Choosing between a pediatrician and a family doctor is a crucial decision that will establish a long-term healthcare relationship for your child. Understanding the differences between these two types of healthcare providers can help you make the best choice for your family.
Pediatrician vs Family Doctor
- Pediatricians are specialists in child health, receiving extensive training specifically focused on the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of children from birth to 21 years old. In contrast, family doctors are trained to treat patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors, offering more generalized care.
- Consider the expertise of the staff in pediatric offices, and their experience in working with kids and their families. While both a pediatrician and a family doctor can provide excellent care, the specialized training of pediatricians often makes them a preferred choice for children.
Additional supportive services
- Check to see if the practice has additional services in-house to address all the needs of your child.
- How do providers collaborate when outside specialists are needed?
Location and Office Hours
- Ensure the pediatrician’s office is easily accessible and that the office hours suit your family’s schedule.
- Find out what care options are available for your child outside of regular office hours.
Insurance
- Verify that the practice accepts your medical insurance, and if there is a staff person available to assist with insurance-related inquiries.
Communication
- Inquire about the process of providers returning phone calls, and how urgent matters are managed outside of regular business hours.
- Understand how you can communicate with your doctor and the office outside of appointments.
The Youth Clinic: Trusted Support for Families in Northern Colorado
For the past 60 years, The Youth Clinic has has been a pillar of support for children and families in Northern Colorado. Our dedicated team is made up of 9 pediatricians and 7 pediatric physician assistants/nurse practitioners, all of whom are highly skilled and passionate about child health. Operating across four convenient locations, we are committed to providing accessible and quality care to our community.
Comprehensive Pediatric Care and Support for Every Stage of Your Child’s Journey
Our pediatricians serve as hospitalists at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital. This connection between the clinic and hospital provides comprehensive support for patients 24/7.
Understanding that parents often have questions and concerns, we offer a nurse triage phone line during business hours. This service is designed to address parental worries and help schedule appointments, making it easier for families to get the assistance they need.
As a comprehensive medical home, The Youth Clinic provides various services, including pediatric care, on-site Pediatric Psychologists, Registered Dietitians, Lactation Consultants, and Occupational Therapists. This multidisciplinary approach supports all aspects of a child’s health and development, offering families essential resources for optimal growth and well-being.
At The Youth Clinic, we believe in nurturing the health of our community’s children, and we are honored to be a part of your family’s journey. Whether you’re visiting us for a routine check-up or need specialized support, our team is here to help every step of the way.
We look forward to collaborating with you in caring for your child. To register as a new patient and schedule an appointment, please call 970-482-2515.