Find top-rated pediatricians in Plano, TX

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, a pediatrician will monitor 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
  
  

Why should my child see a pediatrician?

As a form of primary care, pediatrics serve as the initial contact for patients in the health care system. It is common for parents to take their children to a pediatrician before seeing a specialist. These medical providers also offer comprehensive care that will track the overall wellness of a child and prevent possible medical issues from occurring.

Some of the most common reasons to see a pediatrician include:

Well visits: Well visits–also known as well-child visits–are routine checkups that monitor a child's development and assess the child’s overall well-being. Well-child visits are crucial in preventive health care, measuring a child's growth, tracking developmental progress, and receiving medical advice that assists with the child's wellness.

Immunizations: Often performed during an annual well visit, immunizations protect a child from various diseases. At about 1-2 months, a child should start a vaccination schedule to immunize them against polio, hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, pneumococcal, rotavirus, and more. For more information about a child’s vaccination schedule, refer to the CDC’s guidelines.

Developmental concerns: Pediatricians track a child’s growth and development. This includes physical, mental, and behavioral development. A pediatric doctor will work with parents to understand what developmental milestones to look for as the child grows up and what to do if those milestones aren’t being hit.

Nutritional guidance/ preventative medicine: Pediatric obesity is an epidemic in the United States. The CDC estimates that 19.7% of children in the US have obesity. The Obesity Action Coalition estimates that figure at 30% of children. A pediatrician will work with parents to help ensure a child establishes healthy eating and activity habits. This medical advice can help prevent complications like diabetes.

Common conditions treated by pediatricians include:

• The common cold/ flu
  
• Sore throat/ strep throat
  
• Stomach flu (gastroenteritis)
  
• Bronchitis
  
• Ear infections
  
• Skin infections (like impetigo)
  
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  
• Sinus infections
  
• Bladder infections (UTIs)
  
• Chickenpox
  
  

In addition to treating acute illnesses like those listed above, pediatricians play a key role in managing chronic conditions in children.

Chronic conditions commonly seen in children include:

• Diabetes
  
• Asthma
  
• Cystic fibrosis
  
• Epilepsy
  
• Obesity
  
  

Pediatricians will also track and manage a child’s development throughout their youth. In infancy, this means tracking specific measurables like weight and skeletal structure.

As the child gets older, this also means diagnosing and treating developmental disorders like:

• ADHD
  
• Cerebral palsy
  
• Autism
  
• Dyslexia/ dysgraphia/ dyscalculia
  
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
  
• Aphasia (an inability to understand or express speech)
  
  

How do I see a pediatrician in Plano, Texas?

We partner with hundreds of licensed doctors and health care providers nationwide 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 specific conditions.