Question 1

Before your Appointment

Accepted Answer

We will ask for basic information about your family, your insurance, and your child’s medical history before a first visit.
 
Your first visit will go more quickly should you print, read, and complete the Patient Packet, Privacy Notice, Acknowledgement of Privacy Notice, and Authorization to Release Information prior to coming in for your visit.
​
When you arrive at your appointment, please bring the following:
Your health insurance card or Medicaid information, or the information of the person who covers the child’s medical care
Any changes in personal information such as address, insurance, or phone number
Picture ID
Completed forms (don’t worry if you forget these - we have plenty of blank ones in our offices)

Question 2

Sliding Fee Information

Accepted Answer

If you do not have insurance or have other concerns regarding insurance bills, please call and inquire about our sliding fee program. We do offer discounts to our patients based on household size and income.
 
For more information please call: 386-758-0003
 
Sliding Fee Policy 
 
*** North Florida Pediatrics does not discriminate any individual for provision of care based on ability/inability to pay or based upon an individual’s race, color, sex, national origin, disability, religion or sexual orientation.

Question 3

How it spreads

Accepted Answer

COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning how it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and to what extent it may spread in the United States.
How COVID-19  Spreads
 
Person-to-person spread
 
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
 
Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
 
People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects
 
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
 
How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary.
 
Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
 
The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas.
 
Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

Question 4

Why should I choose North Florida Pediatrics?

Accepted Answer

We think you will like the welcoming staff, the comfortable offices, and the easy scheduling. You can see doctors who work with your schedule, know your children by name, and look for new ways to keep your family healthy. We know that your kids want to feel better here and now, so we have seven different locations to help treat them faster.

Question 5

Who is at Higher Risk?

Accepted Answer

Older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. Early data suggest older people are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness. This may be because:
 
As people age, their immune systems change, making it harder for their body to fight off diseases and infection.
 
Many older adults are also more likely to have underlying health conditions that make it harder to cope with and recover from illness.
If a COVID-19 outbreak happens in your community, it could last for a long time. Depending on the severity of the outbreak, public health officials may recommend community actions to reduce exposures to COVID-19. These actions can slow the spread and reduce the impact of disease.
 
If you are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications due to age or because you have a severe underlying medical condition, it is especially important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of exposure.

Question 6

First trimester

Accepted Answer

First Trimester: Week 1 (conception) – Week 12
 
Physical and Emotional Changes a Woman May Experience
Hormonal changes will affect almost every organ in the body. Some signs of early pregnancy in many women include symptoms like:
Extreme fatigue
Tender, swollen breasts. Nipples may protrude.
Nausea with or without throwing up (morning sickness)
Cravings or aversion to certain foods
Mood swings
Constipation
Frequent urination
Headache
Heartburn
Weight gain or loss
Changes in a Woman's Daily Routine
Some of the changes you experience in your first trimester may cause you to revise your daily routine. You may need to go to bed earlier or eat more frequent or smaller meals. Some women experience a lot of discomfort, and others may not feel any at all. Pregnant women experience pregnancy differently and even if they've been pregnant before. Pregnant women may feel completely differently with each subsequent pregnancy.
 
First Trimester: The Baby at 4 Weeks
At 4 weeks, your baby is developing:
The nervous system (brain and spinal cord) has begun to form.
The heart begins to form.
Arm and leg buds begin to develop.
Your baby is now an embryo and 1/25 of an inch long.
First Trimester: The Baby at 8 Weeks
At 8 weeks, the embryo begins to develop into a fetus. Fetal development is apparent:
All major organs have begun to form.
The baby's heart begins to beat.
The arms and legs grow longer.
Fingers and toes have begun to form.
Sex organs begin to form.
The face begins to develop features.
The umbilical cord is clearly visible.
At the end of 8 weeks, your baby is a fetus, and is nearly 1 inch long, weighing less than ⅛ of an ounce.
First Trimester: The Baby at 12 Weeks
The end of the first trimester is at about week 12, at this point in your baby's development:
The nerves and muscles begin to work together. Your baby can make a fist.
The external sex organs show if your baby is a boy or girl.
Eyelids close to protect the developing eyes. They will not open again until week 28.
Head growth has slowed, and your baby is about 3 inches long, and weighs almost an ounce.

Question 7

DOSAGE NOTES:

Accepted Answer

Acetaminophen (i.e., Tylenol®, Feverall®, Tempra®) is an over-the-counter medicine used to reduce fever and relieve pain. Improper dosing is one of the biggest problems in giving acetaminophen to children. This chart, based on your child's weight, can help determine the right dosage amount, but is no substitute for your pediatrician's advice.
 
For children older than 2 months of age only.
 
Dose is every 4-6 hours. Infant's and Children's Tylenol are the same dose; infant's comes with a syringe instead of a cup.
 
Caution: In 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended liquid, chewable, and tablet forms of acetaminophen be made in just one strength. Since that time, manufacturers and retailers of pediatric acetaminophen have voluntarily worked to change the amount of acetaminophen in these medicines to one standard amount (160 milligrams [mg]). Some manufacturers have recently made chewable tablets into a single strength of 160 mg. Infant drops are no longer available. Liquid syrup acetaminophen is available as 160mg/5mL. Pediatric acetaminophen products on store shelves can continue to be used as labeled.
Age limit: Do not use acetaminophen under 12 weeks of age unless directed by your pediatrician because fever during the first 12 weeks of life should be documented in a medical setting. If a f​ever is present, your baby needs a complete evaluation. (Exception: Fever from an immunization in a child 8 weeks of age or older. If present, please consult with your pediatrician.)
Combination products: Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age.
Dosage: Determine by finding child's weight (in pounds) in each row of the dosage table below.
Measuring the dosage (in metric units): Dosing syringes are more accurate than household utensils. Use the syringe or device that comes with the medication. If one does not come with the medication, ask the pharmacist for a medicine syringe. Household spoons are not reliable. 
Frequency: Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed. Don't give more than 5 times a day.
Oral disintegrating tablets: These are dissolvable tablets that come in 80 mg and 160 mg (junior strength)
Suppositories: Acetaminophen also comes in 80, 120, 325 and 650 mg suppositories. The rectal dose is the same as the dosage given by mouth.
Extended-Release: Avoid 650 mg oral extended-release products in children.

Question 8

0-1 Year Old

Accepted Answer

When a baby becomes part of your family, it is time to make sure that your home is a safe place. Look around your home for things that could be dangerous to your baby. As a parent, it is your job to ensure that you create a safe home for your baby. It also is important that you take the necessary steps to make sure that you are mentally and emotionally ready for your new baby.   
 
Here are a few tips to keep your baby safe:
 
Do not shake your baby―ever! Babies have very weak neck muscles that are not yet able to support their heads. If you shake your baby, you can damage his brain or even cause his death.
Make sure you always put your baby to sleep on her back to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (commonly known as SIDS). Read more about new recommendations for safe sleep for infants here.
Protect your baby and family from secondhand smoke. Do not allow anyone to smoke in your home.
Place your baby in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat while he is riding in a car. This is recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Prevent your baby from choking by cutting her food into small bites. Also, don’t let her play with small toys and other things that might be easy for her to swallow.
Don’t allow your baby to play with anything that might cover her face.
Never carry hot liquids or foods near your baby or while holding him.
Vaccines (shots) are important to protect your child’s health and safety. Because children can get serious diseases, it is important that your child get the right shots at the right time. Talk with your child’s doctor to make sure that your child is up-to-date on her vaccinations.

Question 9

0-1 Year Old

Accepted Answer

Breast milk meets all your baby’s needs for about the first 6 months of life. Between 6 and 12 months of age, your baby will learn about new tastes and textures with healthy solid food, but breast milk should still be an important source of nutrition.
Feed your baby slowly and patiently, encourage your baby to try new tastes but without force, and watch closely to see if he’s still hungry.
Breastfeeding is the natural way to feed your baby, but it can be challenging. If you need help, you can call the National Breastfeeding Helpline at 800-994-9662 or get help on-line at http://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding. You can also call your local WIC Program to see if you qualify for breastfeeding support by health professionals as well as peer counselors. Or go to http://www.ilca.org/why-ibclc/falc  to find an International Board-Certified Lactation Consul­tant in your community.
Keep your baby active. She might not be able to run and play like the “big kids” just yet, but there’s lots she can do to keep her little arms and legs moving throughout the day. Getting down on the floor to move helps your baby become strong, learn, and explore.
Try not to keep your baby in swings, strollers, bouncer seats, and exercise saucers for too long.
Limit screen time. For children younger than 18 months of age, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that it’s best if babies do not use any screen media other than video chatting.
Make sure your child gets the recommended amount of sleep each night: For infants 4-12 months, 12–16 hours per 24 hours (including naps)

Question 10

What is a novel coronavirus?

Accepted Answer

A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
 
A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.

Question 11

Should I cancel my trip?

Accepted Answer

CDC provides recommendations on postponing or canceling travel. These are called travel notices and are based on assessment of the potential health risks involved with traveling to a certain area. A list of destinations with travel notices is available
at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/
 
Warning Level 3: CDC recommends travelers avoid all nonessential travel to destinations with level 3 travel notices because of the risk of getting COVID-19.
 
Alert Level 2: Because COVID-19 can be more serious in older adults and those with chronic medical conditions, people in these groups should talk to a healthcare provider and consider postponing travel to destinations with level 2 travel notices.
 
