Pediatrics - Dignity Health Medical Group - Aptos, CA

Pediatric care supports the health of babies, children and teens. It includes checkups, well-child visits, sick visits, screenings and care for chronic or complex conditions. Pediatric specialists focus on areas including growth, development, emotional well-being and family guidance.

You’ll find a wide range of pediatric services at Pediatrics – Dignity Health Medical Group in Capitola, including:

• Back-to-school physicals – An annual back-to-school physical is an opportunity to assess a child's health and discuss any health concerns.

• Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses – This includes ear infections, colds, bronchitis, flu, sinus infections, skin infections, stomach bugs and strep throat.

• Hearing screenings – Routine hearing tests can detect hearing concerns as a child grows.

• Immunizations – Patients can receive hepatitis vaccines and flu shots.

• Nutritional counseling – We provide nutritional counseling based on factors such as age, eating habits, food allergies or intolerances and activity level.

• Outpatient surgery recovery –  We offer follow-up care and management for children recovering from outpatient surgical procedures.

• Pediatric behavioral health resources – We offer counseling and other professional resources to care for a child's well-being.

• Treatment of skin conditions – This includes acne, eczema and hives.

Yes, we offer same-day in-person and virtual appointments because we understand that life with kids can be unpredictable. You can connect virtually with our team from anywhere, which offers a trusted way to get support from the comfort of your home or mobile device. Call our clinic to schedule your child's visit today.

We recommend that you take your child for a visit to the pediatrician three to five days after birth, but this may differ based on your child’s needs. Your baby’s first pediatric appointment focuses on their weight, feeding, sleep and overall health. Your pediatrician will examine your baby, review the birth history, answer questions and offer support for your early days at home. This visit should be a comforting space to learn what your baby needs and how to care for them.

The pediatrician checks your child’s growth, reviews their development and listens to any concerns you may have. They may check your child’s vital signs, perform a gentle physical exam, answer questions and offer guidance on sleep, nutrition, behavior or emotional health. Vaccines or screenings may also be part of the visit, based on your child’s age.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends children have seven regular checkups between ages 1 and 4. The first visit occurs a few days after birth, followed by visits at 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and so on. This schedule supports growth, feeding, sleep and development.

We keep your baby safe through checkups, immunizations and specialized care when needed. We follow the American Academy of Pediatrics’ well-child visit schedule. We will guide you through each step and milestone. Speak with your pediatrician to understand the optimal schedule of visits.

The cost of a pediatric well visit depends on your insurance coverage and what happens during the visit. Many plans cover well-child visits at no extra cost. If you’re unsure, your insurance provider can explain what your plan includes so you know what to expect.

Yes, a pediatrician can refer you to a specialist if your child needs more complex care for their health condition. For example, major anomalies present at birth and chronic illnesses in infants and children should be managed by pediatric subspecialists with the assistance of your child’s pediatrician. You can always schedule an appointment with your pediatrician first to understand whether your child may need to see a specialist.

If your child needs same-day and after-hours treatment of non-emergency medical conditions and you’re unable to schedule an appointment at our facility, you can visit our urgent care center. Our urgent care specialists treat conditions such as flu, colds, cuts and fractures. The center is open seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Getting off to a great start with breastfeeding is important for you and your baby. Sometimes, this means getting answers to your questions and learning tips for breastfeeding and using a breast pump, if needed. Our board-certified lactation consultant is here to help with common concerns like:

• Soreness or pain

• Worries about milk supply

• Understanding when to introduce solid foods

At Dignity Health Medical Group in Aptos, we know that every mom and baby are unique. We offer personalized support because what works for one family might not be the right fit for yours.