Why Seeing a Pediatrician Matters
There are many medical options available to you and your family – and urgent care facilities and family medical practices are often considered the most convenient place to receive care. However, it is extremely important that a board-certified pediatrician cares for your child, not a general practitioner.
UPMC Children's Community Pediatrics pediatricians are certified in providing care to newborns through children ages 18 or older. While a family medical physician can provide care, they do not have the specific child-expertise that a pediatrician does. As children grow and develop, it is vital that they are seen by a physician who truly understands their physical, emotional and psychological needs.
At UPMC CCP, we strive to be your pediatric medical home, coordinating care across the board to fulfill all of your child’s needs. From general well and sick care to specialty services, we want to be your one-stop medical resource for anything that may arise.
By choosing a doctor that’s part of a pediatric network – instead of visiting a general family medicine practice – you and your child will benefit from building a strong relationship with a provider who has access to your complete medical record and is willing to work collaboratively to manage care. A pediatric network will also give you access to the evolving practices and technologies of healthcare today.
When your family is seeking evaluation or treatment there are many options – but the key is finding a balance between the right care, at the right time, in the right place, that is delivered in a way that best meets your and your child’s needs. When structured as a full pediatric medical home, the best choice will almost always be the pediatric office right in your own neighborhood.