Pediatric Care

Pediatric Care Across California

Providing Top-Notch Pediatric Care

Your child’s health is your top priority, and the team at Family HealthCare Network is here to help you keep your family in excellent health. We’re dedicated to offering comprehensive pediatric health services tailored specifically to your child’s needs. We see infants, toddlers, tweens, and adolescents, making us your one-stop destination for all your family’s health needs. Learn more about what our pediatricians do to promote our Visalia, CA patients’ well-being.

What Does a Pediatrician Do?

A pediatrician is a medical professional specializing in healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. They play a crucial role in promoting and maintaining a child’s overall health and may even see an individual from birth into young adulthood. Some primary responsibilities of a pediatrician include:

• Conducting regular check-ups
• Diagnosing and treating acute illnesses
• Administering vaccinations
• Monitoring developmental milestones
• Advising on proper nutrition
• Managing chronic conditions
• Addressing behavioral and mental health concerns
• Collaborating with specialists and referring patients

Look to Us for These Services and More

Our team of experienced pediatricians offers an array of services to our youngest patients. Ask about these forms of pediatric care:

Wellness Check-Ups

Be sure to schedule an occasional wellness check-up for your child. These comprehensive medical examinations look at overall health and development. During this visit, your pediatrician will conduct a thorough physical examination, evaluate growth parameters such as height and weight, and assess vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate. They will also inquire about the child’s medical history, including any previous illnesses or allergies. A pediatric wellness check-up may also include:

• Developmental Assessments: We’ll take a look at your child’s progress toward certain milestones. Our specialists may evaluate things like motor skills, speech and language development, cognitive abilities, and social interactions.
• Nutrition and Lifestyle Guidance: Healthy living is often easier said than done! Your pediatrician can provide guidance for children and their parents on nutrition and age-appropriate activities for healthy growth and development.
• Advice for Parents: Do you have questions regarding your child’s health, behavior, or overall wellbeing? Our pediatricians can address your concerns and provide advice for next steps.

Hearing and Vision Screenings

If you’ve noticed problems with your child’s vision or hearing, it’s likely time for a screening. We conduct hearing and vision screenings that assess the auditory and visual abilities of children. These screenings aim to detect any potential impairments at an early stage, allowing for timely intervention and treatment if necessary.

Immunizations

Immunizations are essential for preventing disease and the long-term effects of certain serious illnesses. The team at Family HealthCare Network would be glad to explain each immunization we recommend for your child. Beyond disease prevention, here are a few more reasons to prioritize immunizations:

• Long-Term Health Benefits: Immunizations provide long-term health benefits for children. By protecting against diseases early in life, vaccines can prevent complications and chronic conditions associated with these illnesses, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, liver disease, and certain cancers.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The expenses associated with treating vaccine-preventable diseases, including hospitalization, medications, and long-term care, far outweigh the costs of immunization programs. Vaccinating children can save families, communities, and healthcare systems significant financial burdens.
• Protection of Vulnerable Populations: Immunizations not only safeguard vaccinated individuals but also help shield those who cannot receive vaccines due to medical reasons, such as infants too young to be vaccinated or individuals with weakened immune systems.

Sick Visits

As a walk-in clinic, we welcome sick visits. Whenever you have a concern about your child’s health, don’t hesitate to visit us or call for an appointment. During a typical sick visit, your pediatrician will assess your child’s symptoms, perform a physical exam, order tests, and offer treatment options and guidance. We will also provide advice to parents on managing the child’s symptoms, comforting them, and preventing the spread of illness to others. A prompt sick visit ensures your child receives the necessary care and support to regain their well-being.