Watch Level 1: CDC does not recommend canceling or postponing travel to destinations with level 1 travel notices because the risk of COVID-19 is thought to be low. If you travel, take the following routine precautions:
Avoid contact with sick people.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Question 12

New Born

Accepted Answer

What to Expect
In the hospital, the doctor and/or nurse will probably:
 
1. Check your baby's weight, length, and head circumference and plot the measurements on the growth charts.
 
2. Ask questions, address any concerns, and offer advice on taking care of your baby:
 
Feeding. Breast milk is the best form of nutrition for infants, but formula also can provide the nutrients they need. Newborns should be fed on demand (when they're hungry), which is about every 1 to 3 hours. Your doctor or nurse may watch as you breastfeed and offer help with any problems. Formula-fed newborns take about 1–1½ ounces (30–45 ml) at each feeding. Burp your baby midway through a feeding and at the end. As they grow, babies start to eat more at each feeding, so will need fewer feedings over time.
 
Peeing and pooping. A breastfed baby may have only one or two wet diapers a day until the mother's milk comes in. Expect about six wet diapers by 3–5 days of age for all babies. Newborns may have just one poopy diaper a day at first. Poop is dark and tarry the first few days, then becomes soft or loose and greenish-yellow by about 3–4 days. Newborns typically have several poopy diapers a day if breastfed and fewer if formula-fed.
 
Sleeping. A newborn may sleep up to 18 or 19 hours a day, waking up often (day and night) to breastfeed or take a bottle. Breastfed babies usually wake to eat every 1 to 3 hours, while formula-fed babies may sleep longer, waking every 2 to 4 hours to eat (formula takes longer to digest so babies feel fuller longer). Newborns should not sleep more than 4 hours between feedings until they have good weight gain, usually within the first few weeks. After that, it's OK if a baby sleeps for longer stretches.
 
Developing. Newborn babies should:
 
pay attention to faces or bright objects 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) away
respond to sound — they may turn to a parent's voice, quiet down, blink, startle, or cry
hold arms and legs in a flexed position
have strong newborn reflexes, such as:
 
rooting and sucking: turns toward, then sucks breast/bottle nipple
grasp: tightly grabs hold of a finger placed within the palm
fencer's pose: straightens arm when head is turned to that side and bends opposite arm
Moro reflex (startle response): throws out arms and legs, then curls them in when startled
3. Do a physical exam with your baby undressed while you are present. This will include an eye exam, listening to your baby's heart; feeling pulses; inspecting the umbilical cord; and checking the back, hips, and feet.
 
4. Do screening tests. Your baby's heel will be pricked for a small amount of blood to test for certain harmful diseases. Your baby should also get a hearing test and oxygen levels checked before leaving the hospital.
 
5. Give first immunizations. While in the hospital, your baby should have his or her first immunizations. Immunizations can protect infants from serious childhood illnesses, so it's important that your baby get them on time. Immunization schedules can vary, so talk to your doctor about what to expect.
 
Looking Ahead
Here are some things to keep in mind until your baby's next routine checkup in a few days:
 
Feeding
If you breastfeed:
Help your baby latch on correctly: mouth opened wide, tongue down, with as much of the breast in the mouth as possible.
Don't use a bottle or pacifier until nursing is established (around 1 month).
Feed your baby when he or she is hungry. Pay attention to signs that your baby is full, such as turning away from the nipple and closing the mouth.
Continue to take a prenatal vitamin or multivitamin daily.
If you formula-feed:
Give your baby iron-fortified formula.
Follow the formula package's instructions when making and storing bottles.
Don't prop bottles or put your baby to bed with a bottle.
Pay attention to signs that your baby is full, such as turning away from the bottle and closing the mouth.
Routine Care
Wash your hands before handling the baby and avoid people who may be sick.
Hold your baby and be attentive to his or her needs. You can't spoil a newborn.
Keep the diaper below the umbilical cord so the stump can dry. The umbilical cord usually falls off in 10–14 days.
For circumcised boys, put petroleum jelly on the penis or diaper's front.
Girls may have vaginal discharge that may include a small amount of blood during the first week of life.
Give sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off and a boy's circumcision heals. Make sure the water isn't too hot — test it with your wrist first.
Use fragrance-free soaps and lotions.
Call your baby's doctor if your infant has a fever, is acting sick, isn't eating, isn't peeing or pooping, isn't latching on or sucking well when nursing, doesn't seem satisfied after breastfeeding, looks yellow, or has increasing redness or pus around the umbilical cord or circumcision. Do not give any medicine without talking to the doctor first.
It's common for new moms to feel tired and overwhelmed at times. But if these feelings are intense, or you feel sad, moody, or anxious, call your doctor.
Talk to your doctor if you're worried about your living situation. Do you have the things that you need to take care of your baby? Do you have enough food, a safe place to live, and health insurance? Your doctor can tell you about community resources or refer you to a social worker.
Safety
To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS):
Breastfeed your baby.
Let your baby sleep in your room in a bassinet or crib next to the bed until your baby's first birthday, or for at least 6 months, when the risk of SIDS is highest.
Always place your baby to sleep on a firm mattress on his or her back in a crib or bassinet without any crib bumpers, blankets, quilts, pillows, or plush toys.
Avoid overheating by keeping the room temperature comfortable.
Don't overbundle your baby.
Consider putting your baby to sleep sucking on a pacifier. If you're breastfeeding, wait until breastfeeding is established before introducing the pacifier.
Don't smoke or use e-cigarettes. Don't let anyone smoke or vape around your baby.
Always put your baby in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat. Never leave your baby alone in a car.
While your baby is awake, don't leave your little one unattended, especially on high surfaces or in the bath.
Never shake your baby — it can cause bleeding in the brain and even death.
Avoid sun exposure by keeping your baby covered and in the shade when possible. Sunscreens are not recommended for infants younger than 6 months. However, you may use a small amount of sunscreen on an infant younger than 6 months if shade and clothing don't offer enough protection.
These checkup sheets are consistent with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)/Bright Futures guidelines.

Question 13

ADHD

Accepted Answer

What Is ADHD?
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a medical condition. A person with ADHD has differences in brain development and brain activity that affect attention, the ability to sit still, and self-control. ADHD can affect a child at school, at home, and in friendships.
 
What Are the Signs of ADHD?
All kids struggle at times to pay attention, listen and follow directions, sit still, or wait their turn. But for kids with ADHD, the struggles are harder and happen more often. 
 
Kids with ADHD may have signs from one, two, or all three of these categories:
Inattentive. Kids who are inattentive (easily distracted) have trouble focusing their attention, concentrating, and staying on task. They may not listen well to directions, may miss important details, and may not finish what they start. They may daydream or dawdle too much. They may seem absent-minded or forgetful, and lose track of their things.
Hyperactive. Kids who are hyperactive are fidgety, restless, and easily bored. They may have trouble sitting still, or staying quiet when needed. They may rush through things and make careless mistakes. They may climb, jump, or roughhouse when they shouldn't. Without meaning to, they may act in ways that disrupt others.
Impulsive. Kids who are impulsive act too quickly before thinking. They often interrupt, might push or grab, and find it hard to wait. They may do things without asking for permission, take things that aren't theirs, or act in ways that are risky. They may have emotional reactions that seem too intense for the situation.
Sometimes parents and teachers notice signs of ADHD when a child is very young. But it's normal for little kids to be distractible, restless, impatient, or impulsive — these things don't always mean that a child has ADHD.
 
Attention, activity, and self-control develop little by little, as children grow. Kids learn these skills with help from parents and teachers. But some kids don't get much better at paying attention, settling down, listening, or waiting. When these things continue and begin to cause problems at school, home, and with friends, it may be ADHD.
 
How Is ADHD Diagnosed?
If you think your child has ADHD, make an appointment with one of our providers! He or she will give your child a check-up, including vision and hearing, to be sure something else isn't causing the symptoms. The doctor can refer you to a child psychologist or psychiatrist if needed.
 
To diagnose ADHD, doctors start by asking about a child's health, behavior, and activity. They talk with parents and kids about the things they have noticed. Your doctor might ask you to complete checklists about your child's behavior, and might ask you to give your child's teacher a checklist too.
 
After gathering this information, doctors diagnose ADHD if it's clear that:
A child's distractibility, hyperactivity, or impulsivity go beyond what's usual for their age.
The behaviors have been going on since the child was young.
Distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity affect the child at school and at home.
A health check shows that another health or learning issue isn't causing the problems.
Many kids with ADHD also have learning problems, oppositional and defiant behaviors, or mood and anxiety problems. Doctors usually treat these along with the ADHD.
 
How Is ADHD Treated?
Treatment for ADHD usually includes:
 
Medicine. This activates the brain's ability to pay attention, slow down, and use more self-control.
Behavior therapy. Therapists can help kids develop the social, emotional, and planning skills that are lagging with ADHD.
Parent coaching. Through coaching, parents learn the best ways to respond to behavior difficulties that are part of ADHD.
School support. Teachers can help kids with ADHD do well and enjoy school more.
The right treatment helps ADHD improve. Parents and teachers can teach younger kids to get better at managing their attention, behavior, and emotions. As they grow older, kids should learn to improve their own attention and self-control.
 
When ADHD is not treated, it can be hard for kids to succeed. This may lead to low self-esteem, depression, oppositional behavior, school failure, risk-taking behavior, or family conflict.
 
