Pediatrics
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As a family practice, Danvers Family Doctors of Peabody MA provides care to pediatric patients from newborn through their successful transition into our adult care services. Pediatric care includes frequent preventative care visits in the first years of life, followed by annual wellness exams, as well as necessary visits for sickness in between. Our office also follows the Massachusetts guidelines for childhood vaccinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do children need to see their doctor?
Children should see their doctor on a regular basis, especially during the first years of their life. A baby’s first visit typically takes place when they are just a few days old. Baby visits then general follow a schedule of 1, 2, 4, 6, and 9 months, and then on or around their first birthday. After that, you can schedule visits every six months, usually when your child is 18, 24, 30, and 36 months old. After 3 years of age, wellness exams are scheduled on an annual basis. We also encourage pediatric patients to be seen by their provider when they are sick or exhibit changes in behavioral patterns. Urgent care or the emergency room is also encouraged for more serious cases if their normal provider is not available.
How are well-child visits carried out?
We encourage attendance from pediatric guardians to ensure they develop a good an safe relationship with the doctors office and their provider, as well as to develop skills of self-advocacy. To determine a child’s growth rate, the healthcare provider will examine their height, weight, and other relevant measurements. A discussion of developmental milestones like talking, crawling, and walking is also part of well-child visits. During the visit, the child may receive any vaccinations that are due. A well-child visit is also a great time for parents to ask the healthcare provider any specific questions or concerns they may have about their child’s health and their development.
Are children required to receive vaccinations?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly recommend core immunizations to uphold long standing her immunity for your child and the communities safety. As such, we follow the Massachusetts guidelines the require childhood immunizations including chickenpox, hepatitis, mumps, and measles. For children who are in good health, there are specific vaccination schedules that are recommended, and those schedules can be altered for children who have health issues that necessitate delaying vaccinations. Specific schedules can be found under the immunization page. The staff at Danvers Family Doctors is happy to assist parents who have questions or concerns about vaccinations.
What is a pediatric emergency?
Growing up involves falling and tumbling. As a parent, it may be challenging to distinguish between minor and serious injuries. Parents can get help from Danvers Family Doctors if their child gets hurt. Some injuries require immediate office treatment, others necessitate an emergency room visit, and still others can be treated at home. Our team of nurses and providers are available during normal office hours to help parents in these types of situations and our off hours call line can be used to speak with a provider any time of night.