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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I schedule my first appointment?

For newborns, the first appointment should be 3 to 5 days after birth. For older kids, we’ll need medical records before scheduling a well visit. Please call us to schedule an appointment.

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How often should my child see the pediatrician?

Your child should not only see the pediatrician for an illness. It is also important to schedule well-child-care exams regularly, beginning in infancy. Also called well-baby or well-child visits or checkups, these routine examinations provide the best opportunity for the doctor to observe the progress of your child’s physical and mental growth and development; to counsel and teach parents; to detect problems through screening tests; to provide immunizations, and to get to know one another. Well-child visits are strongly recommended as part of preventive pediatric care. At this exam, we will check your child’s growth and development in order to find or prevent problems. We will record your child’s height, weight, and other important information. Hearing, vision, and other screening tests will be part of some visits.

Well-child visits are also a good time for parents to raise questions and concerns about a child’s development, behavior, nutrition, safety and overall well-being.

We recommend this schedule for routine well-care visits:

  • 3 to 5 days (Usually 2 days after being discharged from the hospital)
  • 10-14 days (“2 week check-up”)
  • 1 month
  • 2 months
  • 3 months
  • 4 months
  • 6 months
  • 9 months
  • 12 months
  • 15 months
  • 18 months
  • 21 months
  • 24 months
  • 30 months
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • And once every year thereafter for an annual health supervision visit that includes a physical exam as well as developmental, behavioral, and learning assessments.
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What is the best way to schedule an appointment with your office?

You can schedule an appointment by calling our office during regular business hours, or by requesting an appointment online.

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What can I expect at an appointment?

When you arrive at North Shore Pediatrics, the staff will greet you and seat you at the waiting room. We will examine you as quick as possible – average waiting time is 15 minutes.

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What happens during regular visits?

Routine or “well” visits are to examine your child and monitor growth. A large part of the routine check-ups are about guidance. We begin with getting breastfeeding off to a smooth start. We then focus on strategies for raising a good sleeper. Parents love the fact that most of the babies in our practice sleep through the night by 2-3 months of age. As your child grows, we will also guide you on nutrition as well as emotional and cognitive development. Before each visit you will receive an outline of what to expect so that you can be better prepared.

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What about immunizations?

We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) schedule and all our vaccines are Thimerosal free. Immunizations are administered at the end of appointments, after a discussion of the benefits and possible side-effects.

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How soon can I get an appointment if my child is sick?

We accommodate same-day sick visits.

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What about emergencies?

Parents in our practice highly appreciate the convenience of having on-the-spot support in emergency situations. You can directly reach a doctor or a nurse practitioner at any time of the day, night or weekend. In the rare case that your child needs to be directed to the emergency room, your doctor will coordinate the care with the emergency room physicians.

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What if I have a non-urgent question?

Call the office to get a phone appointment for later in the day. A doctor or a nurse will call you back at a specified time to discuss your concerns. You can also send us an email with your questions and a provider will get back to you.

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What’s your opinion about breastfeeding?

We fully support breastfeeding and will provide you with assistance and advice. And while the majority of moms in our practice do breastfeed, we will respect your choice if you decide to use formula, and we’ll provide you with any guidance and advice you may need.

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Do you have parking facilities?

Yes.

Free Parking is available.

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Is your office accepting new patients?

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

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Why does my child need to receive vaccinations?

Immunizations are a series of shots 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 your child from these 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’re apprehensive about vaccinations, please do not hesitate to contact our office.  We will be happy to discuss your concerns.  If you decide that you do not want to vaccinate your child at all, we respect that this is your decision to make.

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