccinate form, but will be happy to continue to see your child in the office. Also, we are willing to work with families to determine an alternative immunization schedule if necessary.
Do you routinely provide antibiotics for upper respiratory infections?
We do not routinely provide antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection, because, most of the time, the upper respiratory infection is due to a virus and viruses do not respond to antibiotics. There are some antiviral medications that can be used on specific viruses to help lessen the symptoms such as for influenza, but these have to be provided at the start of the illness. Sometimes, viruses can increase the risk for a bacterial infection. If, upon examination, we determine your child has a bacterial infection, we will provide a prescription for antibiotics.
If my child is admitted to the hospital, will you be the one seeing him/her?
We are fortunate to have privileges at Davis Regional Medical Center in the event that your child may need to be evaluated or hospitalized. Although we are on-call for the hospital every month, it is not a guarantee that your child will be evaluated by his/her pediatrician while hospitalized.