What Can Parents Do?
If your child is diagnosed with ADHD:
 
Be involved. Learn all you can about ADHD. Follow the treatment your child's health care provider recommends. Keep all recommended appointments for therapy.
Give medicines safely. If your child is taking ADHD medicine, always give it at the recommended time and dose. Keep medicines in a safe place.
Work with your child's school. Ask teachers if your child should have an IEP. Meet often with teachers to find out how your child is doing. Work together to help your child do well
Parent with purpose and warmth. Learn what parenting approaches are best for a child with ADHD — and which can make ADHD worse. Talk openly and supportively about ADHD with your child. Focus on your child's strengths and positive qualities.
Connect with others for support and awareness. Join a support organization for ADHD to get updates on treatment and other information.
What Causes ADHD?
It's not clear what causes the brain differences of ADHD. There's strong evidence that ADHD is mostly inherited. Many kids who have ADHD have a parent or relative with it.
ADHD is not caused by too much screen time, poor parenting, or eating too much sugar.
ADHD can improve when kids get treatment, eat healthy food, get enough sleep and exercise, and have supportive parents who know how to respond to ADHD.

Question 14

DOSAGE NOTES:

Accepted Answer

Ibuprofen (i.e., Motrin®, Advil®) is an over-the-counter medicine used to reduce fever and relieve pain. This chart, based on your child's weight, can help determine the right dosage amount, but is no substitute for your pediatrician's advice.
 
For children older than 6 months of age only.
 
Dose is every 6-8 hours. Infant and Children's Motrin are different dosages, please check the label carefully.
 
Age limit: Don't use under 6 months of age unless directed by your child's pediatrician, because safety has not established and doesn't have FDA approval. Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age.
Dosage: Determine by finding child's weight in the bottom rows of the dosage table.
Measuring the dosage (should be in metric units): Dosing syringes are more accurate than household utensils. Use the syringe or device that comes with the medication. If not available with the medication, medicine syringes are available at pharmacies. Household spoons are not reliable. Note:1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.
Ibuprofen drops: Ibuprofen infant drops come with a measuring syringe
Adult dosage: 400 mg
Frequency: Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed.

Question 15

0-3 Months

Accepted Answer

Your Baby Should Be Doing This. . . 
 
Physical Skills:
​Raises head & chest when on stomach
Stretches & kicks on back​
Opens and s​huts hands
Brings hand to mouth
Grasps and shakes toys
 
Social Skills:
Begins to develop social smile
Enjoys playing with people​​​​​
More communicative
More expressive with face & body
Imitates some movements & expressions
 
Sensory Milestones:
Follows moving objects
Recognizes familiar objects and people at a distance
Starts using hands and eyes in coordination
Prefers sweet smells
Prefers soft to coarse sensations

Question 16

Are pregnant women more susceptible to infection, or at increased risk for severe illness, morbidity, or mortality with COVID-19, compared with the general public?"

Accepted Answer

We do not have information from published scientific reports about susceptibility of pregnant women to COVID-19. Pregnant women experience immunologic and physiologic changes which might make them more susceptible to viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Pregnant women also might be at risk for severe illness, morbidity, or mortality compared to the general population as observed in cases of other related coronavirus infections [including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)] and other viral respiratory infections, such as influenza, during pregnancy.
Pregnant women should engage in usual preventive actions to avoid infection like washing hands often and avoiding people who are sick.

Question 17

Virtual Telehealth Visits

Accepted Answer

Our motto is compassionate care close to home. We are so excited that now we can offer compassionate care at home!
 
Call Us to schedule your first virtual telehealth visit!
 
All insurances are currently covering virtual telehealth visits. These visits are subject to your normal co-pay and/or deductible amounts.
 
In order to be eligible, you must have a smartphone/tablet/laptop with camera and microphone. You will also need a thermometer and scale at home.
 
We are offering the following services via telehealth:
♥ Allergy medication refills
♥ Asthma maintenance & medication refills
♥ Behavioral health follow-ups
♥ COVID-19 Screening
♥ Help with Formula issues
♥ Diagnosis and treatment for:
♥ Constipation
♥ Diaper Rash
♥ Diarrhea
♥ Ear Pain
♥ Eczema
♥ Hand foot mouth disease
♥ Impetigo
♥ Insect Bites
♥ Pinworms
♥ Pink eye
♥ Rash
♥ Reflux
♥ Seasonal Allergies
♥ Sore throat with fever
♥ Sty
♥ Thrush
♥ Vomiting
 
If your child is sick, and you are interested in scheduling a telemedicine visit with one of our providers give us a call! Our doors are still open at all our locations with normal business hours!

Question 18

0-3 Months

Accepted Answer

Your Baby Should Be Doing This. . .
Physical Skills:
​Raises head & chest when on stomach
Stretches & kicks on back​
Opens and s​huts hands
Brings hand to mouth
Grasps and shakes toys

Social Skills:
Begins to develop social smile
Enjoys playing with people​​​​​
More communicative
More expressive with face & body
Imitates some movements & expressions
Sensory Milestones:
Follows moving objects
Recognizes familiar objects and people at a distance
Starts using hands and eyes in coordination
Prefers sweet smells
Prefers soft to coarse sensations

Question 19

Appointments & Referrals

Accepted Answer

APPOINTMENTS:
We understand that children can get sick without warning, and we do our best to see them as soon as possible. The earlier you call to schedule an appointment, the more likely you are to get an appointment that day. Should you call later in the day, we will do our best to provide you with an appointment as soon as possible, but may have to schedule your appointment for the next day. Of course, walk-ins are always welcomed if that happens. 
​
If you would like to see a specific doctor for a regular checkup, plan on calling at least four weeks ahead of time to schedule an appointment with him or her. If you are unable to call that far in advance, we may be able to provide you with appointment but may need to schedule you with a different doctor or request for you to go to a different office.
​
We are here to schedule appointments starting at 8:00 a.m. on weekdays.
​
Please Note: To keep people from having to wait too long in our offices, we will reschedule your appointment if you are more than 15 minutes late to your doctor's visit.
​
 
REFERRALS:
Sometimes your pediatrician may recommend that your child will see another doctor or a specialist after their appointment. We will work with you and your insurance provider to find the best specialist near you for your child. In the event that you might have any questions about this process, you may personally ask your doctor or you may call our Lake City office and ask to speak with our Referral Coordinator.
 
Any other questions? Please do not hesitate to contact our main office at (386) 758-0003 for any questions or concerns.
​
​
​

Question 20

4-7 Months

Accepted Answer

Your Baby Should Be Doing These Things. . .
 
Physical Skills:
Rolls bot​h ways
Sits with and ​without support of hands
Supports whole weight on l​egs
Reaches with one hand
Transfers object from hand to hand
Uses raking grasp​
 
Social Skills:
Begins to develop social smile
Enjoys playing with people​​​​​
More communicative
More expressive with face & body
Imitates some movements & expressions
 
Sensory Milestones:
Follows moving objects
Recognizes familiar objects and people at a distance
Starts using hands and eyes in coordination
Prefers sweet smells
Prefers soft to coarse sensations

Question 21

Newborn & Infant Care

Accepted Answer

At North Florida Pediatrics we provide unique expertise in all aspects of newborn care, parental education and support. Our job is to help nurture and care for newborns while providing guidance and education for the parents.
 
Our board certified providers will be able to assists our parents with compassionate care such as: 
Bathing 
Diaper Rash Prevention
Feeding
Fever/illnesses
Genitalia Care for all genders
Health & Safety Tips
Immunizations
Juandice
Sleeping
Stools
Umbilicial Cord Care
Urine
Vitals 
Vitamins
Weight Management
& Much More.

Question 22

Get Ready for COVID-19 Now

Accepted Answer

Have supplies on hand
Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.
Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for a period of time.
Take everyday precautions
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Take everyday preventive actions
Clean your hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones)
Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.
If COVID-19 is spreading in your community, take extra measures to put distance between yourself and other people
Stay home as much as possible.
Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks
Have a plan for if you get sick:
Consult with your health care provider for more information about monitoring your health for symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.
Stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, community health workers, etc. if you become sick.
Determine who can provide you with care if your caregiver gets sick
Watch for symptoms and emergency warning signs
Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including, fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your doctor.
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs*:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning.

Question 23

Are pregnant women with COVID-19 at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes?

Accepted Answer

We do not have information on adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19. Pregnancy loss, including miscarriage and stillbirth, has been observed in cases of infection with other related coronaviruses [SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV] during pregnancy. High fevers during the first trimester of pregnancy can increase the risk of certain birth defects.

Question 24

Symptoms

Accepted Answer

Watch for symptoms
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
 
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

Call your doctor if you…
Develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19
OR
Have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.

Question 25

4-7 Months

Accepted Answer

Your Baby Should Be Doing These Things. . .
Physical Skills:
Rolls bot​h ways
Sits with and ​without support of hands
Supports whole weight on l​egs
Reaches with one hand
Transfers object from hand to hand
Uses raking grasp​

Social Skills:
Begins to develop social smile
Enjoys playing with people​​​​​
More communicative
More expressive with face & body
Imitates some movements & expressions
Sensory Milestones:
Follows moving objects
Recognizes familiar objects and people at a distance
Starts using hands and eyes in coordination
Prefers sweet smells
Prefers soft to coarse sensations

Question 26

1-2 Years Old

Accepted Answer

Because your child is moving around more, he will come across more dangers as well. Dangerous situations can happen quickly, so keep a close eye on your child.
 
