There are two kinds of doctors who treat children:
Pediatrician – This type of doctor takes care of children from birth
until they become teenagers. Many see children until they are 18 but in
some cases they continue to see patients until 21 years old.
Family Physician – This type of doctor cares for patients of all
ages. They are trained to take care of children, but also have experience
and training in other areas like women’s health and internal medicine.
Choosing a doctor really depends on what you are looking for. If you prefer
a doctor who can take care of your child through adulthood, you may want
to choose a family physician. If you would prefer a doctor who specializes
in just children you may want to choose a pediatrician.
Here are a few tips to help find a doctor that is right for your child.
Appointment Availability – Are you looking for a physician with same
day/next day access or are you comfortable with scheduling your appointment
out a week or two in advance? Check our online appointment scheduling
system for availability.
Location – Look for a physician near your home or work. Having someone
close by can help, especially when unexpected healthcare needs or illnesses arise.
Insurance – Find a physician that accepts your healthcare insurance.
This will help you avoid “out of network” charges and fees.
Patient Satisfaction Scores – Check out the patient satisfaction
ratings available on each physician profile.
Recommendation – Talk to your friends and family about what physicians
they use. This is a great starting point!
I am expecting a new baby. Should I meet with a pediatrician before my
child is born?
Yes, initiating a visit before your baby is born is a good idea. Besides
being someone you’ve already met and respect, you’ll have
one less thing to worry about on your plate once baby is born. At a prenatal
visit, a pediatrician can cover safety topics like car seats, what immunizations
family members need to protect the newborn, breastfeeding and even topics
like post-partum depression and new family stress. Start looking for your
child’s doctor at least 3 months prior to when your baby is due.
How often should I take my child to see their pediatrician?
Regular well-child visits are scheduled at:
1 month
2 months
4 months
6 months
9 months
12 months
15 months
18 months
24 months
30 months
3 years
Annually after 3 year
What does a child wellness exam involve?
During the wellness exam, the doctor can check the child’s health
and development. They will measure the child’s height and weight
and compare the results to both the general population and the child’s family.
They will also test the child’s heart, lungs, hearing, and vision.
They will discuss any concerns that the parents have with them. For example,
if the child does not seem to be sleeping well, the pediatrician can provide
advice and/or reassurance.
Why does my child need to receive vaccinations?
It is important for your child to get the appropriate vaccinations because
they can prevent infectious diseases that in the past harmed or even killed
infants, children and adults. Diseases like measles and whooping cough
can make babies and children seriously ill and suffer pain, disability
or even death.
How do you handle after hours calls if my child gets sick?
A regular on-call physician is available 24/7 if your child gets sick after hours.
Where can I get my child’s shot records?
If you are a patient of Baton Rouge General, you can obtain your child’s
shot records by accessing them through your My Health Profile patient
portal account. You can also request them by visiting the
Louisiana Department of Health website.
Where should I go if there is an emergency?
If you or your child is having an emergency, call 9-1-1 or head to the
nearest emergency room if you can safely do so.
