General Pediatrics

Our general pediatricians offer preventive and primary care for infants and children. They diagnose and treat illnesses in all children from birth to 18 years of age while counseling parents on how to be active participants in their child's health care. Working in partnership with our pediatric specialists at The Children's Regional Hospital, they also provide pediatric care for children with chronic diseases or special health needs.

At Cooper, we believe in family-centered health care, an approach to the planning, delivery and evaluation of care that is grounded in a mutually beneficial partnership among the family, patient and doctor. We listen to and honor patient and family perspectives and choices.

How to Choose a Pediatrician?

Choosing a pediatrician is one of the most important decisions you will ever make concerning the care of your child. You should begin searching for a pediatrician in the final months of pregnancy to give ample time to meet with them prior to the arrival of your baby.

When choosing a pediatrician a good place to start is by asking trusted friends and family for a recommendation. Other sources you might consider are your Obstetrician or Primary Care Provider.

It is most important that you find a pediatrician who you feel completely comfortable with. You should feel that they are warm and compassionate. As a new patient you should be able to ask them anything, no matter how trivial it may seem.

You may consider asking some or all of the following questions to help you to make a selection:

• Is the pediatrician board certified?
• What type of continuing education do they use?
• What are the doctor’s office hours?
• How do I reach the pediatrician after hours?
• Does the office accept my insurance?

Services Performed by Pediatricians

• Preventive Care
• Immunizations
• Health maintenance
• Sick visits
• Introductions to pediatricians and tours for expecting moms
• Consultation for community pediatricians and family practitioners
• Failure To Thrive Program
• Shape Down Program
• Dermatology
• Counseling
• Education

Advocates for Children and Families

In their role as advocates for children and families, pediatricians are in a great position to support and guide parents during the prenatal period. The prenatal visit is an excellent way to initiate this process. There are several goals of a prenatal visit:

1. To establish a relationship between the physician and parents. The prenatal visit introduces the concept of the medical home for the child’s future healthcare needs. Also, the parents will feel more comfortable if they are familiar with their healthcare provider before the birth of their child.
2. To gather basic information. This may include a myriad of information such as family medical history, delivery plans, infant feeding choice, car seats, anxieties about the present pregnancy, changes in lifestyle, cultural beliefs and parenting practices.
3. To provide information and advice. The prenatal visit gives the pediatrician the opportunity to provide anticipatory guidance regarding newborn care and behavior, advantages of breastfeeding, information regarding immunizations and to answer questions that the parents may have about the office such as hours, phone numbers and coverage for night, weekend and emergency care.
4. To help parents develop parenting skills.
5. To identify high-risk situations. This gives the pediatrician the opportunity to refer parents to appropriate resources and to prepare them for potential problems with the child.

Specialist Referrals

When necessary, Cooper pediatricians will refer patients to pediatric specialists for consultations. In most cases, these specialists have offices at the Children's Regional Centers for the convenience of parents and children.