Here are a few tips to help keep your growing toddler safe:
Do NOT leave your toddler near or around water (for example, bathtubs, pools, ponds, lakes, whirlpools, or the ocean) without someone watching her. Fence off backyard pools. Drowning is the leading cause of injury and death among this age group.
Block off stairs with a small gate or fence. Lock doors to dangerous places such as the garage or basement.
Ensure that your home is toddler proof by placing plug covers on all unused electrical outlets.
Keep kitchen appliances, irons, and heaters out of reach of your toddler. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
Keep sharp objects such as scissors, knives, and pens in a safe place.
Lock up medicines, household cleaners, and poisons.
Do NOT leave your toddler alone in any vehicle (that means a car, truck, or van) even for a few moments.
Store any guns in a safe place out of his reach.
Keep your child’s car seat rear-facing as long as possible. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration it’s the best way to keep her safe. Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, she is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness.

Question 27

6-11 Pounds

Accepted Answer

*Please review our dosage notes for more useful information. Please remember even though this chart that should be based on your child's weight can help determine the right dosage amount, it should never substitute for your pediatrician's advice.

Question 28

The first week visit (3 to 5 days old)

Accepted Answer

What to Expect During This Visit
The doctor and/or nurse will probably:
 
1. Check your baby's weight, length, and head circumference and plot the measurements on the growth charts.
 
2. Ask questions, address any concerns, and offer advice about how your baby is:
 
Feeding. Newborns should be fed whenever they seem hungry. Breastfed infants eat about every 1–3 hours, and formula-fed infants eat about every 2–4 hours. Your doctor or nurse can watch as you breastfeed and offer help with any problems. Burp your baby midway through a feeding and again at the end.
Peeing and pooping. Newborns should have about six wet diapers a day. The number of poopy diapers varies, but most newborns have 3 or 4 soft bowel movements a day. Tell your doctor if you have any concerns about your newborn's bowel movements.
Sleeping. A newborn may sleep up to 18 or 19 hours a day, waking up often (day and night) to breastfeed or take a bottle. Breastfed babies usually wake to eat every 1–3 hours, while formula-fed babies may sleep longer, waking every 2–4 hours to eat (formula takes longer to digest so babies feel fuller longer). Newborns should not sleep more than 4 hours between feedings until they have good weight gain, usually within the first few weeks. After that, it's OK if a baby sleeps for longer stretches.
Developing. In the first month, babies should:
pay attention to faces or bright objects 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) away
respond to sound — they may quiet down, blink, turn head, startle, or cry
hold arms and legs in a flexed position
move arms and legs equally
lift head briefly when on stomach (babies should only be placed on the stomach while awake and under supervision)
have strong newborn reflexes, such as:
rooting and sucking: turns toward, then sucks breast/bottle nipple
grasp: tightly grabs hold of a finger placed within the palm
fencer's pose: straightens arm when head is turned to that side and bends opposite arm
Moro reflex (startle response): throws out arms and legs, then curls them in when startled
3. Do a physical exam with your baby undressed with you present. This exam will include an eye exam, listening to your baby's heart and feeling pulses, inspecting the umbilical cord, and checking the hips.
 
4. Do screening tests. Your doctor will review the screening tests from the hospital and repeat tests, if needed. If a hearing test wasn't done then, your baby will have one now.
 
5. Update immunizations. Immunizations can protect infants from serious childhood illnesses, so it's important that your baby get them on time. Immunization schedules can vary from office to office, so talk to your doctor about what to expect.
 
Looking Ahead
Here are some things to keep in mind until your next routine visit at 1 month:
 
Feeding
Continue to feed your baby when he or she is hungry. Pay attention to signs that your baby is full, such as turning away from the nipple or bottle and closing the mouth.
Don't give solid foods or juice.
Don't put cereal in your baby's bottle unless directed to by your doctor.
If you breastfeed:
Help your baby latch on correctly: mouth opened wide, tongue down, with as much breast in the mouth as possible.
Continue to take a prenatal vitamin or multivitamin daily.
Ask your doctor about vitamin D drops for your baby.
Don't use a bottle or pacifier until nursing is well established (usually about 1 month).
If you formula-feed:
Give your baby iron-fortified formula.
Follow the formula package's instructions when making and storing bottles.
Don't prop bottles or put your baby to bed with a bottle.
Talk to your doctor before switching formulas.
Routine Care
Wash your hands before handling the baby and avoid people who may be sick.
Keep the diaper below the umbilical cord so the stump can dry. The umbilical cord usually falls off in 10–14 days.
For circumcised boys, put petroleum jelly on the penis or diaper's front.
Give sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off and a boy's circumcision heals. Make sure the water isn't too hot — test it with your wrist first.
Use fragrance-free soaps and lotions.
Hold your baby and be attentive to his or her needs. You can't spoil a newborn.
Sing, talk, and read to your baby. Babies learn best by interacting with people.
It's normal for infants to have fussy periods, but for some, crying can be excessive, lasting several hours a day. If a baby develops colic, it usually starts in an otherwise well baby around 3 weeks of age.
Call your baby's doctor if your infant has a fever or is acting sick, isn't eating, isn't peeing, or isn't pooping. Don't give medicine to an infant younger than 2 months old without talking to your doctor first.
It's common for new moms to feel tired and overwhelmed at times. But if these feelings are intense, or you feel sad, moody, or anxious, call your doctor.
Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about your living situation. Do you have the things that you need to take care of your baby? Do you have enough food, a safe place to live, and health insurance? Your doctor can tell you about community resources or refer you to a social worker.
Safety
To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS):
Breastfeed your baby.
Let your baby sleep in your room in a bassinet or crib next to the bed until your baby's first birthday or for at least 6 months, when the risk of SIDS is highest.
Always place your baby to sleep on a firm mattress on his or her back in a crib or bassinet without any crib bumpers, blankets, quilts, pillows, or plush toys.
Avoid overheating by keeping the room temperature comfortable.
Don't overbundle your baby.
Consider putting your baby to sleep sucking on a pacifier. If you're breastfeeding, wait until breastfeeding is established before introducing the pacifier.
Don't smoke or use e-cigarettes. Don't let anyone else smoke or vape around your baby.
Always put your baby in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat. Never leave your baby alone in a car.
While your baby is awake, don't leave your little one unattended, especially on high surfaces or in the bath.
Never shake your baby — it can cause bleeding in the brain and even death.
Avoid sun exposure by keeping your baby covered and in the shade when possible. Sunscreens are not recommended for infants younger than 6 months. However, you may use a small amount of sunscreen on an infant younger than 6 months if shade and clothing don't offer enough protection.
These checkup sheets are consistent with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)/Bright Futures guidelines.

Question 29

Self-pay Information

Accepted Answer

If you are interested in learning about our self-pay options please call: 386-758-0003 for information! We will be happy to answer all your questions and provide you with all the information needed to apply.

Question 30

1 Year Old - 2 Years Old

Accepted Answer

Give your child water and plain milk instead of sugary drinks. After the first year, when your nursing toddler is eating more and different solid foods, breast milk is still an ideal addition to his diet.
Your toddler might become a very picky and erratic eater. Toddlers need less food because they don’t grow as fast. It’s best not to battle with him over this. Offer a selection of healthy foods and let him choose what she wants. Keep trying new foods; it might take time for him to learn to like them.
Limit screen time and develop a media use plan for your family. For children younger than 18 months of age, the AAP recommends that it’s best if toddlers not use any screen media other than video chatting.
Your toddler will seem to be moving continually—running, kicking, climbing, or jumping. Let him be active—he’s developing his coordination and becoming strong.
Make sure your child gets the recommended amount of sleep each night: For toddlers 1-2 years, 11–14 hours per 24 hours (including naps)

Question 31

What age patients do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We treat kids from birth to age 21.

Question 32

Are layovers included in CDC's recommendation to avoid nonessential travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Layovers at airports in destinations with level 3 travel notices are included in CDC’s recommendation to avoid nonessential travel. If a layover is unavoidable, CDC recommends that travelers not leave the airport. Travelers with layovers may still be subject to screening and monitoring when entering the United States.

Question 33

Anxiety

Accepted Answer

Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health disorder in childhood, affecting approximately 8% of all children and adolescents. There are many types of anxiety disorders that affect youth, the most common being Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, and Phobic Disorders.
 
Symptoms
Symptoms of anxiety disorders can include:
​Recurring fears and worries abo​ut routine parts of every day life
​Physical complaints, like stomachache or headache
​Trouble concentrating
​Trouble sleeping
​Fear of social situations
Fear of leaving home
​Fear of separation from a loved one
Refusing to go to school
Co-morbid disorders, in particular ADHD and depression, are not uncommon.
Treatment
Anxiety disorders are treatable! Studies have shown that cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) and medication treatments are both effective in treating anxiety disorders in youth. Parent involvement in treatment has also been shown to improve outcomes in some children. Early treatment can prevent future difficulties, such as academic or social difficulties and low self-esteem.
 
Understanding Childhood Fears and Anxieties
 
My child seems to be afraid of a lot of things. Should I be worried?
 
From time to time, every child experiences fear. As youngsters explore the world around them, having new experiences and confronting new challenges, anxieties are almost an unavoidable part of growing up.
 
