AAP Voices

I picked up an inguinal hernia on a routine exam during a well child check of an 8-year-old boy last week. Not a huge hernia, but he will get it repaired in a few weeks.

The day before the exam, I called his mom to confirm his appointment. We pediatricians are speaking to every patient before they come in now to screen them, reassure them about our safety protocols and answer their questions.

Mom was very reluctant to come into our office and thought about canceling, but after I explained our new safety procedures, she agreed to bring in her son. 

Fortunately for everyone, we were able to pick up his hernia before it became a problem, and he will be fine after his corrective surgery.

All well child care is essential. 

Even during a routine 8-year-old checkup, when no immunizations are generally needed, we pediatricians address developmental issues, screen for trauma and depression, and can find previously undiagnosed physical problems. 

We are working hard every day to change our daily practice and routines to be able to safely and effectively continue preventive well child care while keeping our patients, families and staff safe from COVID-19. 

Now more than ever, it is critical that our patients maintain their medical home, stay up-to-date on their immunizations, and seek medical attention when necessary. 

We pediatricians continue to be here for our patients, and we all look forward to the day when the coronavirus vaccine is added to our well child schedule.

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