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, and the majority of pediatricians are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics after passing a comprehensive exam.
Pediatricians provide preventative 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.
Child medical care differs substantially from adult medical care. The care for each age and stage is very individualized. Children are not small adults.
Q: Can I meet Dr. Arzon before my baby is born?
A: Yes, in fact we strongly encourage parents-to-be to visit our office for a prenatal appointment. This is a great way to get acquainted with our office and our doctor. During this visit, we will answer any questions that you have about our practice or your new child. Visit our expectant parent's page for more information.
There is a retainer fee for Pre-Natal visit that is always applied towards the child's deductible on their first patient visit.
Q: How often should my child see Dr. Arzon?
A: Your child should not only see Dr. Arzon for an illness. It is also important to schedule well-child-care exams regularly, beginning in infancy. Also called well-care visits or checkups, these routine examinations provide the best opportunity for the doctor to observe the progress of your child's physical and mental growth and development; to counsel and teach parents; to detect problems through screening tests; to provide immunizations, and to get to know one another. Well-care visits are strongly recommended as part of preventative pediatric care.
Well-child visits are also a good time for parents to raise questions and concerns about a child's development, behavior, nutrition, safety and overall well-being.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this schedule for routine well-care visits:
- 3 to 5 days
- 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 if my child develops a fever?
A: If you believe your child has a fever, take his/her temperature before calling and have a pen and paper ready to write down any instructions that are given. Also have the phone number of your pharmacy on hand so the doctor can order a prescription if necessary.
Q: If my child is sick or injured should I take him to the emergency room or an urgent care after office hours or on week-ends?
A: Most emergencies should be called to my attention first by telephone and a decision made by me as to whether the situation can be handled by phone, seen in the office or in the emergency room. Children with immediate life-threatening situations should be taken directly and immediately to the hospital emergency room, or call 911. When you get to the emergency room tell them that Dr. Arzon is your pediatric care provider so they can notify me of your childs condition and direct his/her care and coordinate care if needed.
Q: What is considered a true emergency where I need to take my child to the emergency room?
A: 1. Breathing difficulty other than simple nasal congestion 2. Choking 3. Allergic reaction with difficulty breathing 4. Suspected broken bone 5. Cut that requires stiches - gaping open 6. Bleeding that cant be stopped 7. Serious accident 8. Loss of consciousness or seizures
Q: What do I do if I think my child ate or drank something harmful?
A: Call Poison Control before you go to the emergency room. They will instruct you in the necessary treatment. 1-800-222-1222
Q: Are there any other serious problem that I should take my child to the emergency room?
A: 1. Severe burn or any electrical burn 2. Wild animal bite 3. Severe abdominal pain lasting more than 2 hours 4. Bloody bowel movements in an infant 5. Severe eye injury
Q: My child has had some vomiting and diarrhea; can I give him water or juice so he doesn't get dehydrated?
A: DO NOT replace fluid loss with water, juice or Koolaid - it is dangerous. Use an electrolyte solution appropriate for age such as Pedialyte, Rehydralyte, etc.
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: 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.
Q: Is your office accepting new patients?
A: Yes, we always welcome new patients. Contact our office for additional information. We accept all insurances. We will bill the insurance for you, you are only required to pay your deductible or co-pays.