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• Embolization

  Embolization is a procedure in which plugging material or a plugging object is put into a blood vessel to block it. It's used to help treat many conditions.

• Gastrostomy Tube (G-Tube)

  Some kids have medical problems that prevent them from being able to take adequate nutrition by mouth. A gastrostomy tube (also called a G-tube) delivers nutrition directly to the stomach.

• Getting a Blood Test

  Blood tests help doctors check how the body’s organs are working and see if medical treatments are helpful. Here's how they're done.

• Laryngoscopy

  Laryngoscopy, a visual exam of the voicebox and airway, can help discover the causes of voice and breathing problems, throat or ear pain, and other bothersome symptoms.

• Talking to the Pharmacist

  If your child is sick, you'll probably have many questions to ask your doctor. But have you made a list of questions and concerns to share with your pharmacist?

• Telehealth and Your Child

  Telehealth is changing health care. Find out how things like video doctor visits can benefit you and your family.

• Viewing Clinical Notes in Your Child’s Electronic Medical Record

  If you use a patient portal or smartphone app to access your family’s health care information, you'll see that notes from the health care provider are now available.

• What Is Interventional Radiology (IR)?

  Interventional radiology (IR) is a way for doctors to treat problems like vascular anomalies and tumors.

• What to Expect at a Telehealth Visit

  Find out how a video visit works and what you need to do to get ready.

• What’s a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine?

  You might be surprised to learn that not all physicians have the letters MD after their names. Some have the letters DO (doctor of osteopathy).

• When Your Child’s in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

  It can be stressful whenever kids are in the hospital — and even more so when they're admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). A basic understanding of the PICU can help you feel better prepared to help your child recover.

• Your Child’s Diabetes Health Care Team

  When you have a child with diabetes, you and your family have a lot to learn, but you don't have to go it alone. Your child's diabetes health care team can help.

• Blood Transfusions

  A blood transfusion is a safe and relatively simple medical procedure that replaces blood lost during surgery or because of an injury or illness.

• Health Care Providers: Physical Therapists

  Physical therapists are movement experts who help people with prescribed exercises, hands-on care, and patient education.

• Health Care Providers: Physician Assistants (PAs)

  Physician assistants (PA) work together with doctors to give medical care. They do much of the patient care that doctors do.

• Health Care Providers: Plastic Surgeons

  A plastic surgeon is a doctor who does surgery to repair, rebuild, or replace a part of the body to improve how it looks and works. This can involve the skin, musculoskeletal system, craniomaxillofacial (head and face) structures, hand, extremities, breast and trunk, and other areas of the body.

• Health Care Providers: Pulmonologists

  A pulmonologist is a doctor who studies, diagnoses, prevents, and treats lung and airway problems. Many are also trained in critical care medicine.

• Health Care Providers: Radiologists

  A radiologist is a doctor who views, analyzes, and interprets medical images. They consult with the patient’s primary doctor or specialist doctor about their findings.

• Health Care Providers: Registered Dietitians (RDs)

  A registered dietitian works with patients and families to give dietary support, create nutrition plans, talk about healthy lifestyle choices, and manage many conditions.

• Health Care Providers: Rheumatologists

  A rheumatologist is a doctor who treats diseases of joints, muscle, bones, and tendons that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. They also treat autoimmune diseases.

• Health Care Providers: Social Workers

  Social workers are mental health providers. They’re trained to evaluate and address each family’s unique emotional and social needs.

• Health Care Providers: Specialist Overviews

  There are many different types of health care providers. Check out our overview of who they are and what they do.

• Health Care Providers: Speech Therapists

  Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) — also called speech therapists — are licensed professionals who diagnose and treat disorders that affect speech and interfere with communication. Speech therapists can work in schools, hospitals, or specialty clinics.

• Health Care Providers: Urologists

  A urologist, sometimes called a urologic surgeon, is a doctor who studies, diagnoses, and treats problems that affect the urinary tract, kidneys, and genitourinary system.

• How to Shop for Health Insurance

  The government's healthcare marketplace, or exchange, is the new way to shop for health insurance. But just how do you find the best coverage and sign up? Get answers here.

• Intravenous Line (IV)

  An intravenous line (IV) is a soft, flexible tube placed inside a vein, usually in the hand or arm. Doctors use them to give a person medicine or fluids.

• Medical Care and Your 13- to 18-Year-Old

  Regular visits help your teen's doctor keep track of changes in physical, mental, and social development. The doctor can also help your teen understand the importance of choosing a healthy lifestyle.

• Medical Care and Your 2- to 3-Year-Old

  Regular well-child exams are essential to keeping kids healthy and up-to-date with immunizations against dangerous diseases. Here's what to expect at the doctor's office.

• Medical Care and Your 4- to 5-Year-Old

  Regular well-child exams are an important part of keeping kids healthy and up to date on immunizations against serious diseases. Find out what to expect at the doctor's office.

