4 Reasons To Take Your Teen To A Pediatrician Instead Of An Adutl Healthcare Practitioner

As your child gets older, you may wonder if a pediatrician is still the best option for medical care. Some teens switch from pediatric care to a family doctor or gynecologist, but many teens continue seeing pediatric doctors until they are in college. Before you search for a new health care clinic, review the information below to learn the benefits of letting your teen see a pediatrician rather than a healthcare practitioner who focuses on adult care.

Specialized Expertise

Prior to practicing medicine, pediatricians attend a medical school program with a heavy emphasis on the care of children. They are well-versed in the developmental milestones that affect children from birth to the college years, and they also typically have extensive professional experience treating children. A pediatrician knows the symptoms of common childhood diseases and can also recognize the signs of autism, attention deficit disorder, and mental illness in kids. A doctor who focuses on treating adults may overlook developmental delays or miss some of the signs of common childhood conditions since symptoms sometimes display differently in kids than adults.

Hospital Affiliation

If your child needs emergency medical care or has a chronic condition such as cancer, you may have to visit a children's hospital. Pediatricians are often affiliated with local children's hospitals and can refer you for tests or visit your child during long-term treatment. Pediatric medical offices that use electronic records can access hospital data and share your child's office history to help determine personalized treatment methods for your child's unique medical needs.

Vaccination Recommendations

Children receive vaccinations on a different schedule than adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publishes immunization schedules for babies, preteens, and teens. Experienced pediatricians are familiar with these schedules and can make sure your son or daughter receives required or recommended vaccinations at the correct time. 

Many pediatricians offer vaccinations associated with the preteen and teenager years, such as the HPV vaccine. If you are unsure whether you want your child to have this vaccine, the doctor or nurse at the pediatric health center can explain the pros and cons. 

Family Support 

Pediatric care benefits the entire family by providing support about various medical issues and lifestyle concerns. If your family is going through a difficult time, a pediatrician can recommend family counseling providers or talk to you and your child about youth addiction treatment centers. Pediatricians also answer questions about puberty, immunizations, sports-related injuries, bullying, and other important issues that may affect your child.

Still unsure if a pediatric provider is the right choice for your teen? Schedule an appointment with an experienced pediatrician and bring a list of your concerns. The provider will help you determine if pediatric care is still a good fit for your child.

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