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Hours: Mon to Fri 7am-6pm and Sat 8:30am-3pm / Location: 118 Fairfield Dr, New Albany, MS 38652, United States / Phone: (662) 430-3375
Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic
662-430-3375
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The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Pediatrician for Your Little One: Insider Tips and Tricks for Making an Informed Decision

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You should always be able to trust your child’s pediatrician. They play a major part in their development, while also offering you advice, guidance, and reassurance about children’s health and wellness.

At IM&PC, we provide family medicine and primary care for children and young adults in New Albany, MS. In this guide, we will help you understand how to choose a pediatrician for your child, and what you should look for when choosing a pediatric care provider for your family.

What is a pediatrician?

A pediatrician is a licensed physician who specializes in children’s health, a branch of medicine called pediatrics. Pediatricians are trained to work with children from birth through early adulthood, and they also have special knowledge in treating chronic conditions that affect children, as well as cognitive deficits and developmental delays or disorders.

New parents can begin looking for a pediatrician even before their baby is born. Parents with toddlers and older children can start their search for a new pediatrician anytime. In fact, it may be helpful to find another physician if your child has received a diagnosis that requires more specialized care, such as ADHD services and mental health treatment.

What does a pediatrician do?

Pediatricians are doctors specially trained to provide healthcare for kids. They offer care for children from birth through emerging adulthood and can create specialized healthcare plans for conditions such as ADHD/ADD, asthma, allergies, diabetes, Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other developmental conditions.

They also perform routine physical exams (well-child visits), and help parents make decisions about their child’s immunizations. They are also there to offer guidance and support on healthy development throughout various stages of your child’s life.

Responsibilities of a pediatrician include:

  • Examining children for any health problems or signs of developmental delays
  • Treating acute illnesses, injuries, and infections
  • Managing the treatment of chronic health conditions
  • Performing and ordering medical diagnostics tests
  • Helping parents make informed choices about their child’s medical care and general health
  • Offering health tips for a good diet, exercise, and healthy development

A pediatrician can help new parents soothe a baby with colic, or help parents of a middle schooler plan for puberty and its many physical and emotional changes. They’re there to support you and your family throughout your child’s growth.

In addition to routine care, pediatricians also offer urgent care for sick or injured children. At IM&PC, our pediatrics services include injury care, sick visits, and same-day lab diagnostics.

It’s important to note that pediatricians are not specialists in emergency medicine, and they are not able to provide critical care to patients in their offices. In the event of an emergency, parents should always call 911, then contact their child’s pediatrician to inform them of their current health status.

How to Find Qualified Pediatricians

You can look for board-certified pediatricians on healthychildren.org. Board certification means a pediatrician has completed the necessary education and proven their knowledge through testing to the American Board of Pediatrics.

You can also search for pediatric centers near you, then explore their reviews and check their physicians’ credentials. If you find a clinic that seems appealing, you can check a pediatrician’s credentials by searching for their name using the Find a Pediatrician tool on healthychildren.org.

Take a Tour of the Office

You should also schedule a tour of the practice. Ask about insurance coverage, payment plans, and any specialists on staff. At Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic, we aim to provide the best pediatric care in the New Albany, MS, area. To connect with our pediatrics team, please schedule an appointment online today. We look forward to welcoming you and your child to visit our practice! 

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What Our Clients Say About Us

  • We love our Impc Family!

    Best with my children, Always uplifting and they truly care!!

  • Top of the line place!! From the front desk, to the doctors and nurse practitioners, back of the house lab techs. So very professional!!! I will never ho anywhere else!!!.

  • The doctors and nurses at the clinic always do a wonderful job. They provide great care and attention to patients needs. I have never felt rushed at appointments when talking with my doctors; all of my questions are answered. I am so thankful for their care and dedication to their patients.

  • Great atmosphere! All staff members were cordial, informative and eager to give you the professional care for this visit!! Thanks, IMPA

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