What is Pediatric Consultation: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

Definition and Overview

Pediatric consultation is a common medical process that involves the assessment and diagnosis of conditions affecting children and, to a certain extent, teens, as well as the management of the overall health and wellness of the patients through certain preventative measures.

Pediatrics is a branch of medicine that deals with the medical needs of children. A doctor who specializes in it is called a pediatrician. Pediatricians spend many years of education and training in the field. They begin with 4 years in undergraduate studies and another 4 years in medical school. They then enter into a residency program of an accredited hospital for the next 3 years. After that, they take the board exam for certification.

Pediatrics also has subspecialties, including but not limited to oncology, cardiology, nephrology, neurology, and even psychology. Subspecializing requires additional years in a fellowship program.

The intensive training, however, is incredibly necessary since children as patients are different from the adults. Since their physiology varies, their medical needs and the conditions that commonly affect them may not be seen in adults. For instance, congenital deformities are more common in pediatrics than in internal medicine.

Further, as childhood is a critical stage, pediatricians should closely monitor the growth and development of their patients, which would mean strict regular visits.

The psychology of children also varies from that of the adults. Children often don’t have a deep grasp of pain and illness. Many also don’t know how to express their symptoms, and the lack of understanding often forces them to throw tantrums or withdraw themselves from others. Pediatricians, therefore, should have the skill to establish a good relationship not only with the parents but also with the children, aside from in-depth medical knowledge and expertise.

Lastly, minors, in the legal sense, don’t have the capacity to make decisions by themselves and thus pediatricians also have to work closely with their parents and guardians.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

Pediatric consultations are intended for children who are 0 to 12 years old, although many doctors these days also take care of teens and young adults up to 20 years old. After such age, they normally seek out an internist, who specializes in adult medicine, although some would retain their family care physician.

Pediatric consultations may be carried out for:

• Immunization – Immunization refers to the prevention of a particular disease by helping the body develop immunity against the pathogen that causes it. Vaccination is one of the most common forms of immunization. Children require vaccination against diseases such as measles, smallpox, rubella, diphtheria, and hepatitis, among others. As they grow older, they would receive booster shots as means of reinforcing the effects of the first round of vaccination. The pediatrician usually gives out a card that will help the parents keep track of the vaccination schedule. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has a printable copy.

• Treatment of congenital deformities – Not all congenital deformities need to be treated, especially if they don’t cause any pain or have the potential to limit the functions and mobility of the body. But if they have to be corrected, children may have to undergo excision removal or surgery, in which case the pediatrician has to collaborate with a surgeon and other specialists. Many of these abnormalities should be corrected while the child is still young to promote a more normal growth and development.

• Prevention of disease – Pediatricians do not only treat diseases, but they also prevent them. Usually, children have to be brought to the clinic or hospital for annual checkups. In this manner too, the doctor can monitor the growth and development of the child.

• Substance abuse services – As more teens are becoming addicted to different substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs, a number of pediatricians are also training themselves to help their patients out clinically. They also work alongside social workers and psychologists for the complete rehabilitation of the patient.

• Special gynecologic service – Pediatricians are not gynecologists whose job requires taking care of pregnant women and the babies in the womb. However, if a delivery may have some impact on the newborn (neonate) later, pediatricians may be asked to collaborate with gynecologists and obstetricians.

• Psychiatric and behavioral therapy – Pediatric consultation may also be undertaken by children who are showing early signs of mental problems such as schizophrenia. Disorders such as autism, dyslexia, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) usually manifest during the early years of the child.

Simple cases such as colds and flu can often be treated with one or two visits to the pediatrician. However, for the overall wellness of the child, visiting the doctor should be a regular habit even without any symptom.

How Does the Procedure Work?

A child’s relationship with the pediatrician begins as soon as he or she is born. Parents are expected to already have one prior to their delivery. Otherwise, the in-house (hospital) pediatrician will be the first one to check on the newborn’s health until the parent finds a more preferred doctor.

A number of pediatricians work in an outpatient setting or have their own clinics. Parents will be instructed on the best times to take their child for a visit with the pediatrician.

A huge part of the pediatric consultation is called the well-child visit. This refers to a point where children have to see their doctor several times within a year. It starts by the time the child is born until he or she is around 5 years old. Each appointment would include a thorough physical exam and counselling. The doctor can provide the parents much-needed information on anything that concerns the child such as nutrition, sleep, and mental and physical development. The doctor can also provide preventive tips to increase the child’s immunity. During these visits, immunization or vaccination may be provided.

