Please take a moment to read our most commonly asked questions. We are 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: Pediatric Healthcare of LI recommends this schedule for routine well-care visits:
- 3 to 5 days
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 3 months
- 4 months
- 5 months
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 8 months
- 10 months
- 12 months
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 24 months
- 30 months
- 3 years
- 4 years
- And once every year thereafter
Q: What can I expect at my child’s well visit?
A: At each routine well-child visit your child will be weighed and measured. Your pediatrician will perform a thorough physical examination. 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-child visits are an important time for parents to raise questions and concerns about a child's development, behavior, nutrition, safety, and overall well-being. Well-care visits are an essential part of preventive pediatric care.
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, or by requesting an appointment online.
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 are apprehensive about vaccinations, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Q: Who will examine my baby in the hospital?
A: Our group is affiliated with Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, LIJ Cohen’s Children’s Hospital in New Hyde Park, and North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. One of the doctors from our group will examine your baby upon admission to the newborn nursery and before you go home and will answer any questions you may have. When you arrive home, call our office and schedule your baby’s first appointment. Please call our office at any time if you have any questions or concerns about your baby.
Q: Will I see the same doctor at every visit?
A: We have six excellent pediatricians in our group. We have monthly provider meetings in order to ensure that we provide similar care to all of our patients. You may decide to meet each of our doctors so that if you are seen on a weekend or call at night, you will be familiar with the doctor. However, our office will accommodate patients who prefer to schedule appointments with one doctor.
Q: Do you have a second waiting area for well children?
A: Each of our offices has a second waiting room. When you come in with a newborn, please let our receptionist know that you will be in the second waiting room. We will always do our best to keep your waiting time to a minimum.
Q: How old does my baby have to be to travel by plane?
A: In a recent article published in Pediatric News, Dr. Lee Beers included several helpful points about traveling with babies. Consider waiting 1-2 weeks to make sure that a newborn is healthy and gaining weight, and that the mother is fully recovered. Consider keeping your baby in a cloth carrier on your chest to discourage strangers from touching the baby or getting too close. Use hand sanitizer frequently. For most children, eating small, frequent, familiar meals will prevent motion sickness. Children over two who still have trouble may use Dramamine. To minimize ear pain, have children drink from a bottle or straw, use a pacifier, or chew gum. Check the airline’s website for rules about traveling with liquids for children. Check the CDC website (www.cdc.gov/travel) for information about health concerns or requirements in specific areas you may visit.