Pediatric clinics play a crucial role in caring for the health of infants, children, and teenagers. As an immigrant parent, understanding what services pediatricians provide and what to expect during visits can help you access quality healthcare for your child. This article explains what a pediatric clinic is and the services it offers, as well as provide tips and advice that can help make your child’s visit go smoothly.
What Services are Offered at a Pediatric Clinic?
Pediatricians and pediatric clinics provide comprehensive medical services for children from birth through the teen years:
- Routine well-child visits to monitor growth and development
- Vaccinations to prevent dangerous illnesses
- Sick visits to diagnose and treat common childhood illnesses
- Screening tests for vision, hearing, and developmental conditions
- Lab tests for bloodwork, urinalysis, and more
- Referrals to pediatric specialists such as allergists or cardiologists
Pediatric clinics aim to be a “medical home” addressing the physical, mental, and emotional health of patients: infants, school-aged kids, and adolescents.
For Emergencies Go to the Nearest Emergency Room
Pediatric clinics are not set up to handle emergencies. Go to the nearest hospital or dial 911 for emergency services.
Making an Appointment
Call ahead to schedule well-child visits so you can get an appointment at a convenient time. Same-day sick visits may also be available by walk-in. Inform staff upfront if you need an interpreter for your appointment.
Complete any new patient paperwork ahead of the first visit to save time. Bring your child’s prior medical records, health insurance card, and immunization records. Arrive early to complete any additional forms.
Check Your Insurance Coverage and Related Costs Before Your Visit
Medical costs in the U.S. are complicated and finding out that your pediatrician or practice doesn’t accept your insurance after services have been provided can be a financial disaster.
- Most pediatric clinics accept major private health insurance plans like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, etc.
- They often accept Medicaid recipients and state health insurance, CHIP, for lower-income families.
- Some clinics operate on a sliding fee scale based on income for uninsured patients.
- Call ahead to confirm the pediatric clinic is in-network for your family’s insurance plan or discuss options if you are uninsured.
- You may need to pay a copay for each visit or coinsurance after meeting your deductible. This is common with many plans offered by the Health Marketplace.
- Understand your plan’s coverage for well visits, sick visits, immunizations, and other pediatric services.
What to Expect at the Visit
At the visit, you’ll first check in at the front desk and then be brought to an exam room. Nurses will measure your child’s vital signs like height, weight, and temperature. The pediatrician will review your concerns, conduct a physical exam of your child, provide diagnosis and treatment recommendations, and address any questions you have.
Wellness visits focus on preventive care like immunizations, developmental screening, and discussing nutrition and healthy habits.
Sick visits determine if your child has an illness and if any treatment or medicine is needed.
After the Visit
The doctor will explain any follow-up instructions before you leave regarding prescriptions, home care, or referral needs. The clinic staff can help coordinate additional care like lab tests, imaging scans, or specialist visits ordered by your pediatrician. Remember to schedule the next recommended well-child visit.
Finding a Pediatrician
When searching for a pediatrician, start with the database or search feature on your insurance plan website. These sites will have reviews of the physicians, hours available, and the various plan types accepted, such as an HMO or PPO.
- Confirm the doctor is taking new clients.
- Choose an office location close to home or work with convenient office hours.
- Verify the doctor is board-certified in pediatrics.
Important note: First time visits to a pediatric clinic need to be booked well in advance. Don’t wait until the week before your child starts school to book a physical or immunizations. It will be near impossible to get a visit in time.
Ensure the Health of Your Children
Having an established pediatric clinic ensures your child receives the health care services they need to thrive. As an immigrant parent, taking time to understand what pediatric clinics offer sets your child up for a lifetime of health.