Chronic Conditions

Many children live with chronic health conditions. Thankfully, Family HealthCare Network is here to help. We work with patients who require ongoing medical management and care. Our providers have wide-ranging expertise, and we can help children and parents manage the following conditions, among many others:

• Asthma: Asthma causes recurring episodes of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. But with proper management, including medication and avoiding triggers, children with asthma can lead active lives.
• Diabetes: Diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent in children. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body produces insufficient insulin. Type 2 diabetes, often associated with lifestyle factors, occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin. Both types require careful monitoring of blood sugar levels, medication, and a healthy diet.
• Allergies: Allergies can manifest as allergic rhinitis (hay fever), food sensitivities, or skin allergies. Avoiding triggers and using medications, such as antihistamines, can help manage symptoms and prevent severe reactions.
• Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Seizures can vary in type and severity, affecting a child’s consciousness, movement, or sensations. Treatment often involves antiepileptic medications and lifestyle modifications to minimize triggers.
• Cystic Fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, digestive system, and other organs. It causes thick, sticky mucus to build up, leading to respiratory infections, digestive issues, and malnutrition. If your child is struggling with cystic fibrosis, look to us for medical guidance.

Preventive Care

Pediatric preventive care focuses on proactively maintaining and promoting the health and wellbeing of children. It involves regular check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings to detect potential health issues early on. During pediatric preventive care visits, healthcare providers assess a child’s overall health, discuss nutrition, and perform any necessary tests. These visits also ensure children receive recommended immunizations to protect against harmful diseases. By prioritizing preventive care, parents can help their children establish a strong foundation for a lifetime of good health.

Family Dentistry

Apart from our specialized pediatric services, at the Family HealthCare Network, we also extend our care to family dentistry. Understanding that oral health is integral to overall well-being, we offer a range of dental services suitable for every member of the family, regardless of their age. From routine dental check-ups and cleanings to more complex procedures like root canals and dental implants, our experienced dental team is equipped to handle all your dental needs. We place a strong emphasis on preventive care, encouraging regular dental visits to identify potential dental issues early on and prevent them from escalating into more serious conditions. Our goal is to foster a comfortable and friendly environment where patients feel at ease and confident in the care they receive.

Optometry

In addition to comprehensive health and dental care, the Family HealthCare Network is proud to offer optometry services. We believe that maintaining good eye health is a critical component of overall wellness. Our skilled optometrists provide a wide array of services, including routine eye exams, prescription glasses and contact lens fittings, as well as diagnosis and management of eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration. We also offer vision screenings for children, which are crucial in detecting visual impairments early and ensuring their successful academic performance. Through our personalized approach, we aim to promote eye health and preserve vision for individuals of all ages, making us the healthcare destination for the entire family.

Behavioral Health

Behavioral health care for kids focuses on addressing their mental, emotional, and behavioral wellbeing. It involves providing support, intervention, and treatment for a range of behavioral and mental health concerns that children may face. Access to quality behavioral health care is crucial for promoting healthy development, preventing long-term difficulties, and improving children’s overall quality of life. Many of the providers at Family HealthCare Network specialize in behavioral health and can treat these conditions:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• ADHD
• Behavioral problems

Specialist Referrals

Sometimes, our pediatricians work with other specialists to provide top-notch care to every patient. Should none of our doctors have the right specialty, we can refer you to someone who does. Our goal is to ensure everyone gets the appropriate care in a timely manner.

When Should Pediatric Care Begin?

It’s never too early to begin pediatric care! Care should begin during infancy, as soon as a child is born. It is recommended to schedule the first pediatric check-up within the first week of birth. These initial visits are essential for assessing the baby’s health, growth, and development, as well as providing guidance to parents on feeding, sleeping, and general infant care. Regular well-child visits are then scheduled throughout childhood, allowing healthcare providers to monitor the child’s overall health, provide necessary vaccinations, track growth milestones, and address any issues that may arise. The continuity of pediatric care from infancy into adolescence ensures comprehensive medical support for children as they grow and develop.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Whether you have a question about a chronic condition or need urgent care, Family HealthCare Network is here for you. We proudly serve residents of Fresno, Kings, and Tulare Counties. Our 20+ locations include Hanford, Visalia, Fresno, Allensworth, Farmersville, Laton, Poplar, Richgrove, Woodlake, Tulare, Traver, Three Rivers, Terra Bella, Strathmore, Squaw Valley, Springville, Selma, Reedley, Porterville, Pixley, Ivanhoe, Goshen, Exeter, Dinuba, and Cutler-Orosi, California. Contact us today and let us know how our pediatric team can help your family.