Pediatric & Adolescent Care
Pediatric & adolescent care focuses on the health of infants, children and patients up to the age of 18.
What is pediatric & adolescent care?
Pediatric & adolescent care focuses on the health of infants, children and patients up to the age of 18. Family physicians not only treat children with acute or chronic illnesses, but they also focus on preventive health. This can include a child’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Immunizations play a big role in preventive health and you should speak with a family physician to discuss the proper immunization schedule for your child.
What is the aim of pediatrics?
Family physicians aim to prevent disease and ease symptoms, reduce infant and child death rates, control the spread of infectious diseases and promote healthy lifestyle choices. Pediatric care covers injuries, infections, congenital conditions, organ dysfunction, diseases and cancers. It is important for a family physician to not only focus on the management of a patient’s current health, but also the long-term effects on quality of life. Social stresses, depression, anxiety disorders, behavioral problems, developmental delays/disorders and functional disabilities are all major concerns for family physicians.
How does this care differ from adult medicine?
Genetic variance, congenital defects and developmental concerns are more of a focus for younger patients than adults. They all have long-term effects on a child’s health and life. Knowing this information early on will be extremely helpful going forward. Another major difference are the legal issues involved with pediatric and adolescent care. As minors, children cannot make medical decisions for themselves. Every pediatric procedure must take privacy, guardianship, informed consent and legal responsibility into consideration.
Questions or concerns about your child’s health?
If you’d like to speak with physicians in Encinitas, California, the team at North Coast Family Medical Group can address any concerns or questions that you have. Call today or request an appointment using our Patient Portal.