Finding a pediatrician is not an easy job. You need to be really astute with your choice. After all; a good pediatrician will likely be your child’s doctor from infancy to 18 years of age.

You can begin your search by using good location-based online search keywords. A good example of such keywords is Jax pediatrician. Use both your location and requirement in the keyword for best results.

Here are the questions to ask when choosing a pediatrician. Whether you get a name by referral or via online searches; always assess your selection via these questions.

Is the pediatrician well-qualified?

Do not take anyone’s word when it comes to choosing a pediatrician. Conduct your own research even for names you receive via trusted referrals. A doctor who is right for someone else may not be right for your child’s health needs. So, choose wisely.

Visit clinic websites to read about pediatricians’ qualifications. Good clinics have well-maintained websites for the benefit of the parents and their patients.

A good pediatrician will have completed four years of medical school and three years of residency. If you are looking for a specialist, check information about their fellowship training. After completing their residency, pediatricians can choose to study a specialty such as neonatal medicine, oncology, neurology, or cardiology. Look for the specialty you need.

Online searches; such as Jax pediatrician, will come in very handy for such specific research.

Is the pediatrician board-certified?

When you check the qualifications of pediatricians, you need to ask this important question. Always select a board-certified pediatrician. The American Board of Pediatrics certifies pediatricians after they pass a stringent test. They need to reappear for such tests every seven years for recertifications.

Such stringent training means your board-certified pediatrician will have excellent credentials.

Is the pediatrician part of a group practice or runs an individual clinic?

The advantage of choosing a group practice over individual practice is that in the case of the former, a doctor is always available for your child.

In case of emergencies, your regular pediatrician may not be able to immediately be available at the clinic. In such cases; another trained doctor will be on hand to treat your child. If your regular pediatrician is on leave for some reason, you will always be able to see another doctor at the same clinic, if needed.

What is the age range for the patients?

Most pediatricians see children from infancy to 18 years of age. Some may not see older teens. After children turn 18 years of age, they are comfortable seeing their family doctor and other specialists. So, you can choose the doctor accordingly.

Is the clinic at a comfortable distance?

You will need to visit the clinic frequently when your children are young. Even with wellness visits and vaccinations; the visits can be numerous.

If you count the illnesses common to children and emergencies; you can very well assume you are likely to see the pediatrician more often than you like! So, it is important that you choose a clinic that is easier to reach from your house.

Is the clinic clean and well-maintained?

Most clinics are clean and hygienic. But hygiene at some clinics can be questionable or may not be up to the mark. You really need to ask this question to yourself during your first visit or to anyone who refers one to you.

The setup should be friendly, the space needs to well-aired and well-lit, and overall comforting for children.

How was the behavior of the support staff?

You will interact with the support staff at the clinic quite a lot. When you schedule appointments or call the clinic during emergencies; you are likely to deal with the support staff. So, carefully assess their professional demeanor during your initial visit and continue to monitor it later on as well.

Do you feel comfortable with the pediatrician?

You need to feel comfortable with the pediatrician. Your parenting ideology may differ from the pediatrician in terms of vaccinations, breastfeeding, nutrition, etc. Is the doctor able to bypass all this and still treat your child properly? Can you see past the differences? Do you feel assured by the pediatrician’s medical care?

Children in their growing years are more susceptible to illnesses and can fall sick several times a year. As a parent, you need to be extra careful as even minor illnesses can become a hindrance to their growth. A weaker immunity can cause many common health issues in children, and there isn’t much you can do to avoid them.

A pediatrician helps you take care of the overall health and wellbeing of your child. This includes physical, mental as well as emotional health.

Before you choose a pediatrician in Jacksonville, you need to know about the common health problems of your child and how your pediatrician can help solve these issues.

1. Common cold

The common cold is a very common respiratory issue in children. It is caused by viruses in the upper respiratory tract. Common cold in children occurs 6-8 times a year and can also be as frequent as once every month.

A runny nose, congestion, and cough are some of the signs of the common cold. The treatment of common colds focuses on controlling the symptoms. Increasing fluid intake and care can help your child feel better. A pediatrician will usually not recommend antibiotics for the common cold.

2. Ear pain

Ear pain is another common issue and can be due to infection in the ear canal or pressure from cold and sinus infections. Teeth pain can also be a possible reason for pain in your ear. Ear infections can be very painful and can cause sleepless nights. Hence, it is important to visit your pediatricians in Jacksonville at the earliest.

The pediatrician will conduct a thorough examination of the child’s ear to diagnose the underlying cause. If there are other signs of illness, your pediatrician may prescribe a dose of antibiotics.

However, many ear infections are caused by viruses. In such a case, a pediatrician may not recommend a dose of antibiotic. They can suggest ways to relieve the ear pain until the virus runs its course.

3. Gastroenteritis

Another common health problem with children is Gastroenteritis. This refers to the bowel infection, and the common symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach cramps, and in some cases, fever.

Gastroenteritis is not a severe concern and can be treated by home care. A pediatrician may recommend zinc supplements and oral rehydration solution to maintain the fluid levels in the body.

However, in some cases, the dehydration can be severe and the child may need to get hospitalized.

4. Urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infections are common in infants, teenagers, and even young adults. This occurs due to bacterial growth in any part of the urinary tract. Some of the common symptoms of the infection include frequent urination, pain while urinating, burning sensation, abdominal pain side or back pain, etc.

Your pediatrician will first require a urine test to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection. Depending on the bacteria found your doctor will recommend a suitable course of medication.

These are some of the common issues that can affect your child. Other issues include sore throat, cough, skin infection, etc. A pediatrician in Jacksonville can help you detect and treat the above health concerns through physical exams, diagnosis, and a suitable course of medication.

However, if the situation does not improve, your child may need specialized treatment. Your pediatrician may suggest a specialist that can help address the medical needs of your child.

In addition to this, pediatricians also help your children prevent diseases by following the proper immunization schedule. This is not only necessary but also mandatory to get your child vaccinated on time to reduce the chances of future ailments.