Please take a moment to read our most commonly asked questions. We're always available to answer your questions and encourage you to contact our office if you have a question that is not answered below.
Q: What is a Pediatrician?
A: A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of children. Pediatricians have undergone special training in the health and illnesses of infants, teens and young adults, and the majority of pediatricians are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics after passing a comprehensive exam.
Pediatricians provide preventive health care for children in good health and medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill. They also provide parents with support and advice with issues such as growth and development, safety and prevention, nutrition, and emotional wellness to foster a lifetime of good health.
Q: Can I meet my pediatrician before my baby is born?
A: Yes, in fact we strongly encourage parents-to-be to visit our office for a prenatal appointment. This is a great way to get acquainted with our office and our doctors. During this visit, we will answer any questions that you have about our practice or your new child. Visit our expectant parent's page for more information.
Q: How often should my child see the pediatrician?
A: Your child should not only see the pediatrician for an illness. It is also important to schedule well-child-care exams regularly, beginning in infancy. Also called well-care visits or checkups, these routine examinations provide the best opportunity for the doctor to observe the progress of your child's physical and mental growth and development; to counsel and teach parents; to detect problems through screening tests; to provide immunizations, and to get to know one another. Well-care visits are strongly recommended as part of preventive pediatric care.
Well-child visits are also a good time for parents to raise questions and concerns about a child's development, behavior, nutrition, safety and overall well-being.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this schedule for routine well-care visits:
- 3 to 5 days
- 2-3 weeks
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 24 months
- 30 months
- 3 years
- 4 years
- And once every year thereafter for an annual health supervision visit that includes a physical exam as well as a developmental, behavioral, and learning assessment.
Q: What is the best way to schedule an appointment with your office?
A: You can schedule an appointment by calling our office during regular business hours.
Q: Is your office accepting new patients?
A: Yes, we always welcome new patients. Contact our office for additional information or request an appointment.
Q: Why does my child need to receive vaccinations?
A: Immunizations are a series of shots given to children at different ages to help ward off serious, and potentially fatal, childhood diseases. Making sure your child receives immunizations when scheduled is the best way to help protect your child from potentially fatal diseases. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, vaccinations have reduced the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90%. If you're apprehensive about vaccinations, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Q: If my child becomes ill, how quickly will we be seen?
A: Poole and Thomas Pediatrics has same day sick visits. We encourage you to call as soon as you know your child is ill so that we may best accommodate your schedule. On very busy days, we still strive to see every child that needs to be seen.
Q: What if my child becomes ill on a Saturday or Sunday?
A: We have office hours on Saturday mornings for sick visits. We will also see patients on a case by case basis on Sunday mornings and holidays.
Q: What if I have a question or think my child needs to be seen after hours?
A: At Poole and Thomas Pediatrics, there is someone to answer your questions 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We have a highly trained nurse triage service that can answer many routine questions as well as determine whether you child needs to be seen immediately. There is a physician on call at all times to help when needed.
Q: Will my child ever see a Nurse Practitioner or Physicians Assistant?
A: Yes, it is possible that your child will see a nurse practitioner. Poole and Thomas Pediatrics currently employs one nurse practitioner, Stacey Burnett. She has over 15 years of pediatric experience and has been an invaluable addition to our practice. For additional information about Ms. Burnett, see our "About Us" page.