Purpose of Annual Checkups: Annual checkups are essential for ensuring your child’s growth and development are on track. These visits help identify and address potential health issues early, providing peace of mind for parents. At CCM Pediatrics, our dedicated team of doctors, nurse practitioners, and staff are committed to supporting families by delivering these vital exams.
What Happens During an Annual Checkup: An annual checkup is a comprehensive evaluation of a child’s growth and health. This is particularly crucial during the early stages of development. Each visit includes a complete physical exam, which can detect issues before they become serious. At CCM Pediatrics, we follow the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines for preventive pediatric healthcare, which ensures your child receives the highest standard of care. Our checkups focus on both physical and developmental milestones, and we take time to address any concerns parents may have.
During the exam, parents will receive valuable information and guidance on:
Before the exam, it’s helpful for parents to write down a list of questions or concerns they might have. This ensures all important topics are discussed during the visit. The doctor will compare your child’s development to standard milestones to determine if growth is on schedule and identify any areas of concern. Additional health topics such as education, family relationships, overall well-being, and access to community services may also be covered.
It's not uncommon for parents to have concerns about their child's health, even during a routine well-care visit. If you bring up a sick illness or acute issue during an annual checkup, our team at CCM Pediatrics will address your concerns comprehensively. Depending on the severity and nature of the illness, the doctor may:
This approach ensures that both preventive care and immediate health concerns are managed effectively, providing the best care for your child.
Well-child checkups are scheduled according to a timeline that aligns with key developmental stages:
This schedule allows for close monitoring of your child’s health and development. Additional visits may be required if there are specific health concerns or if specialized treatment is needed.
Developmental screening in pediatrics involves assessing a child's growth, behavior, milestones, and potential developmental issues. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Bright Futures provide guidelines and tools to aid in this process. Here are some key aspects related to developmental screening in pediatrics, including tools and forms recommended by AAP and Bright Futures:
Developmental screening aims to detect developmental delays or concerns early, allowing for timely intervention and support. It typically includes assessing cognitive, motor, language, social-emotional, and adaptive skills.
The AAP recommends routine developmental screening at well-child visits using standardized tools. Screening tools should be age-appropriate and validated for the specific age group being assessed.
Bright Futures is a national health promotion initiative that provides guidelines on comprehensive health supervision visits for children. It emphasizes the importance of developmental screening at specific ages (e.g., 9 months, 18 months, 24-30 months, etc.) using validated screening tools.
Pediatric practices integrate developmental screening into routine well-child visits. Positive screens may lead to further evaluation, referrals to specialists if needed, and development of intervention plans to support the child's development.
It is important for healthcare providers to document screening results and follow-up actions in the child's medical record. Regular monitoring ensures ongoing assessment and adjustment of intervention strategies as needed.
Effective developmental screening involves collaboration with families, including discussing screening results, addressing concerns, and providing resources and support.
By following AAP and Bright Futures guidelines and using validated screening tools, pediatricians can effectively monitor and support children's developmental progress, ensuring early detection and intervention for developmental concerns. This approach promotes optimal developmental outcomes and supports families in navigating their child's developmental journey.
During a developmental screening, a child's overall development and upcoming milestones are assessed by a healthcare provider, typically during their annual well-child exam. CCM Pediatrics follows guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics for accurate comparisons. If developmental concerns arise, the practice can refer to specialists within their network.
Autism spectrum disorders affect approximately 1.5% of children, impacting behavior and socialization. Symptoms often manifest early in childhood. Autism screenings involve specialized assessments, including parent/patient interviews and physical evaluations. Additional tests such as neurological, hearing, and vision tests may be recommended to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
Treatment options for autism spectrum disorders include counseling and behavioral therapy. Routine screenings, such as the MCHAT assessment at 18 months, help in early detection. CCM Pediatrics can refer patients to specialists for further evaluation and treatment. Specialized school settings and therapies tailored to individual needs also play a crucial role in improving learning and behavior.
Asperger's syndrome, previously considered a mild form of autism, is now categorized under Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It can affect a child's behavior and social integration. With appropriate treatment and care, individuals with Asperger's syndrome can lead fulfilling lives.
Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for babies and families, but sometimes support is needed. At CCM Pediatrics, our doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses offer lactation consults to help families successfully breastfeed.
A lactation consult provides knowledge and guidance to breastfeeding parents facing initial challenges. It includes breastfeeding consultations and support to help parents overcome difficulties and learn effective breastfeeding techniques. CCM Pediatrics has a team of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and Lactation Counselors who offer support during newborn and infant visits, as well as through new parent support groups. Lactation questions can also be addressed through our breastfeeding support phone line.
Breastfeeding benefits both baby and mother. Human milk provides essential nutrients and immune factors that protect against infections. For mothers, breastfeeding reduces the risk of premenopausal breast and ovarian cancers, aids in postpartum uterine contraction, and is cost-effective and convenient.