Fears are Common:
According to one study, 43% of children between ages 6 and 12 had many fears and concerns. A fear of darkness, particularly being left alone in the dark, is one of the most common fears in this age group. So is a fear of animals, such as large barking dogs. Some children are afraid of fires, high places or thunderstorms. Others, conscious of news reports on TV and in the newspapers, are concerned about burglars, kidnappers or nuclear war. If there has been a recent serious illness or death in the family, they may become anxious about the health of those around them.
 
In middle childhood, fears wax and wane. Most are mild, but even when they intensify, they generally subside on their own after a while.
 
About Phobias:
Sometimes fears can become so extreme, persistent and focused that they develop into phobias. Phobias – which are strong and irrational fears – can become persistent and debilitating, significantly influencing and interfering with a child's usual daily activities. For instance, a 6-year-old's phobia about dogs might make him so panicky that he refuses to go outdoors at all because there could be a dog there. A 10-year-old child might become so terrified about news reports of a serial killer that he insists on sleeping with his parents at night.
 
Some children in this age group develop phobias about the people they meet in their everyday lives. This severe shyness can keep them from making friends at school and relating to most adults, especially strangers. They might consciously avoid social situations like birthday parties or Scout meetings, and they often find it difficult to converse comfortably with anyone except their immediate family.
 
Separation anxiety is also common in this age group. Sometimes this fear can intensify when the family moves to a new neighborhood or children are placed in a childcare setting where they feel uncomfortable. These youngsters might become afraid of going to summer camp or even attending school. Their phobias can cause physical symptoms like headaches or stomach pains and eventually lead the children to withdraw into their own world, becoming clinically depressed.
 
At about age 6 or 7, as children develop an understanding about death, another fear can arise. With the recognition that death will eventually affect everyone, and that it is permanent and irreversible, the normal worry about the possible death of family members – or even their own death – can intensify. In some cases, this preoccupation with death can become disabling.
 
Treating Fears & Phobias:
Fortunately, most phobias are quite treatable. In general, they are not a sign of serious mental illness requiring many months or years of therapy. However, if your child's anxieties persist and interfere with her enjoyment of day-to-day life, she might benefit from some professional help from a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in treating phobias.
As part of the treatment plan for phobias, many therapists suggest exposing your child to the source of her anxiety in small, nonthreatening doses. Under a therapist's guidance a child who is afraid of dogs might begin by talking about this fear and by looking at photographs or a videotape of dogs. Next, she might observe a live dog from behind the safety of a window. Then, with a parent or a therapist at her side, she might spend a few minutes in the same room with a friendly, gentle puppy. Eventually she will find himself able to pet the dog, then expose herself to situations with larger, unfamiliar dogs.
 
This gradual process is called desensitization, meaning that your child will become a little less sensitive to the source of her fear each time she confronts it. Ultimately, the child will no longer feel the need to avoid the situation that has been the basis of her phobia. While this process sounds like common sense and easy to carry out, it should be done only under the supervision of a professional.
 
Sometimes psychotherapy can also help children become more self-assured and less fearful. Breathing and relaxation exercises can assist youngsters in stressful circumstances too.
 
Occasionally, your doctor may recommend medications as a component of the treatment program, although never as the sole therapeutic tool. These drugs may include antidepressants, which are designed to ease the anxiety and panic that often underlie these problems.
 
What Parents Can Do:
Here are some suggestions that many parents find useful for their children with fears and phobias.
 
Talk with your child about his anxieties, and be sympathetic. Explain to him that many children have fears, but with your support he can learn to put them behind him.
Do not belittle or ridicule your child's fears, particularly in front of his peers.
Do not try to coerce your youngster into being brave. It will take time for him to confront and gradually overcome his anxieties. You can, however, encourage (but not force) him to progressively come face-to-face with whatever he fears.
Since fears are a normal part of life and often are a response to a real or at least perceived threat in the child's environment, parents should be reassuring and supportive. Talking with their children, parents should acknowledge, though not increase or reinforce, their children's concerns. Point out what is already being done to protect the child, and involve the child in identifying additional steps that could be taken. Such simple, sensitive and straightforward parenting can resolve or at least manage most childhood fears. When realistic reassurances are not successful, the child's fear may be a phobia.

Question 34

Why is the virus being called "Coronavirus 2019", COVID19?"

Accepted Answer

On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”. 
 
There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused be a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. The name of this disease was selected following the World Health Organization (WHO) best practice for naming of new human infectious diseases.

Question 35

Second Trimester

Accepted Answer

Second trimester: Week 13 – Week 28
 
Second Trimester: Changes a Woman May Experience
Once you enter the second trimester you may find it easier than the first. Your nausea (morning sickness) and fatigue may lessen or go away completely. However, you will also notice more changes to your body. That "baby bump" will start to show as your abdomen expands with the growing baby. By the end of the second trimester you will even be able to feel your baby move!
 
Second Trimester: Physical and Emotional Changes in a Woman
Some changes you may notice in your body in the second trimester include:
Back, abdomen, groin, or thigh aches and pains
Stretch marks on your abdomen, breasts, thighs, or buttocks
Darkening of the skin around your nipples
A line on the skin running from belly button to pubic hairline (linea nigra)
Patches of darker skin, usually over the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. This is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy (melasma, or Chloasma facies).
Numb or tingling hands (carpal tunnel syndrome)
Itching on the abdomen, palms, and soles of the feet. (Call your doctor if you have nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, yellowing of skin, or fatigue combined with itching. These can be signs of a liver problem.)
Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. (If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight quickly, call your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia.)
 
Second Trimester: The Baby at 16 Weeks
As your body changes in the second trimester, your baby continues to develop:
The musculoskeletal system continues to form.
Skin begins to form and is nearly translucent.
Meconium develops in your baby's intestinal tract. This will be your baby's first bowel movement.
Your baby begins sucking motions with the mouth (sucking reflex).
Your baby is about 4 to 5 inches long and weighs almost 3 ounces.
 
Second Trimester: The Baby at 20 Weeks
At about 20 weeks in the second trimester, your baby continues to develop:
Your baby is more active. You might feel movement or kicking.
Your baby is covered by fine, feathery hair called lanugo and a waxy protective coating called vernix.
Eyebrows, eyelashes, fingernails, and toenails have formed. Your baby can even scratch itself.
Your baby can hear and swallow.
Now halfway through your pregnancy, your baby is about 6 inches long and weighs about 9 ounces.
 
Second Trimester: The Baby at 24 Weeks
By 24 weeks, even more changes occur for your growing baby:
The baby's bone marrow begins to make blood cells.
Taste buds form on your baby's tongue.
Footprints and fingerprints have formed.
Hair begins to grow on your baby's head.
The lungs are formed, but do not yet work.
Your baby has a regular sleep cycle.
If your baby is a boy, his testicles begin to descend into the scrotum. If your baby is a girl, her uterus and ovaries are in place, and a lifetime supply of eggs has formed in the ovaries.
Your baby stores fat and weighs about 1½ pounds, and is 12 inches long.

Question 36

12-17 Pounds

Accepted Answer

*Please review our dosage notes for more useful information. Please remember even though this chart that should be based on your child's weight can help determine the right dosage amount, it should never substitute for your pediatrician's advice.

Question 37

What if I don't have insurance?

Accepted Answer

We have different options to offer to our patients. 
 
We offer sliding fees, or Selfpay. 
 
Please view our Billing Page to see more information about sliding fees or Selfpay.

Question 38

8-12 Months

Accepted Answer

Your Baby Should Be Doing This. . .

Physical Skills
Gets to sitting​ position​ without help
Crawls forward on belly
​Assumes hands-and-knees ​positions
Gets from sitting to crawling position
Pulls self up to stand
Walks holding on to furniture
 
Social Skills
​Shy or anxious with strangers
Cries whe​n parents leave
Enjoys imitating peopl​e in play
Prefers certain people and toys
Tests parental response
Finger-feeds himself
 
Cognitive Thinking
​Explores objects in different ways
Finds hidden objects easily
​Looks at correct picture when the image​ is named
Imitates gestures
Begins to use objects correctly

Question 39

1 month old

Accepted Answer

What to Expect During This Visit
Your doctor and/or nurse will probably:
 
1. Check your baby's weight, length, and head circumference and plot the measurements on the growth charts.
 
2. Ask questions, address any concerns, and offer advice about how your baby is:
Feeding. Infants should be fed when they seem hungry. At this age, breastfed babies will eat about eight to twelve times in a 24-hour period. Formula-fed infants consume about 24 ounces a day. Burp your baby midway through feedings and at the end.
Peeing and pooping. Infants should have about six wet diapers a day. The number of poopy diapers varies, but most breastfed babies will have three or more. Around 6 weeks of age, breastfed babies may go several days without a bowel movement. Formula-fed babies have at least one bowel movement a day. Tell your doctor if you have any concerns about your infant's bowel movements.
Sleeping. Infants this age sleep about 14 to 17 hours a day, including 4 or 5 daytime naps. Breastfed babies may still wake often to eat at night, while bottle-fed infants may sleep for longer stretches.
Developing. By 1 month of age, babies should:
focus and follow objects (especially faces)
respond to sound by quieting down, blinking, turning the head, startling, or crying
still hold arms and legs in a flexed position, but start to extend legs more frequently
move arms and legs equally
lift the head briefly when on the stomach
have strong newborn reflexes:
rooting and sucking: turns toward, then sucks breast/bottle nipple
grasp: tightly grabs hold of a finger placed within the palm
fencer's pose: straightens arm when head is turned to that side and bends opposite arm
Moro reflex (startle response): throws out arms and legs and then curls them in when startled
3. Do a physical exam with your baby undressed while you are present. This will include an eye exam, listening to your baby's heart and feeling pulses, examining the belly, and checking the hips.
 
