Pediatric Primary Care
Find a pediatric primary care provider (PCP) at Adventist HealthCare in Maryland. Feel confident your child will benefit from a long-term relationship with a health and wellness expert.
What’s a Pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a primary care doctor with advanced education to care for the unique needs of babies, children, teens and young adults. Your child can get primary care from a pediatrician, family medicine doctor or other type of healthcare provider.
Well-Baby & Well-Child Checkups
From birth to age 21, your child will need regular checkups. During these visits, your child’s doctor will:
- Give education on nutrition, exercise and healthy lifestyle choices
- Listen to you and answer your questions
- Provide preventive care, including immunizations and screenings
- Track your child’s physical, mental and emotional growth
Schedule for Children’s Doctor Appointments
Ask your child’s doctor how often your child should get care. Your child may need well-baby checks at:
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
Your child will then need checkups at:
- 1 year
- 15 months
- 18 months (1.5 years)
- 2 years
- 30 months (2.5 years)
Starting at age 3, your child will see their doctor for a physical examination each year.
Acute (Short-Term) Conditions
If your child has a minor illness or injury, call their primary care provider or visit an urgent care location. Your child’s doctor can treat conditions such as:
- Ear infections
- Fever
- Respiratory infections, such as bronchitis, colds, cough and influenza
- Skin conditions, such as rashes
- Sore throat
- Urinary tract infection (UTIs)
- Vomiting and diarrhea
Chronic (Long-Term) Conditions
During checkups, your child’s doctor will screen for:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Birth defects, such as congenital heart defects and spina bifida
- Developmental disorders like attention-deficit disorder or autism
- Diabetes and endocrinology conditions such as puberty or growth disorders
- Hearing and vision problems
- Genetic conditions, like cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome and sickle cell disease
- Mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression
- Neurological disorders like epilepsy
Pediatric Specialty Care
If your child has one or more chronic health conditions, your child’s doctor can refer you to specialists and help you navigate the healthcare system. Rely on your child’s doctor to advocate for your family and communicate with other members of your child’s care team to ensure high-quality, coordinated care.
