Pediatricians can come from a wealth of different specialties and backgrounds. As a matter of fact, the pediatric field applies to any doctor that specializes in childcare, no matter what part of the body they are ultimately specialized in.
There are a few basic traits that underlie comprehensive pediatric care. Here are a few of those traits that encompass the pediatric field.
1. Tracking Developmental Milestones
Our children’s bodies are constantly changing as they grow up. However, at certain age ranges, they should achieve specific characteristic milestones. It is the pediatrician’s job to keep track of these milestones to make sure your child is growing up healthy.
2. Creating a Line of Communication
Your child’s pediatrician is supposed to act as a sort of mediator between you and your child. That means the pediatrician should be able to communicate with your child even when you are not in the room. Sometimes, our children will not tell us things but will openly talk to others about their problems.
3. Keep On Top of Immunizations
A major part of comprehensive pediatric care comes from taking note of when your child has had an immunization and when they need to be updated. As a parent, you can often lose track of the immunization timeline, so it is important for the pediatrician to keep it on record. When it comes time for the next immunization, the pediatrician should let you know.
4. Referring to an Adequate Specialist
Much like a general practitioner, your child’s pediatrician should be working to provide the best care possible. However, if a particular problem or illness falls outside of their own field, they should be able to make a referral to the right specialist for further studies. In this case, it could be best to have a pediatrician who is working in a pediatric practice or network that means they have personal relationships with other specialists.
5. Keeping the Parent in Mind
Above all else, a core part of comprehensive pediatric care comes from always keeping the parent involved and in the know about their child’s health. Failing to communicate certain issues can lead to problems down the line. Therefore, the pediatrician should be talking to you in addition to being able to talk to your child.
All of the above are core characteristics that a pediatrician should have when they are working with children. No matter the specialty, these five characteristics are almost universal among those who work in the pediatric field. That is why it is considered comprehensive pediatric care.
It is “comprehensive” because it covers all the bases to ensure that your child is going to have a normal transition into adulthood. Missing any part of this comprehensive care can have drastic effects on a child’s life down the line. You should always stay on top of how your pediatrician is working with your child. In the same way, you must always communicate with the pediatrician and your child as well.
