Doctor Ana

The cornerstone of pediatrics is well child care. It provides us with an opportunity to evaluate your child’s growth and development — from the earliest smiles and words to their concerns about sex and drug use as teens. Patients from birth through age 21 are required to have a complete physical examination to participate in our practice.

New patients will receive record release forms to be sent to your previous doctors so we may receive past records. It is ideal if we receive such records prior to a check-up so we can determine if any further immunizations or laboratory tests should be done.

A complete physical exam at our office includes height, weight, head circumference (for infants), evaluation of vision and hearing (in older children), an estimate of development and any necessary vaccinations. We allow ample time for discussions of issues related to your child’s home, school and peer relationships.

Since most camps and schools require physical exam forms to be current, it is important that physical exams be performed yearly. Such regular exams set the tone for anticipatory guidance and good preventative health care. While recalls for yearly check-ups are sent out periodically, please try to call well in advance for your child’s exam.

We strongly believe in the safety and importance of routine childhood vaccinations. We therefore require that all patients be vaccinated as per the routine childhood vaccination schedule of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Center for Disease Control. Read our vaccine policy.

All children and young adults should receive all of the recommended vaccines according to the schedule published by the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Vaccinating children and young adults may be the single most important health-promoting intervention that we perform as health providers and that you can perform as parents/caregivers. The recommended vaccines and the schedule of their administration are the results of years of scientific study and data gathering on millions of children by thousands of our brightest scientists and physicians.

It is for these reasons that we require all parents to vaccinate their children according to the recommended schedule. We encourage any parent who wants to learn more to visit the following websites with reliable, scientific information to explain all aspects of vaccines – from manufacturing, to how they work to protect children, to data regarding safety and efficacy.

American Academy of Pediatrics – Dedicated to the health of all children. Its website provides reliable and authoritative advice on a variety of child health issues, including immunizations.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: Vaccines – Provides complete, up-to-date and reliable information about vaccines.

Immunize.org – Creates and distributes educational materials about the delivery of safe and effective immunization services.

VaccinateYourBaby.org – Learn why immunizing your child on time, every time is the right choice.