Breastfeeding operates on a supply-and-demand basis. Mothers need sufficient calories, fluids, and rest to produce adequate breast milk. A balanced diet with three meals and three snacks per day supports optimal milk production. Newborns typically require 8-12 feedings daily. Issues such as inadequate milk production can be addressed with guidance from our Lactation Team.
CCM Pediatrics' Lactation Team supports families starting their breastfeeding journey and those with specific concerns. Our consultants assist with assessing latch positions, optimizing milk production, discussing breast pumps and milk storage, and addressing other breastfeeding challenges.
Breastfeeding is a learned process that may take 2-3 days or weeks, depending on various factors. Whether during a well-child visit or a separate appointment, our Lactation Consultants at CCM Pediatrics are dedicated to helping you navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood.
At CCM Pediatrics, we offer specialized sleep consults for children ranging from infancy through adolescence who experience sleep difficulties. Our practice is dedicated to promoting healthy sleep habits from the earliest stages of life.
Sleep is crucial for infants and young children as it supports their physical and cognitive development. Establishing healthy sleep patterns early on contributes to overall family wellness. Discussions on healthy sleep practices are integrated into all well-child visits, ensuring comprehensive care for your child's sleep needs.
Babies have predictable yet evolving sleep patterns. Initially, focus on frequent naps to prevent overtiredness, which can disrupt nighttime sleep. Establish consistent soothing routines such as feeding, singing, reading, or rocking before bedtime to help your baby wind down. Gradually introduce opportunities for self-soothing by placing your baby in the crib drowsy but awake.
Ensure your baby sleeps in a quiet, motionless, and safe sleep environment, such as a bassinet or crib free of bumpers, pillows, or toys. Consistency is key to reinforcing healthy sleep habits and promoting optimal rest for your baby.
As your baby grows beyond 4-6 months, they may still wake for nighttime feedings. Respond promptly to hunger cues by feeding your baby and then facilitating a return to sleep. During the day, expect multiple naps that support your baby's overall sleep needs. Encourage self-soothing techniques to help your baby settle independently, enhancing sleep quality for the entire family. Strive for a consistent bedtime routine and environment to reinforce healthy sleep habits established early on.
Occasional snoring can be normal, especially during a cold or allergies. Persistent loud snoring, snorting, or gasping for breath may indicate sleep apnea or other sleep disorders and should be evaluated by a pediatrician.
If your child consistently has difficulty sleeping despite implementing good sleep hygiene practices, exhibits signs of sleep apnea, or if sleep problems are impacting their daytime functioning, behavior, or mood, you should seek medical evaluation.
Treatment options depend on the specific sleep disorder and may include behavioral interventions (e.g., sleep hygiene education, bedtime routines), medications (in certain cases), and addressing underlying medical conditions.
At CCM Pediatrics, we provide comprehensive care for adolescents up to 18-21 years old, addressing a wide range of physical, emotional, and social needs. Our practice emphasizes the importance of promoting healthy habits and addressing common adolescent concerns.
Adolescent health encompasses a variety of physical, emotional, and social needs crucial for overall well-being. Our care includes nutrition assessments, mental health screenings, risk factor assessments, and physical exams tailored to adolescents' unique developmental stage.
Adolescent visits empower young individuals to take responsibility for their physical health, emphasizing healthy eating, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and annual physical exams. Establishing these habits during adolescence sets the foundation for lifelong health. We also provide support for adolescents managing chronic conditions such as asthma, depression, and ADHD, equipping them with essential coping and management skills.
Adolescence is a pivotal time for developing coping strategies, resilience, and sound decision-making skills critical to mental well-being. Approximately one in five adolescents experiences mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. We emphasize early detection through mental health screenings and provide specialized care for LGBTQIA+ youth, address behavioral and school-related issues, and offer guidance on managing media consumption and navigating social media responsibly.
Call CCM Pediatrics today to schedule an adolescent visit and ensure your child receives comprehensive care to support their physical, emotional, and social development.
During a pediatric sports medicine visit, several common issues and concerns should be addressed to ensure the young athlete's health and safety, as well as to optimize their athletic performance. Here are key aspects typically covered:
By addressing these aspects during pediatric sports medicine visits, healthcare providers can help young athletes achieve their athletic goals while prioritizing their health, safety, and overall well-being. Regular check-ups and proactive management are essential to support young athletes in staying healthy and performing at their best.
At CCM Pediatrics, we provide comprehensive sports physicals for children throughout your communities, ensuring they are ready to safely participate in school sports teams.
Call CCM Pediatrics today to schedule your child’s sports physical and ensure they are ready for a healthy and successful sports season.
Families often have various concerns regarding vaccines, which typically center around safety, effectiveness, necessity, and potential side effects. Addressing these concerns with accurate information is crucial to fostering understanding and confidence in vaccination. Here are key areas of concern and corresponding information:
By addressing these concerns with empathy and providing evidence-based information, healthcare providers can help families make informed decisions about vaccination, promoting the health and well-being of children and communities.
