If you are expecting, and are not sure how to choose a pediatrician please feel free to interview potential physicians. We offer complimentary appointments before your baby is born to meet our physicians and to answer any questions you may have.
When you arrive at the hospital to deliver, you should inform the hospital staff of the pediatric practice you choose for your child. If you choose our practice, one of our physicians will visit you and your baby within the first 24 hours after delivery and make daily visits until your baby is discharged. At discharge you will be given written discharge instructions and advised when to make your baby’s first appointment at our office.
Physical exams are important for early detection of many medical conditions. Your infant will be seen multiple times before their second birthday, but well care does not stop at age 2. Between the ages of 3 and 18 years your child should have annual physical examinations.
These examinations are more thorough than sick visits. During these visits your child will receive a complete examination measuring temperature, weight, height, blood pressure, respiration, and pulse. Vision and hearing are tested and any ongoing, physical, social, or school issues are discussed in detail.
Because we are comparing these values to what is normal for the child's age group and many of these values can fluctuate when a child is ill, it is important that the physical is scheduled when a child is not suffering from an acute illness such as cold or flu.
Physical appointment slots are extended time slots that are reserved for this purpose because of the time required to complete a physical. When scheduling an appointment please clarify to the receptionist whether your child is ill requiring a sick visit, or needs a complete physical exam.
Some of the important evaluations done during Well Child Care visits are:
For younger children length, weight, and head circumference are measured and plotted on a growth chart for early detection of any abnormalities or growth failures. For older children, in addition to length and weight, we will assess their BMI (body mass index) to assure their weight is appropriate for their height.
In addition to physical growth, your child’s cognitive and language development are assessed and monitored to ensure that development is appropriate for age. Most children grow and develop normally and there is a wide range of what is considered normal. However, when a problem is noted, these frequent exams help the doctor catch a problem early so that we can order proper therapy or intervention. For adolescent children we also screen for mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. Our physicians follow the guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and use recommended screening tools to assure the most up to date care for your child.
Your child’s diet and eating habits will be reviewed to ensure that all nutritional needs are met. We are supportive of parents who chose to follow vegetarian and vegan diets and are proponents of healthy diets that include a variety of foods. We help you handle the “picky eater” and any other feeding issues your child may have.
During these visits your child will receive immunizations that will protect against many common illnesses. Please note that we follow the ACIP and AAP recommended vaccination schedule. Unfortunately, if you chose not to follow these guidelines, we will not be able to continue as your child’s medical provider.
Click here for a link to our vaccination policy.
In addition to screening vision and hearing, we also screen for anemia, lead poisoning, cholesterol levels and other conditions as recommended by the AAP Bright Futures guidelines.
Some minor injuries are treatable at the office. For more severe injuries you will need to go to the emergency room, as our office does not have certain diagnostic/treatment equipment such as X-ray equipment or IV therapies. Please be assured that our physicians have full hospital privileges at Inspira Medical Center Vineland and will be updated on your status in the ER.
In the event your child is admitted for any reason, your child’s care will be assigned to one of the pediatric hospitalists at Inspira Medical Center Vineland. Please rest assured we have an excellent relationship with these physicians and are confident that they will provide the best care possible for your child. Once your child gets discharged from the hospital then you can call the office to schedule an appointment for follow up.
When you call for an appointment our receptionists will ask you a few questions regarding your child's condition. They have been trained to ensure that certain urgent conditions are given priority. We have same day sick appointments available based on the urgency of the condition.
For routine care or follow up appointments, you will be asked which doctor you would prefer to see and if there is a day or time that is better for you.
Our waiting room is divided into sick and well sides. However, we cannot guarantee that parents will sit in the appropriate section. For this reason we take extra steps and try to avoid bringing in contagious conditions at the same time that susceptible newborn or immunocompromised children are scheduled. Please inform the receptionist when scheduling if you suspect your child has chickenpox, or any other unidentifiable rash, or potentially contagious condition.
Due to the current COVID19 pandemic, we are only allowing one guardian with the patient(s) into office to help maintain physical distancing. We are also limiting the use of our waiting room. Please call the office upon your arrival from the parking lot with for directions on when to enter the building.
Our doctors have extensive experience in treating children with behavioral, emotional, or school related issues.
When you call for an appointment please inform the receptionist of the nature of your visit so that we can allow enough time to address all of your concerns.
Life changes affect children harder than adults. Whether a divorce, death of a loved one, or any other disruption, we are here to listen, provide comfort, offer advice or refer your child to a counselor or specialist.
Children respond differently to stresses in their life, some may shut down and appear withdrawn, others act out with behavioral issues, while some appear unaffected. The underlying causes of a child's emotional or psychological condition is not always clear at first glance.
Whether your child has a physical problem that is affecting his or her school work or behavior, or has underlying emotional causes, we can help.
Both Dr. Patel and Dr. Chikani have experience in basic counseling as well as assessment plans for learning and behavior problems. In addition there are a number of programs and services available throughout the community. We can help you find a solution.
