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. Valley Pediatric Pediatricians are board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.
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. We have prenatal groups every month. 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. Visit our expectant parent's page for more information.
Q: How often should my child see the pediatrician?
A: Well-care visits or checkups, are one of the most important things you can do to keep your child healthy. Well-child visits are also a good time for parents to ask questions and express concerns about a child's development or behavior, The clinicians will observe the progress of your child's physical and mental growth and development, provide immunizations, screen for problems, and counsel on nutrition, safety and overall well-being. Well-care visits are strongly recommended as part of preventive pediatric care. We strongly feel that keeping up to date with your child's check ups is important and is a requirement of staying in this practice.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this schedule for routine well-care visits:
- 3 to 5 days
- 2 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. (410-902-7710)
Q: Is your office accepting new patients?
A: Yes, we always welcome new patients. Contact our office for additional information including which insurances we accept, and to 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: How can we contact the office?
A: There are several ways to get information or contact Valley Pediatrics:
- Website, is a good source for printing out forms, paying bills, getting news about flu clinics and other parenting information.
- Facebook page for announcements and news, e.g. when we are closed due to snow or interesting news concerning children's health.
- Patient portal (current patients only). Check here for your child's vaccine record, growth charts, and visit notes. You can also request medication refills and email non-urgent questions, 24 hours a day, and self-schedule for flu shots.
- Phone. For any urgent question, please call. There is always someone on call when the office is closed.
Q: How can we contact the office after hours?
A: There is always someone on call. We use a service at night to answer questions and perform telemedicine visits after hours.