Pediatric Care Q & A

What is pediatric care?

Pediatric care at the office of Luz Angela Lopez, MD, involves evaluation, diagnosis, and the treatment of illnesses and chronic conditions in children. 

Pediatric care appointments also address your child’s growth and development and screen for medical problems before they become serious

To become a pediatrician, individuals must first get a bachelor’s degree and apply to medical school. Once accepted, they complete four years of medical school and receive the medical degree and begin a residency in their chosen field.

One of the many things you need to do to prepare for your little one’s arrival is to choose a doctor to oversee his or her health care. A pediatrician is medical doctor who manages the physical, behavioral, and mental health of children from birth until age 21. A pediatrician is trained to diagnose and treat a broad range of childhood illnesses from minor health problems to serious diseases.

Which pediatric care services are available?

Pediatric care services Dr. Lopez and her team offer include:

• Sick visits
• Sports participation physicals
• Annual children’s physical exams
• Circumcision in newborns up to three weeks old
• Immunizations
• Hearing and vision screenings
• In-house spirometry lung function tests
• Electrocardiograms (EKGs)
• In-house labs

Dr. Lopez offers same-day and walk-in appointments to accommodate your child’s needs, especially when they are sick or experience a medical emergency.

What happens during my child’s appointment?

During pediatric care appointments with Dr. Lopez, she and her team perform:

Vital signs check

Dr. Lopez checks your child’s height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and other vital signs. They also assess your child’s growth and development.

Medical history evaluation

Dr. Lopez reviews your child’s medical history and asks questions about the symptoms they are experiencing. She also assesses their development by asking you questions or completing developmental assessments.

Physical exam

During a physical exam, Dr. Lopez evaluates your child’s abdomen, limbs, eyes, ears, throat, breathing, and heartbeat.

Diagnostic testing

If your child is ill or exhibits symptoms of a chronic disease like asthma, allergies, or diabetes, Dr. Lopez might utilize throat or nasal swabs, blood tests, urine tests, lung function tests, or imaging procedures to make a diagnosis.

Treatment

Your child may not require treatment but if they do, Dr. Lopez might recommend nutrition support, meal planning, other lifestyle changes, dietary supplements, medications, breathing treatments, physical or occupational therapy, speech therapy, or behavioral therapy. She refers out to specialists whenever necessary.

When should I schedule pediatric care?

As a rule, schedule child wellness exams every year or more often for children and babies under three years old. Schedule a sick visit for your child if they exhibit unusual symptoms that don’t subside on their own or are severe.

Give your child the best chance to thrive and maintain optimal health. Schedule a pediatric care appointment with Dr. Lopez and her team over the phone or online today.