This Q & A provides factual information about vaccines, addressing common concerns regarding safety, efficacy, and misconceptions surrounding autism. It emphasizes the importance of vaccines in safeguarding public health and dispels myths through evidence-based knowledge.
We offer walk-in hours to provide prompt care for our established patients. Please note our schedule:
Please be aware that we are closed on weekends and major holidays.
These walk-in hours are designed to address acute, non-emergency medical needs promptly while ensuring continuity of care for our patients. Thank you for entrusting us with your child's healthcare needs.
For a walk-in visit in pediatrics, here are some general pieces of information that patients and families should be aware of:
By understanding these general aspects of a walk-in visit in pediatrics, patients and families can approach the appointment prepared and informed, ensuring efficient and effective healthcare delivery for their child's immediate medical needs.
During a general pediatrics prenatal counseling session for a normal pregnancy and anticipated delivery, the following topics are typically discussed to prepare expectant parents for the care of their newborn:
Prenatal counseling sessions are an opportunity to address parents' questions and concerns, provide evidence-based information, and empower them to make informed decisions regarding their child's health and well-being from birth onwards.
We are pleased to offer both virtual group prenatal visits and individual prenatal visits to support expectant parents. Here's how you can participate:
During our prenatal visits, we aim to build a mutual understanding between your family and our practice. Here's what to expect:
Our goal is to establish a supportive relationship where we can assist you in making informed choices for your family's health. We look forward to meeting you and being a part of your prenatal care journey.
During a pediatric visit, discussions about nutrition and weight management are crucial for promoting healthy growth and development in children. Here are key topics that may be covered:
By addressing these topics during pediatric visits, healthcare providers can empower families with the knowledge and tools to promote optimal nutrition, healthy eating habits, and overall well-being for children from infancy through adolescence.
How can I tell if my child is at a healthy weight compared to height? Children grow at varying rates, so healthcare providers often use percentile charts and body mass index (BMI) to assess if a child's weight is within a normal range. Dr. Rebecca Unger, with experience from the Lurie Wellness and Weight Management Clinic, offers consultations for overweight, underweight, and picky eating concerns. Families concerned about their child’s growth patterns or feeding habits can schedule a consultation at our practice. These sessions include a thorough family history review, physical examination, and the development of personalized interventions focused on promoting healthy family fitness and preventing obesity-related chronic diseases. Our programs include assessing family eating habits, physical activity levels, and monitoring growth parameters such as weight, height, and BMI. Follow-up visits allow for goal reassessment and adjustment, with potential recommendations for laboratory assessments when necessary. Additionally, during annual well-child visits, all healthcare providers educate families on healthy eating and physical activity patterns.
What are the risks associated with being over or underweight? Maintaining a healthy weight-to-height ratio is vital for both physical and emotional well-being. Risks associated with being overweight include heart problems, diabetes, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal issues, orthopedic complications, and psychosocial challenges. Underweight children may experience immune deficiencies, increased susceptibility to infections, and growth issues. Unhealthy weight conditions can also impact participation in sports and contribute to psychosocial concerns.
What is nutrition counseling? Nutrition counseling at CCM Pediatrics aims to educate families on optimizing their child's growth through healthy eating habits and physical activity. Dr. Unger and our team develop personalized family eating plans to promote healthy behaviors around meals and snacks, catering to overweight, underweight, and picky eating challenges. We also support young athletes in ensuring they consume sufficient calories from nutritious foods. Our healthcare providers empower families to understand their child’s dietary needs and make informed decisions for healthier food choices.
At CCM Pediatrics, we are dedicated to promoting optimal health through comprehensive nutrition and weight management counseling tailored to each child's unique needs.
Mental health consultations are specialized services provided by healthcare professionals to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions in individuals of all ages. Here’s how they typically work:
Overall, mental health consultations aim to provide comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to each individual’s needs, promoting emotional well-being and improving quality of life. They play a crucial role in addressing mental health challenges and supporting patients on their journey to better mental health.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with our providers, please call our office. We are committed to providing compassionate care and support for your child's mental health needs.
After your first visit appointment is scheduled, you will receive digital forms to complete and verify that patient information is registered correctly. Typically, our new patient forms include patient registration forms, medical release forms, insurance information forms, and patient demographics.
To ensure your first visit is as efficient and informative as possible, please bring information about your family medical history, your child’s medical history, and your insurance details.
For prenatal families and newborns delivering at St. Francis Hospital, you can designate one of our doctors on your admission registration form. We will visit you the morning after your baby is born. Typically, we conduct rounds within 24 hours, during which we will examine your baby, address your questions, and assist you in your parenting journey.
If you are delivering at a different hospital and wish to follow up with our practice after discharge, please call our office to schedule an appointment for your baby a few days after discharge. Remember to bring a copy of your medical records to the first appointment.
For transferring patients, please bring your medical records, including immunization history, records of prior medical issues, and growth charts.
We look forward to meeting you and assisting your family in maintaining optimal health.