How do I see a pediatrician in Houston?

We partner with hundreds of licensed doctors and health care providers across the country to offer top-rated care at affordable prices. Sesame works with doctors, not insurance companies, so you will connect directly with the provider you want to see.

Here’s how to book a pediatric appointment:

• Search “Pediatrician” in Sesame’s search bar
  
• Browse the list of available providers near you
  
• Choose between video and in-person services
  
• Pick a time that works best for your schedule
  
• Book your visit!
  
  

Sesame offers both in-person and online visits. If you book a video appointment, you will receive an email with a link to join the visit. You will also be able to access this link in another reminder email you will receive 30 minutes before the appointment start time and within your account.

Sesame works via a web link. There is no need to download any software to have a telehealth appointment on Sesame. Sesame works on all modern web browsers.

Not sure if your child needs to see a doctor in person? We recommend in-person visits for routine check-ups, chronic condition consultations, and lab testing. In addition, video visits are used to address symptoms, discuss prescriptions, and screen for certain conditions.

Don’t wait to get your child the care they need. Book an in-person or video pediatrician appointment today and save up to 60% on their care.

What does a pediatrician do?

Pediatricians specialize in primary care for children from infancy to adolescence. Most children will have their first pediatrician appointment within 2-5 days after birth. Pediatricians offer diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative medicine to protect a child’s wellness. In addition to treating and preventing diseases and disorders, a pediatrician will monitor a child’s mental and physical development.

As primary care providers, pediatricians perform several medical procedures and practices. These include:

• Performing physical exams and wellness check-ups (well visits)
  
• Giving immunizations (vaccinations) for diseases such as hepatitis B, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), rotavirus, and more
  
• Conducting speech therapy when appropriate
  
• Offering guidance for pain management
  
• Checking for milestones in skills, behavior, and growth
  
• Working with parents to monitor their child’s development
  
• Diagnosing and treating diseases, including illness, infection, and injuries
  
  

All board-certified pediatricians have specialized education in children's health in addition to their medical school training. There are also pediatricians with health care specialties - like pediatric cardiologists, dermatologists, and neurologists. These doctors are qualified to diagnose and treat acute and chronic diseases and can often offer preventative care.

What are pediatric subspecialties?

Some pediatricians elect to undergo additional advanced training to provide specialized care modalities. In many cases, a primary care pediatrician will offer a referral to one of these specialists if they deem it necessary for your child. Specialists will focus on a specific part of health care to provide comprehensive treatment for acute and chronic conditions.

Pediatric specialties include:

• Pediatric urgent care: Pediatric urgent care specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of non-emergency medical issues in children
  
• Neonatology: The care of infants before and after birth
  
• Developmental & behavioral pediatrics: Care of children with developmental and behavioral disorders
  
• Child abuse pediatrics: Care of children who may be victims of abuse or neglect
  
• Pediatric cardiologists: Care for children with heart ailments
  
• Pediatric endocrinologists: Health care for children with hormonal disorders and disorders of the endocrine system, including diabetes
  
• Pediatric gastroenterologists: Care for children with gastrointestinal disorders
  
• Pediatric oncologists: Care for children with cancer
  
• Pediatric orthopedists: Care for children with musculoskeletal problems
  
• Pediatric neurologists: Care for children with neurological disorders
  
• Pediatric nephrologists: Care for children with conditions related to the kidney and urinary tract
  
• Pediatric pulmonologists: Care for children with conditions related to the lungs and respiratory system
  
• Pediatric urologists: Care for children with conditions related to the urinary tract and genitals
  
• Pediatric rheumatologists: Care for children with disorders such as acute arthritis and chronic rheumatoid arthritis
  
  

What is a well visit?

Well visits–also known as well-child visits–are routine check-ups for your child.

These visits help ensure that children remain healthy and allow parents to catch any problems before they become serious. During these appointments, pediatricians will typically check the physical growth of children, discuss immunizations and other vaccinations, and answer any questions or concerns parents may have about their child’s health. They can also provide advice on nutrition and exercise for growing children and guidance on safety issues.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, the largest professional organization of pediatricians, recommends that children receive well-child visits per the following schedule:

• Within the first week after birth (3 to 5 days old)
  
• 2 weeks to 4 weeks after birth
  
• 2 months old
  
• 4 months old
  
• 6 months old
  
• 9 months old
  
• 12 months old
  
• 15 months old
  
• 18 months old
  
• 2 years old (24 months)
  
• 3 years old
  
  

After 3 years of age, the AAP recommends that a child gets a check-up annually (every year).

Here’s what to expect during a well-child visit:

Physical exam: The pediatrician or family medicine physician will perform a full-body physical exam to check for infections and abnormalities. The skin of the child will be visually inspected for jaundice. A stethoscope will be used to check for breathing difficulty and heartbeat regularity. The organs in the abdomen, as well as the genitalia, will be checked for infection or abnormal lumps. The bone structures in the head are lightly examined to ensure that the bones in the skull are forming and joining correctly.

Measurements: During the physical exam, the pediatrician, or family medicine physician, will measure the child's body to track development and growth. For example, a special tape will be used to measure the child's head circumference. These measurements are recorded on a growth chart that tracks the child's growth curve.

Immunizations: At certain times during the child's growth, it will need vaccines to help protect against disease and illness. The CDC and the AAP have released recommended immunization schedules to help parents stay on schedule with vaccinations and disease prevention. Immunizations help boost a child's immune system while protecting against diseases such as tetanus, polio, measles, hepatitis B, mumps, chickenpox, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).

Motor skills and development check: Doctors will check the child's developing motor skills with a few simple tests. This includes checking whether or not a child turns toward sound and if their eyes follow a particular sight. In addition, a doctor may ask about social behaviors (such as imitation of sounds and facial expressions) and skills such as crawling, standing, and reaching.