Is Pediatrics the Same as Primary Care?

Not sure if you should choose a primary care physician or pediatrician for your child's healthcare needs? Luckily, your Casa Grande, AZ, pediatricians, Dr. Bayo Atolagbe, and Dr. George Onyia of Starlight Pediatrics Primary & Urgent Care offer pediatric primary care services.

What's the difference between primary care physicians and pediatricians?

Primary care doctors treat patients of all ages while pediatricians only treat children. After graduating from medical school, pediatricians participate in a three-year pediatric residency program that considers the unique healthcare needs of children and adolescents.

During their training, they focus on conditions and diseases that affect babies, toddlers, children, and teenagers. Children aren't just miniature adults. Conditions and diseases may affect them differently than adults and require different treatment approaches.

Pediatricians also study child development, growth, and mental health issues. They can recommend treatments or make referrals to specialists if needed, depending on your child's issues.

Advantages of pediatric primary care

Visiting the pediatric primary care office in Casa Grande, AZ, offers these benefits:

  • Friendly, compassionate doctors and staff
  • Up-to-date treatments for illnesses and injuries
  • Management of chronic conditions, including asthma, allergies, and diabetes
  • Immunizations to prevent many diseases and illnesses, like measles, mumps, polio, whooping cough, meningitis, and hepatitis
  • Waiting and exam rooms designed with children in mind
  • Age-appropriate discussions about your child's symptoms and treatments
  • School and sports physicals
  • Urgent care services that don't require an appointment

Pediatricians understand that children may feel a little apprehensive about visits to the doctor and strive to make appointments as pleasant and stress-free as possible. Over the years, they develop strong relationships with both children and parents. Whether you're concerned about your baby's fever, your child's growth problem, or your teen's anxiety, your pediatrician can offer helpful treatments and strategies.

Your primary care pediatrician works in partnership with you to help protect your child's health. Visits are the perfect time to share your concerns or ask for suggestions that will improve your child's health issues.

Protect your child's health with a visit to the Casa Grande, AZ, pediatric primary care office of Dr. Atolagbe and Dr. Onyia. Call (520) 510-0087 to schedule an appointment at Starlight Pediatrics Primary & Urgent Care.

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