4. Do screening tests. Your doctor will review the screening tests from the hospital and repeat tests, if needed. If a hearing test wasn't done then, your baby will have one now.
 
5. Update immunizations. Immunizations can protect infants from serious childhood illnesses, so it's important that your baby get them on time. Immunization schedules can vary from office to office, so talk to your doctor about what to expect.
 
Looking Ahead
Here are some things to keep in mind until your baby's next routine checkup at 2 months:
 
Feeding
Continue to feed your baby when he or she is hungry. Pay attention to signs that your baby is full, such as turning away from the breast or nipple and closing the mouth. Between 6 and 8 weeks, your baby may be hungrier due to a growth spurt.
Don't give solid foods or or juice.
Don't put cereal in your baby's bottle unless directed to by your doctor.
Continue to burp your baby midway through and at the end of feedings.
If you breastfeed:
If you haven't yet, you can now pump and store breast milk for future use.
If breastfeeding is well established, it's OK to introduce a bottle or pacifier. You might need to have someone else offer the bottle if your little one rejects it when you try.
Continue to take a prenatal vitamin or multivitamin daily.
Ask your doctor about vitamin D drops for the baby.
If you formula-feed:
Give your baby iron-fortified formula.
Follow the formula package's instructions when making and storing bottles.
Don't prop bottles or put your baby to bed with a bottle.
Talk to your doctor before switching formulas.
Routine Care
Wash your hands before handling the baby and avoid people who may be sick.
Hold your baby and be attentive to his or her needs. You can't spoil a baby.
Sing, talk, and read to your baby. Babies learn best by interacting with people.
Give your baby supervised "tummy time" when awake. Always supervise your baby and be ready to help if he or she gets tired or frustrated in this position.
It's normal for infants to have fussy periods, but for some, crying can be excessive, lasting several hours a day. If a baby develops colic, it usually starts in an otherwise well baby at around 3 weeks, peaks around 6 weeks, and improves by 3 months.
Call your doctor if your baby has a fever or is acting sick. Don't give medicine to an infant younger than 2 months old without talking to your doctor first.
It's common for new moms to feel tired and overwhelmed at times. But if these feelings are intense, or you feel sad, moody, or anxious, call your doctor.
Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about your living situation. Do you have the things that you need to take care of your baby? Do you have enough food, a safe place to live, and health insurance? Your doctor can tell you about community resources or refer you to a social worker.
Safety
To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS):
Let your baby sleep in your room in a bassinet or crib next to the bed until your baby's first birthday or for at least 6 months, when the risk of SIDS is highest.
Always place your baby to sleep on a firm mattress on his or her back in a crib or bassinet without any crib bumpers, blankets, quilts, pillows, or plush toys.
Avoid overheating by keeping the room temperature comfortable.
Don't overbundle your baby.
Consider putting your baby to sleep sucking on a pacifier.
Don't smoke or use e-cigarettes. Don't let anyone smoke or vape around your baby.
Always put your baby in a rear-facing car seat in the backseat. Never leave your baby alone in the car.
Keep all cords, wires, and toys with loops or strings away from your baby.
While your baby is awake, don't leave your little one unattended, especially on high surfaces or in the bath.
Never shake your baby — it can cause bleeding in the brain and even death.
Avoid sun exposure by keeping your baby covered and in the shade when possible. Sunscreens are not recommended for infants younger than 6 months. However, you may use a small amount of sunscreen on an infant younger than 6 months if shade and clothing don't offer enough protection.
These checkup sheets are consistent with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)/Bright Futures guidelines.

Question 40

What is the name of the virus causing the outbreak of coronavirus disease?

Accepted Answer

On February 11, 2020, the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, charged with naming new viruses, named the novel coronavirus, first identified in Wuhan, China, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, shortened to SARS-CoV-2.  
 
As the name indicates, the virus is related to the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) that caused an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2002-2003, however it is not the same virus.

Question 41

Prevention & Treatment

Accepted Answer

PREVENTION:

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
 
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
 
Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to  others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website.
 
For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
 
These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.
 
TREATMENT: 
There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.
 
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Question 42

What Others can do to Support Older Adults?

Accepted Answer

Community Support for Older Adults
Community preparedness planning for COVID-19 should include older adults and people with disabilities, and the organizations that support them in their communities, to ensure their needs are taken into consideration.
Many of these individuals live in the community, and many depend on services and supports provided in their homes or in the community to maintain their health and independence.
Long-term care facilities should be vigilant to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19.
Family and Caregiver Support
Know what medications your loved one is taking and see if you can help them have extra on hand.
Monitor food and other medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care) needed and create a back-up plan.
Stock up on non-perishable food items to have on hand in your home to minimize trips to stores.
If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.

Question 43

8-12 Months

Accepted Answer

Your Baby Should Be Doing This. . .
Physical Skills
Gets to sitting​ position​ without help
Crawls forward on belly
​Assumes hands-and-knees ​positions
Gets from sitting to crawling position
Pulls self up to stand
Walks holding on to furniture

Social Skills
​Shy or anxious with strangers
Cries whe​n parents leave
Enjoys imitating peopl​e in play
Prefers certain people and toys
Tests parental response
Finger-feeds himself
Cognitive Thinking
​Explores objects in different ways
Finds hidden objects easily
​Looks at correct picture when the image​ is named
Imitates gestures
Begins to use objects correctly

Question 44

12-17 Pounds

Accepted Answer

*Please review our dosage notes for more useful information. Please remember even though this chart that should be based on your child's weight can help determine the right dosage amount, it should never substitute for your pediatrician's advice.

Question 45

Medical Records Fee

Accepted Answer

Hard Copies shall be charged at $0.10 per page, up to a total of $6.50. (Must not exceed the total amount of $6.50) 
For reproducing specific types of reports, they will be charged at the actual cost of the reproduction, including supplies and labor associated with the request.
If the patient prefers medical records to be on a USB or CD, North Florida Pediatrics will provide the flash drive or CD with a cost of $6.50.
You may request that the records be e-mailed to you free of charge, with the understanding that you assume the risks associated with transmitting your information through the internet.
You may receive a written summary or your personal health information. The cost will be $6.50.
If records are for a lawyer - please be advised it will be a different cost.

Question 46

3-5 Years Old

Accepted Answer

As your child becomes more independent and spends more time in the outside world, it is important that you and your child are aware of ways to stay safe.
 
Here are a few tips to protect your child:
 
Tell your child why it is important to stay out of traffic. Tell him not to play in the street or run after stray balls.
Be cautious when letting your child ride her tricycle. Keep her on the sidewalk and away from the street and always have her wear a helmet.
Check outdoor playground equipment. Make sure there are no loose parts or sharp edges.
Watch your child at all times, especially when he is playing outside.
Be safe in the water. Teach your child to swim, but watch her at all times when she is in or around any body of water (this includes kiddie pools).
Teach your child how to be safe around strangers.
Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until he reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it will be time for him to travel in a booster seat, but still in the back seat of the vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has information on how to keep your child safe while riding in a vehicle.

Question 47

Well-child checks

Accepted Answer

It is important for children to visit the pediatrician at regular intervals. During these visits we will evaluate your child's growth and development; administer vaccines; discuss behavior, safety and nutrition; administer hearing and vision tests; run routine lab tests; and answer any questions you may have.

Question 48

Autism

Accepted Answer

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disability that affects a child's social skills, communication, and behavior.
 
Because most children with ASD will sit, crawl, and walk on time, you may not notice delays in social and communication skills in the first year of life. 
 
Looking back, many parents can recall early differences in interaction and communication.
 
ASD symptoms may change as children get older and with intervention.
 
As many children with autism develop, they may likely have other developmental, learning, speech/language, behavioral issues, as well or other medical diagnoses. Other children, while not very common, may improve so much with intervention that they might no longer meet criteria for a a diagnosis of ASD.
 
How common is ASD?
ASD affects about 1 in 59 children. Boys are diagnosed with ASD about 4 times more often than girls.
The number of children reported to have autism has increased since the early 1990s; the increase could be caused by many factors.
Many families are more aware of ASD.
Pediatricians are doing more screening for ASD, as recommended by the AAP, and children are identified earlier—which is a good thing. 
Schools are more aware and children are receiving more appropriate special education services.
There have been many changes in how ASD is defined and diagnosed. 
Changes in how autism is defined & diagnosed: 
​Doctors use the a book called Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assist in diagnosing autism. In the past, only children with the most severe autism symptoms were diagnosed. But in 2013, the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) changed based on the research literature and clinical experience in the 19 years since the DSM-IV was published in 1994. Now children with milder symptoms are being identified and helped.
 
Several conditions used to be diagnosed separately under the term "pervasive developmental disorders" or "autism spectrum disorders" in the DSM. 
 
