When you take your child to the doctor, you might automatically take him or her to a pediatrician. Although there are some benefits to taking your little one to a children's doctor, you might find that it's a better option to take your child to a family doctor from a young age. These are a few reasons why you may want to consider it.
1. Make Scheduling Easier for Your Family The truth is that it can be tough to juggle doctor's appointments for your kids, yourself and the rest of your family. If everyone sees the same doctor, however, you can schedule more than one appointment in one day. This can lessen travel and waiting time and can allow you to spend less time taking off of work. Plus, it can be a lot less stressful to only have to go to one doctor's office rather than several.
2. Avoid an Awkward Transition as Your Child Ages Teenagers often find that they are happier with the care that they receive at family practices than at pediatrician's offices, but ti can be tough for pre-teens and teens to transition after seeing the same doctor for their entire lives. By going ahead and taking your child to a family doctor, your little one can continue to see the same doctor for many years.
3. Keep Your Kids Away from Sick Little Ones The waiting rooms in pediatrician's offices are generally filled to the brim with sick kids, who have probably had their hands and mouths all over the toys and furniture in the waiting area. Plus, your little one will probably want to play with other kids in the waiting area, even if they are sick. Although these offices generally work hard to keep their waiting areas and the rest of their practices sanitary, it can be a tough job when involved little ones who haven't yet learned to cover their mouths when they cough and to wash their hands after touching their runny noses. In a family practice, however, your child will be around more adults who are dealing with non-contagious issues or who are going in for physicals. Plus, adults will be more likely not to spread germs throughout the waiting area.
4. Keep Paperwork Simple
If your entire family sees the same doctor, then you can keep paperwork simple. You won't have to keep submitting information about your family's health insurance plan from a company like Quesenberry Agency For Blue Cross-Blue Shield, and your family medical history and contact information will already be at hand. This can help you save time and prevent stress and aggravation.
As you can see, it can be smart to take your child to a family doctor instead of a pediatrician. If you are still unsure, consider scheduling one family doctor appointment for your child; then, you'll get a better idea of whether or not it's a good idea for your family.
