Pediatrics is a branch of medicine focusing on infants, children and adolescents. In addition to medical school, a pediatrician completes a three-year pediatric residency program. All HealthPoint pediatricians are board-certified or board eligible by the American Board of Pediatricians. All Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants have education and training to provide pediatric care.
In addition, Family Practitioners are trained and certified to also treat pediatric patients. HealthPoint’s Family Physicians have all completed a three-year family practice residency program in addition to their medical degree. All of our physicians are certified or board eligible by the American Board of Family Medicine.
In person and telehealth visits available.
Well Visits
It is important for infants, children, and adolescents to have regular check-ups, called well visits, annually. Some patients may need to be seen more often. During a well visit, the provider completes a physical exam of the patient to check the child’s growth and development in order to find and prevent problems.
The provider will record your child’s height, weight, and other important information. Some visits will include hearing, vision, and other screening tests.
Immunizations may also be given at a well visit.
Even if your child is healthy, annual visits allow you and your child’s provider to focus on your child’s wellness and discuss ways to keep your child healthy.
School and Sports Physicals
School districts require students to have a physical exam by a medical provider before they enter school for the first time AND before they enter the sixth grade.
Starting in the ninth grade, students must also have a physical exam each year before playing school sports.
Appointments for school and sports physicals are available at all HealthPoint medical offices, with exams covered by Medicaid. For uninsured children, the co-pay fee is based on your household income and family size. (See Financial Assistance.)
Dental screenings are also required for school entry, and HealthPoint dentists are happy to perform these exams. Just call 859-655-6100 for an appointment.
Immunizations
Vaccines are important because they work to safeguard children and adults from serious illnesses and death caused by infectious diseases.
So that your child receives fewer shots at a time, some of the vaccines may be given together.
Be sure to ask your HealthPoint medical provider which vaccines you and your child should receive.
All patients 6 months or older are recommended to receive Influenza vaccine annually unless a patient has had a severe reaction in past or egg allergy.
For more information on recommended immunizations, visit www.vaccineinformation.org
Learn more about the COVID 19 Pfizer Vaccine here. Approved for ages 12 and older. EUA Pfizer Vaccine
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
HealthPoint pediatricians are specialists in diagnosing and treating children with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
An estimated 5-8% of the U.S. population has ADHD. Children affected may be inattentive, easily distracted, hyperactive, and impulsive. These and other symptoms make it difficult for them to fit into a classroom learning structure.
In most cases children are referred for counseling. There are several medications that can help children with ADHD, but their reactions to the medicine must be continually monitored.
For more information, visit the website of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder at www.chadd.org.
Books for Children
HealthPoint is part of Reach Out and Read, a national nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy by making books a routine part of pediatric care.
HealthPoint patients age 6 months to 5 years old given a new book to keep at each well visit.
Each year, HealthPoint distributes up to 29,000 books to our pediatric patients. Funds for the books come from Reach Out and Read Kentucky, local foundations, and individual donors.
HealthPoint also accepts used children’s books for our waiting rooms. If interested in making a donation of books or organizing a book drive, please contact us.
For more information about Reach Out and Read, visit www.reachoutandread.org.