Those conditions were:
Autistic disorder
Pervasive developmental disorder—not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) 
Asperger syndrome
Disintegrative Disorder
With publication of the fifth edition of the DSM in 2013, the terms listed above are no longer used and these conditions are now grouped in the broader category of autism spectrum disorder or ASD. Many people may self-identify as having Asperger Syndrome, but professionals should no longer use this terminology when making a diagnosis. 
​The benefits of early identification:
Each child with autism has different needs. The sooner autism is identified, the sooner an early intervention program directed at the child's symptoms can begin.
 
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children be screened for ASD at their 18- and 24-month well-child checkups. Research shows that starting an intervention program as soon as possible can improve outcomes for many children with autism.
Children with ASD may have other medical problems that may need further evaluation and treatment.  These may include seizures, problems with sleep, gastrointestinal problems (feeding problems, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and behavioral health problems (such as anxiety, ADHD, irritability, and aggression).

Question 49

I don't want to travel because of COVID-19. Can CDC help me get a refund from my airline or cruise line?

Accepted Answer

Each company establishes its own refund policies, and CDC cannot intervene to get them to change their policies. Some companies may base their policies on CDC’s travel health notices.
 
The decision to post or change the level of a travel health notice is based on the best available science and takes into account numbers of cases, sustained spread, geographic spread of cases, risk to travelers, and other factors. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/
 
In some cases, trip cancellation insurance can protect your financial investment in a trip if you need to change your itinerary in the event of an international outbreak. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/insurance

Question 50

Are pregnant healthcare personnel at increased risk for adverse outcomes if they care for patients with COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Pregnant healthcare personnel (HCP) should follow risk assessment and infection control guidelines for HCP exposed to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Adherence to recommended infection prevention and control practices is an important part of protecting all HCP in healthcare settings. Information on COVID-19 in pregnancy is very limited; facilities may want to consider limiting exposure of pregnant HCP to patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, especially during higher risk procedures (e.g., aerosol-generating procedures) if feasible based on staffing availability.

Question 51

Third Trimester

Accepted Answer

Third Trimester: Week 29 – Week 40 (birth)
 
Third Trimester: Changes a Woman May Experience
The third trimester is the final stage of pregnancy. Discomforts that started in the second trimester will likely continue, along with some new ones. As the baby grows and puts more pressure on your internal organs, you may find you have difficulty breathing and have to urinate more frequently. This is normal and once you give birth these problems should go away.
 
Third Trimester: Emotional and Physical Changes a Woman May Experience
In the third and final trimester you will notice more physical changes, including:
Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. (If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight really quickly, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia.)
Hemorrhoids
Tender breasts, which may leak a watery pre-milk called colostrum
Your belly button may protrude
The baby "dropping," or moving lower in your abdomen
Contractions, which can be a sign of real or false labor
Other symptoms you may notice in the third trimester include shortness of breath, heartburn, and difficulty sleeping
 
Third Trimester: Changes as the Due Date Approaches
Other changes are happening in your body during the third trimester that you can't see. As your due date approaches, your cervix becomes thinner and softer in a process called effacement that helps the cervix open during childbirth. Your doctor will monitor the progress of your pregnancy with regular exams, especially as you near your due date.
 
Third Trimester: The Baby at 32 Weeks
At 32 weeks in the third trimester, your baby's development continues:
Your baby's bones are soft but fully formed.
Movements and kicking increase.
The eyes can open and close.
Lungs are not fully formed, but practice "breathing" movements occur.
Your baby's body begins to store vital minerals, such as iron and calcium.
Lanugo (fine hair) begins to fall off.
Your baby is gaining about ½ pound a week, weighs about 4 to 4½ pounds, and is about 15 to 17 inches long.
 
Third Trimester: The Baby at 36 Weeks
At 36 weeks, as your due date approaches, your baby continues development:
The protective waxy coating (vernix) thickens.
Body fat increases.
Your baby is getting bigger and has less space to move around. Movements are less forceful, but you will still feel them.
Your baby is about 16 to 19 inches long and weighs about 6 to 6½ pounds.
 
Third Trimester: The baby at 37 to 40 Weeks
Finally, from 37 to 40 weeks the last stages of your baby's development occur:
By the end of 37 weeks, your baby is considered full term.
Your baby's organs are capable of functioning on their own.
As you near your due date, your baby may turn into a head-down position for birth.
Average birth weight is between 6 pounds 2 ounces to 9 pounds 2 ounces and average length is 19 to 21 inches long. Most full-term babies fall within these ranges, but healthy babies come in many different weights and sizes.

Question 52

2 Years Old - 3 Years Old

Accepted Answer

Talk with staff at your child care provider to see if they serve healthier foods and drinks, and if they limit television and other screen time.
Your toddler might change what food she likes from day to day. It’s normal behavior, and it’s best not to make an issue of it. Encourage her to try new foods by offering her small bites to taste.
Keep television sets out of your child’s bedroom. Set limits for screen time for your child to no more than 1 hour per day of quality programming, at home, school, or afterschool care and develop a media use plan for your family.
Encourage free play as much as possible. It helps your toddler stay active and strong and helps him develop motor skills.
Make sure your child gets the recommended amount of sleep each night: For toddlers 1-2 years, 11–14 hours per 24 hours (including naps)

Question 53

18-23 Pounds

Accepted Answer

*Please review our dosage notes for more useful information. Please remember even though this chart that should be based on your child's weight can help determine the right dosage amount, it should never substitute for your pediatrician's advice.

Question 54

Preparing For Delivery

Accepted Answer

As the weeks and months pass leading up to your delivery date, you’re probably eagerly planning for the new addition to your family, and adjusting to what is going on in your own body.
 
During the third trimester, you’ll notice many changes that may affect how you feel:
​
You’ll gain weight, typically at a rate averaging about one pound a week during the last trimester. 
As your baby grows in size and places pressure on nearby organs, you may experience episodes of shortness of breath and back pain.
You may urinate more frequently as pressure is placed on your bladder, and you might have episodes of incontinence. 
You may find it harder to get comfortable, and sleep may become more difficult. You may prefer to sleep on your side.
You could experience more fatigue than usual. 
You may have heartburn, swelling in your feet and ankles, back pain, and hemorrhoids. 
You may have “false labor” contractions known as Braxton- Hicks contractions. These Braxton-Hicks contractions begin to soften and thin the cervix, preparing it for the delivery of the baby. But unlike true labor contractions, they are irregular, do not occur more often as time passes, and do not become stronger or more intense.
​
While you’re pregnant, you and your spouse/partner may be participating in childbirth education classes, which will give you information about labor and birth, provide the chance to meet other parents-to-be, and help you prepare for the birth. Several types of classes are available in many communities. The Lamaze method, for example, uses approaches such as focused breathing, massage, and labor support that can be used during the actual childbirth process.
​
The Bradley method emphasizes natural childbirth, and relies heavily on deep breathing techniques. Many childbirth education classes discuss a combination of these as well as other methods to teach expectant parents about the birth process and ways to make the delivery successful, comfortable, and enjoyable.
​
Whatever class you’re considering, ask in advance about the topics and methods of childbirth that will be emphasized, and whether the classes are primarily lectures or also involve your active participation. What is the instructor’s philosophy about pregnancy and birth? Is he or she certified? Will you learn proper methods for breathing and relaxation? What will the classes cost? Is there a limit on class size?
​
At the same time, consider signing up for other classes that can help prepare you for the parenting challenges ahead. Ask your doctor for referrals to breastfeeding classes, infant care programs, or instructional courses on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
​
Some education classes encourage their participants to develop a “birth plan,” and may provide guidance in helping you do so. The birth plan is usually a written document for both you and your doctor in which you’ll record your own preferences for labor and delivery.
 
For example:
Where will you be delivering your baby?
Based on your doctor’s instructions, do you plan to go directly to the hospital when labor begins, or will you call the office first? What arrangements have you made for transportation to the hospital or birthing center? Do you have a doula or want to participate in a doula program? (A doula provides various forms of nonmedical support in the childbirth process.)
Who would you like to deliver your baby (an obstetrician or a nurse midwife)?
Who do you want to be present to support you during the childbirth experience? 
What position would you prefer to be in during delivery?
What are your preferences for pain medication (if any is going to be used)?
What options would you consider if unexpected circumstances develop (e.g., the need for an episiotomy or a Cesarean section)? 
If you deliver prematurely, does the facility have adequate resources to take care of your prematurely born infant?
​
Not only should you talk about and share this document with your doctor, but also let your family members and friends know of your decisions.

Question 55

1 Year Old - 4 Years Old

Accepted Answer

Your Toddler Should Be Doing This. . .

Physical Skills
Walks alone
Pulls toys behind when walking
Begins to run
Stands on tiptoe
Kicks a ball
 
Social Skills
Imitates behavior of others
Aware of herself as separate from others
Enthusiastic about company of other children
 
Cognitive Thinking
Finds objects even when hidden 2 or 3 levels deep
Sorts by shape and color
Plays make-believe

Question 56

Is it safe to go on a cruise?

Accepted Answer

Cruises put large numbers of people, often from countries around the world, in frequent and close contact with each other. This can promote the spread of respiratory viruses, such as the virus that causes COVID-19. You may get sick from close contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces.
 
To reduce spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, CDC recommends that crew members and passengers:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay in your cabin when you are sick and let the onboard medical center know immediately if you develop a fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), begin to feel feverish, or have other symptoms (such as cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, or sore throat).

Question 57

Do you take Medicaid?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we accept Florida Medicaid. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept Medicaid from any other states. To view a complete list of insurances that North Florida Pediatrics accepts, please visit our insurance page!

