FAQ
Answering Questions about Pediatric Medicine in Clarkston, MI
Clarkston Medical Group Provides the Care You Need
Clarkston Medical Group provides care for the entire family, practicing adult and pediatric medicine in Clarkston, MI. We have a team of primary care providers focused on providing preventative care to keep our patients healthy. However, we can also diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions, both chronic and acute. Many of our patients have questions about our pediatric care, and we’re here to help answer these inquiries. We’ve compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions about our pediatric services, so you can be in-the-know before your first appointment. Please reach out to us if you have any additional questions not listed here.
What Is a Pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the healthcare of children. Doctors with this specialty have undergone training in the health and illnesses of infants, teens, and young adults. Most pediatricians become certified by the American Board of Pediatrics when they pass a comprehensive exam covering all areas of child healthcare. While some pediatricians focus solely on caring for children, many others will also be certified in general medicine to provide care to adults as well.
What Is Pediatric Medicine?
Pediatric medicine is the umbrella term used to describe medical care for infants, toddlers, children, and young teens. A doctor of pediatric medicine will provide preventative healthcare for children in good health and medical treatments for children who have acute or chronic illnesses. In addition, they are a resource for parents, providing support and advice on common concerns, like growth and development, safety and prevention, nutrition, and emotional wellness. The primary goal of pediatric medicine is to keep children healthy and set them up for a lifetime of good health as they grow.
What Services Do You Offer?
At Clarkston Medical Group, we provide comprehensive pediatric care for your child. When you bring your child to our office, you can be sure they will receive the care they need to remain healthy and grow into a strong adult. We provide the following pediatric medicine services:
- Well-Child Visits: After your baby is born, it’s important they visit the doctor regularly to ensure their health. These well-child visits are scheduled at various intervals throughout the child’s development.
- Vaccinations: Children should be vaccinated to ensure they are not susceptible to harmful childhood illnesses. We can administer vaccinations to help protect your child.
- Care for Illnesses: Whether it’s the flu, a common cold, or a chronic illness, our team provides care and treatment for common illnesses.
- Monitoring of Milestones: Though every child develops at a slightly different pace, there are important milestones they should meet as they grow. We will monitor your child’s progress in meeting milestones of their growth, behavior, and skills.
How Often Should My Child See a Pediatrician?
Children over the age of four should see a pediatrician every year for an annual health visit. This visit will include a physical exam and a developmental, behavioral, and learning assessment. Prior to turning four, children should visit their pediatrician following the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended schedule of well-care visits. This schedule outlines visits from the birth of the child until they turn four, including visits at the following intervals:
- 3 to 5 days
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 24 months
- 30 months
- 3 years
- 4 years
Why Does My Child Need Vaccinations?
Immunizations are a necessary part of preventative healthcare for your child. A series of shots are given to children at determined ages to prevent serious and potentially fatal childhood diseases. Without immunizations, children could be susceptible to countless dangerous illnesses, like polio, measles, hepatitis B, and more. Based on information from the American Academy of Pediatrics, vaccinations have lowered the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90 percent. If you have additional questions or concerns about vaccinations, be sure to speak to your child’s doctor.
Are You Accepting New Patients?
Yes, we are accepting new patients at our practice in Clarkston, MI. Whether you are looking for a pediatrician for your soon-to-be-born baby, your infant, or older child, our team is here for you. We are experts at healthcare management, coordinating care to ensure your child gets the appropriate medical attention. Please call us today if you are interested in becoming our patient.
What Should I Bring for My Child’s First Visit?
To help us ensure the best care for your little one, there are a few items that we request you bring to the first appointment. These documents will help not only with payment of services but will also help to give our doctors important background information about previous health concerns and care they’ve received from other doctors. Please be sure to bring your insurance cards, complete immunization records for your child, and any medical records from their previous pediatrician.
What Is the Best Way to Schedule an Appointment?
The best way to schedule an appointment with Clarkston Medical Group is to call one of our two locations. We have offices in Clarkston and in Oxford to serve our patients in the area. Our friendly office staff will be able to assist you in finding an appointment time that works for your schedule.