Have you ever wondered what the pediatric associates of Jacksonville actually do? Here are the important things you need to know about pediatricians, their responsibilities, and how to find the right clinic for your child and family.

What is a Pediatrician?

While many people are familiar with medical doctors, they don’t necessarily understand all the many ways in which specialists interact with regular physicians. In fact, many medical specialties for doctors in the US aren’t really part of people’s everyday language. Jacksonville’s pediatricians, also known as the pediatrics associates of Jacksonville, are doctors who specialize in medicine for children. Specifically, they often deal with patients from birth until your child is 18 years old. These doctors differ from obstetricians, or obstetrician-gynecologists, in that they are not specialists in pregnancy or childbirth, but essentially in most healthcare needs after birth until the child reaches 18.

Ideally, new parents will connect with pediatric associates of Jacksonville before they give birth, or very shortly afterwards, so that they can have a seamless line of healthcare for their new arrival. This is where a specialized and dedicated medical office for kids can be extremely important. With the right facility employing pediatricians, you can ensure that your child gets the healthcare it needs.

What are the Responsibilities of Pediatric Associates of Jacksonville?

Now that we know what pediatricians do and where people can often find them, let’s break down their actual responsibilities. Broadly, the pediatrics associates of Jacksonville have six major responsibilities:

1.  Perform medical exams: One of the first things that will ever happen when you visit pediatric associates of Jacksonville is a medical examination of your child. This is one of the most common and regular responsibilities of nearly every pediatrician. Medical examinations are usually quick and non-invasive; they are often simply routine. Of course, these medical professionals can also perform medical exams for many common injuries and ailments, from broken bones to common colds and other things. Everything from throat examinations to reflex, pulmonary, and respiratory tests are quite common for a pediatrician.

2.  Develop diagnoses: Once exams are completed, pediatrics associates of Jacksonville will often diagnose any issues that fall within their area of expertise. Diagnoses often revolve around treating specific issues and ailments, but they can also be around eliminating other potential health issues. Many pediatricians work backwards, using common tests to eliminate possible issues before landing on the specific problem or series of problems that are causing the issue.

3.  Offer referrals to specialists: If the diagnosis falls into another area of medicine, then pediatric associates of Jacksonville will instead refer to specialists. This is often the case for many common issues, especially non-life-threatening ones. A rash, for example, may require the expertise of a dermatologist. Some broken bones may require the attention of an orthopedist.

4.  Create treatment plans and options: The most common stage after diagnosis is the treatment plan and treatment options stage. The best pediatrics associates of Jacksonville work directly with parents and patients to ensure the right treatment options are considered and taken depending on the lifestyle and situation of the people involved. Treatments are often paired with future visits to ensure the plan is working and addressing the problems. If a specialist is involved, future appointments may be required for both the specialist and pediatrician.

5.  Communicate with children and parents: While being a doctor takes years of intense scientific education, much of doctor training today is focused on communication. After all, without clear communication, patients can often be confused and may even incorrectly follow treatment plans. That is why one of the most important things that pediatric associates of Jacksonville do is communicate. They can often communicate with children and parents in tandem. As the child gets older, they may feel more comfortable visiting their pediatrician on their own, which is at the discretion of the parents.

How to Choose the Right Pediatrician for Your Child and Family

When it comes to medical care and your child, you will need someone who specializes in child healthcare, and a clinic that is dedicated to their wellbeing. When looking for pediatrics associates of Jacksonville, be sure to look for a conveniently located clinic with 24/7 availability. That way, you can ensure that your child is getting the healthcare attention they need, when they need it.