Question 58

18-23 Pounds

Accepted Answer

*Please review our dosage notes for more useful information. Please remember even though this chart that should be based on your child's weight can help determine the right dosage amount, it should never substitute for your pediatrician's advice.

Question 59

School/ Sports/ Camp Physicals

Accepted Answer

We provide a full exam and necessary papers to fulfill back-to-school, sports and camps requirements.
 
We will make sure you hit the ground running with your sports physical.

Question 60

What to do if you are sick

Accepted Answer

Call ahead to a healthcare professional if you develop a fever1 and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact2 with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread. Tell your healthcare professional about your recent travel or contact. Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
 
Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick
If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.
Stay home except to get medical care
People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to isolate at home during their illness. You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
 
People: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
 
Animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.
 
Call ahead before visiting your doctor
If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
 
Wear a facemask
You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with you should not stay in the same room with you, or they should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
 
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
 
Clean your hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
 
Soap and water are the best option if hands are visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
 
Avoid sharing personal household items
You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
 
Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday
High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
 
Monitor your symptoms
Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing). Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19. Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed. Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.
 
If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.
 
Discontinuing home isolation
Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
Footnote
1Fever may be subjective or confirmed
2Close contact is defined as—
a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a health care waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case
– or –
b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on)
If such contact occurs while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment or PPE (e.g., gowns, gloves, NIOSH-certified disposable N95 respirator, eye protection), criteria for PUI consideration are met.
See CDC’s updated Interim Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Persons Under Investigation for 2019 Novel Coronavirus.
Data to inform the definition of close contact are limited. Considerations when assessing close contact include the duration of exposure (e.g., longer exposure time likely increases exposure risk) and the clinical symptoms of the person with COVID-19 (e.g., coughing likely increases exposure risk as does exposure to a severely ill patient). Special consideration should be given to those exposed in health care settings.

Question 61

Is SAR-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) the same as MERS-CoV or SARS-Cov?

Accepted Answer

No. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some coronaviruses cause cold-like illnesses in people. Others cause illness in certain types of animals, such as cattle, camels and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can spread to people. This happened with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The virus that causes COVID-19 likely also originated in an animal and spread to humans. The coronavirus most similar to the virus causing COVID-19 is SARS-CoV. There are ongoing investigations to learn more. The situation is changing, and information will be updated as it becomes available.

Question 62

Can pregnant women with COVID-19 pass the virus to their fetus or newborn (i.e. vertical transmission)?

Accepted Answer

The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly by close contact with an infected person through respiratory droplets. Whether a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can transmit the virus that causes COVID-19 to her fetus or neonate by other routes of vertical transmission (before, during, or after delivery) is still unknown. However, in limited recent case series of infants born to mothers with COVID-19 published in the peer-reviewed literature, none of the infants have tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. Additionally, virus was not detected in samples of amniotic fluid or breastmilk.
 
Limited information is available about vertical transmission for other coronaviruses (MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV) but vertical transmission has not been reported for these infections.

Question 63

6-8 Years Old

Accepted Answer

More physical ability and more independence can put children at risk for injuries from falls and other accidents. Motor vehicle crashes are the most common cause of death from unintentional injury among children this age.
 
Protect your child properly in the car. For detailed information, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Car Seats: Information for Families.
Teach your child to watch out for traffic and how to be safe when walking to school, riding a bike, and playing outside.
Make sure your child understands water safety, and always supervise her when she’s swimming or playing near water.
Supervise your child when he’s engaged in risky activities, such as climbing.
Talk with your child about how to ask for help when she needs it.
Keep potentially harmful household products, tools, equipment, and firearms out of your child’s reach.

Question 64

Depression

Accepted Answer

What is adolescent depression?
Depression may be present when your teenager has:
A sad or irritable mood for most of the day. Your teen may say they feel sad or angry or may look more tearful or cranky.
Not enjoying things that used to make your child happy.
A marked change in weight or eating, either up or down.
Sleeping too little at night or too much during the day.
No longer wanting to be with family or friends.
A lack of energy or feeling unable to do simple tasks.
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Low self-esteem.
Trouble focusing or making choices. School grades may drop.
Not caring about what happens in the future.
Aches and pains when nothing is really wrong.
Frequent thoughts of death or suicide.
Any of these signs can occur in children who are not depressed, but when seen together, nearly every day, they are red flags for depression.
 
What should I do if I think my teen is depressed?
Talk to your child about his/her feelings and the things happening at home and at school that may be bothering him/her.
Tell your teen's doctor. Some medical problems can cause depression. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy (counseling to help with emotions and behavior) or medicine for depression.
Your child's doctor may now screen your teen for depression every year from ages 12 through 21, with suicide now a leading cause of death among adolescents. Treat any thoughts of suicide as an emergency.
What can I do to help?
 
Promote health
The basics for good mental health include a healthy diet, enough sleep, exercise, and positive connections with other people at home and at school. 
Limit screen time and encourage physical activity and fun activities with friends or family to help develop positive connections with others.
One-on-one time with parents, praise for good behavior, encouragement for seeking care and pointing out strengths build the parent-child bond.
Provide safety and security
Talk with your child about bullying. Being the victim of bullying is a major cause of mental health problems.
Look for grief or loss issues. Seek help if problems with grief do not get better. If you as a parent are grieving a loss, get help and find additional support for your teen.
Reduce stress as most teens have low stress tolerance. Accommodations in schoolwork is critical as well as lowered expectations at home regarding chores and school achievements. 
Guns, knives, long ropes/cables and medicines (including those you buy without a prescription), and alcohol should be locked up.
Educate others
Your teen is not making the symptoms up.
What looks like laziness or crankiness can be symptoms of depression.
Talk about any family history of depression to increase understanding.
Help your teen learn thinking and coping skills
Help your teen relax with physical and creative activities. Focus on the his/her strengths.
Talk to and listen to your child with love and support. Encourage teens to share their feelings including thoughts of death or suicide. Reassure them that this is very common with depression. 
Help your teen look at problems in a different more positive way.
Break down problems or tasks into smaller steps so your teen can be successful.
Make a safety plan
Follow the treatment plan. Make sure your teen attends therapy and takes any medicine as directed.
Treatment works, but it may take a few weeks. The depressed teen may not recognize changes in mood right away and may become discouraged with initial side effects of treatments (such as antidepressants).
Develop a list of people to call when feelings get worse.
Watch for risk factors for suicide. These include talking about suicide in person or on the internet, giving away belongings, increased thoughts about death, and substance abuse.
Locate telephone numbers for your teen's doctor and therapist, and the local mental health crisis response team.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255 or online at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Medicine Dosage

Before your Appointment

Sliding Fee Information

How it spreads

Why should I choose North Florida Pediatrics?

Who is at Higher Risk?

First trimester

DOSAGE NOTES:

0-1 Year Old

0-1 Year Old

What is a novel coronavirus?

Should I cancel my trip?

New Born

ADHD

DOSAGE NOTES:

0-3 Months

Are pregnant women more susceptible to infection, or at increased risk for severe illness, morbidity, or mortality with COVID-19, compared with the general public?"

Virtual Telehealth Visits

0-3 Months

Appointments &amp; Referrals

4-7 Months

Newborn &amp; Infant Care

Get Ready for COVID-19 Now

Are pregnant women with COVID-19 at increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes?

Symptoms

4-7 Months

1-2 Years Old

6-11 Pounds

The first week visit (3 to 5 days old)

Self-pay Information

1 Year Old - 2 Years Old

What age patients do you accept?

Are layovers included in CDC's recommendation to avoid nonessential travel?

Anxiety

Why is the virus being called "Coronavirus 2019", COVID19?"

Second Trimester

12-17 Pounds

What if I don't have insurance?

8-12 Months

1 month old

What is the name of the virus causing the outbreak of coronavirus disease?

Prevention &amp; Treatment

What Others can do to Support Older Adults?

8-12 Months

12-17 Pounds

Medical Records Fee

3-5 Years Old

Well-child checks

Autism

I don't want to travel because of COVID-19. Can CDC help me get a refund from my airline or cruise line?

Are pregnant healthcare personnel at increased risk for adverse outcomes if they care for patients with COVID-19?

Third Trimester

2 Years Old - 3 Years Old

18-23 Pounds

Preparing For Delivery

1 Year Old - 4 Years Old

Is it safe to go on a cruise?

Do you take Medicaid?

18-23 Pounds

School/ Sports/ Camp Physicals

What to do if you are sick

Is SAR-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) the same as MERS-CoV or SARS-Cov?

Can pregnant women with COVID-19 pass the virus to their fetus or newborn (i.e. vertical transmission)?

6-8 Years Old

Depression

3 Years Old - 5 Years Old

2 month old

What is the source of the virus?

What is the risk of getting COVID-19 on a airplane?

24-35 Pounds

6 Years Old - 12 Years Old

4 months old

What if I need to see my doctor after regular office hours?

Stigma and Resiliency

9-11 Years Old

Are infants born to mothers with COVID-19 during pregnancy at increased risk for adverse outcomes?

4 Years Old - 5 Years Old

Sick Visits

24-35 Pounds

Mood Disorders

Appointments & Referrals

Newborn & Infant Care

Prevention & Treatment

Immunizations & Flu Shots

Chronic Conditions & Special Needs

Behavioral & Developmental Health

Family planning, counseling & confidential STI treatment"