Pediatric care protects your child and helps them reach their full potential. At Pediatric Associates at Ridge, empathetic pediatrician Maria Hoffman-Guardia, MD, offer holistic pediatric care in a welcoming and kid-friendly office in McAllen, Texas. To schedule a well-child exam, sick visit, or sports physical, call the office or click the online appointment maker now.
Pediatric care is medical care for children, lasting from birth until age 18. Pediatricians specialize exclusively in the medical needs of children. While some general practitioners see children as patients, they don’t have the extensive childhood-specific medical training that pediatricians possess.
For that reason, children need to see pediatricians for the most comprehensive childhood medical care possible.
Pediatric care includes:
Well-child exams, as the name indicates, are all about keeping your child well as they grow up. These exams start with newborn care shortly after birth and continue until age 18.
Well-child exams include in-house lab testing, developmental screenings, immunizations, and other specific medical care according to your child’s age, developmental stage, and individual health needs.
As your child grows, they may develop medical problems requiring chronic medical condition management.
This type of care supports children affected by problems such as childhood obesity, behavioral health disorders, autism, asthma, or any other condition that affects their health and wellness. Chronic medical condition management may include medication, psychotherapy, physical therapy, and many other types of care to help your child enjoy the best health possible.
Sick visits provide help with sore throat, flu, earaches, sports injuries, and other conditions your child may develop suddenly.
Because illness and injury usually happen when you least expect it, Pediatric Associates at Ridge schedules quick appointments.
Sports physicals occur before a new school year or sports season starts. This type of physical assesses your child’s physical wellness as it relates to their chosen sport.
Most healthy children can obtain a sports clearance with a sports physical. Children dealing with chronic conditions may require adjustments like a change in their asthma medication.
Pediatric Associates at Ridge provides complete pediatric care customized for your child’s individual needs at every age.
The newborn and toddler periods require the most frequent well-child visits, with appointments at:
After 30 months, your child’s next well-child visit is generally at age 3. Following that, they'll have yearly well-child exams until reaching adulthood.
Pediatric care addresses your concerns as a parent, prevents serious illnesses, and establishes a strong health foundation. Call Pediatric Associates at Ridge or click the online scheduler for pediatric care now.