After 5 years old, the child may see the doctor annually for regular checkup unless the child requires urgent or emergency care.

Pediatric consultations may also be performed while the child is in the hospital. The doctor will monitor the child’s response to treatment such as medications or surgery. Consultations also happen 2 to 3 days after the child has been discharged from the hospital.

Possible Risks and Complications

One of the main goals of pediatric consultation is to prevent unnecessary testing on children, which may only introduce pain or discomfort to them. The process itself, therefore, doesn’t have any serious risk. However, as part of the protocol, certain physical exams and vaccination, among others, may be required to ensure their health and these could be uncomfortable for children.

Reference:

• http://www.childrenshospital.org/centers-and-services/general-pediatric-consultation-program
• http://www.sickkids.ca/PaediatricMedicine/What-we-do/Paediatric-consultation-clinic/index.html
• http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Pediatrics.aspx
• http://www.webmd.com/baby/what-is-a-pediatrician
• http://study.com/pediatrician_training.html

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### **Question:** What is Pediatric Consultation: Overview, Benefits, and ​Expected Results?



### **Answer:**



A pediatric consultation is a medical appointment where a ⁢child or ⁤adolescent (typically under the ‌age of 18) sees a pediatrician, a specialist in children’s health, for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of various health concerns. It‌ is recommended⁣ when parents ⁢or caregivers​ have concerns about their child’s well-being, growth and development, or when a child exhibits signs and symptoms ⁢that require specialized medical attention.



**Benefits of Pediatric Consultation:**



1. ​**Early Detection ⁤and Diagnosis:**⁣ By consulting a pediatrician, parents can‍ ensure their child receives appropriate medical care,⁣ leading to early detection and ‌diagnosis of potential health issues. This can result in ⁣timely intervention and management, preventing complications‍ and long-term health problems.



2. **Comprehensive Evaluation:** A pediatrician conducts a thorough evaluation of the child’s health, including ​physical examination, ​review of medical history, assessment ⁢of growth ⁢and development, and discussion of concerns with‍ parents. Specialist referrals may also ⁢be recommended if necessary.



3. **Personalized Treatment Plan:** Based on ‍the evaluation, the ​pediatrician develops an individualized treatment plan tailored to⁣ the child’s needs. This may include medication, lifestyle changes, referrals to specialists, or additional diagnostic tests. Regular‍ follow-up appointments are often scheduled to monitor the child’s progress.



4. **Parental Support and ⁤Education:** Pediatric consultations provide​ an‌ opportunity for parents to discuss their ⁢concerns, receive expert guidance, and learn about the child’s​ health. This helps them make informed decisions regarding ‌their ​child’s care and empowers them to play an active role in promoting their child’s health.



5. **School⁤ and Community Resources:** Pediatricians can ‌provide information and resources regarding ‍school accommodations, developmental programs, and community services that support ⁤the child’s needs. This facilitates collaboration between parents, healthcare⁣ professionals, and various entities ⁤to ensure the child’s optimal well-being.



**Expected Results of Pediatric ‍Consultation:**



1. **Accurate Diagnosis:** Following the ⁢consultation, parents can‌ expect a clear diagnosis and understanding of their child’s condition, including its underlying cause and prognosis.



2. ​**Effective Treatment Plan:** A comprehensive treatment plan will be provided, which may involve a combination of medical ⁤interventions, lifestyle modifications, or specialist referrals.



3. **Individualized Care:** The child receives personalized attention and ⁤care​ tailored to their unique needs,⁢ considering their developmental stage and ⁣overall health status.



4. **Improved Health Outcomes:** With early intervention and appropriate treatment, pediatric consultations can effectively⁤ address health concerns, promote⁣ healthy growth ⁤and development, and improve the child’s overall well-being.



5. **Parental Reassurance:** Parents gain peace‍ of⁢ mind knowing that their child is receiving appropriate medical care ⁣and guidance, addressing any concerns and ‌ensuring the child’s health is prioritized.



In conclusion, pediatric consultations play a crucial role in safeguarding the ‌health and well-being of children by providing comprehensive evaluation, personalized treatment plans, and parental support. By consulting a⁢ pediatrician, parents can proactively address health concerns, ensure early detection ​and​ diagnosis, and promote the⁢ optimal growth and development of their child.