• Medical Care and Your 6- to 12-Year-Old

  Regular well-child exams are essential to keep kids healthy and up-to-date with immunizations. Find out what to expect at the doctor's office.

• Preparing Your Child for Visits to the Doctor

  When kids know they're "going to the doctor," they might wonder about the visit. Here's how to prepare them.

• Health Care Providers: Dermatologists

  A dermatologist is a doctor who helps people take care of their skin, hair, and nails, and diagnoses and treats problems when they do happen.

• Health Care Providers: Endocrinologists

  An endocrinologist is a doctor who studies and treats diseases and conditions that affect growth, development, puberty, and energy levels.

• Health Care Providers: Gastroenterologists

  A gastroenterologist is a doctor who studies, diagnoses, and treats diseases and conditions that affect the stomach and intestines.

• Health Care Providers: Geneticists

  A geneticist is a doctor who specializes in the study of genetics and family traits.

• Health Care Providers: Hematologists

  A hematologist is a doctor who specializes in blood diseases, bleeding disorders, and cancers such as hemophilia, sickle cell disease, leukemia, and lymphoma. They’re trained in hematology and oncology.

• Health Care Providers: Hematologists-Oncologists

  A hematologist-oncologist is a doctor who specializes in blood diseases, bleeding disorders, and cancers such as hemophilia, sickle cell disease, leukemia, and lymphoma. They’re trained in hematology and oncology.

• Health Care Providers: Interventional Radiologists

  An interventional radiologist is a doctor who’s specially trained to analyze and interpret diagnostic images. They also use special tools to guide minimally invasive surgical procedures.

• Health Care Providers: Neonatologists

  A neonatologist is a doctor who cares for newborns who were born prematurely or have complex medical needs.

• Health Care Providers: Nephrologists

  A nephrologist is a doctor who cares for people with diseases and conditions that affect the kidneys.

• Health Care Providers: Neurologists

  A neurologist is a doctor who studies, diagnoses, and treats diseases and conditions that affect the brain.

• Health Care Providers: Neurosurgeons

  A neurosurgeon is a doctor who does procedures to treat and cure diseases and conditions that affect the brain and nervous system.

• Health Care Providers: Nurses

  Nurses provide much of the day-to-day care in hospitals, doing vital jobs like giving medicine and educating patients about self-care. Many kinds of nurses provide varying levels of care.

• Health Care Providers: Obstetricians & Gynecologists

  Obstetrics & gynecology is the branch of medicine that treats conditions and problems related to female reproductive health.

• Health Care Providers: Occupational Therapists

  Occupational therapists (OTs) help patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities. They help them develop, regain, and improve skills needed for daily working and living.

• Health Care Providers: Oncologists

  An oncologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats different types of cancer.

• Health Care Providers: Ophthalmologists

  An ophthalmologist is a doctor who studies, diagnoses, prevents, and treats diseases and conditions that affect the eyes.

• Health Care Providers: Optometrists

  An optometrist is a doctor who examines eyes for problems, prescribes contact lenses and glasses and eye exercises, and diagnoses and treats eye diseases. They provide many of the same services as ophthalmologists, but they don't perform surgery.

• Health Care Providers: Orthopedists

  An orthopedist, or orthopedic surgeon, studies, diagnoses, and treats conditions that affect muscles, joints, and bones, such as infections, sports injuries, broken bones, and joint problems.

• Health Care Providers: Otolaryngologists

  An otolaryngologist, often called an ENT, is a doctor who studies, diagnoses, prevents, and treats diseases and conditions of the ear, nose, and throat.

• Health Care Providers: Pathologists

  A pathologist is a doctor who examines and interprets laboratory samples to find the causes of conditions, diseases, and sometimes deaths.

• Health Care Providers: Pediatricians

  A pediatrician is a doctor who diagnoses and treats children’s health conditions and concerns, including physical, behavior, developmental, and mental health issues.

• Electronic Health Records

  Many health institutions digitally store their patients' health information. Learn about electronic health records (EHRs) and how they can improve health care.

• Getting Health Visits in Your Preferred Language

  Making sure you and your child’s doctor understand each other is key to a helpful health care visit. If English isn’t your first or preferred language, here's how to do that.

• Health Care Providers: Adolescent Medicine Specialists

  An adolescent medicine specialist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats physical and emotional health concerns of kids and teens.

• Health Care Providers: Allergists/Immunologists

  An allergist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats asthma, allergies, or immune system conditions.

• Health Care Providers: Anesthesiologists

  An anesthesiologist is a doctor who oversees the medicine given to patients to prevent pain during medical procedures.

• Health Care Providers: Audiologists

  An audiologist is a health care professional who studies and treats hearing and balance problems.

• Health Care Providers: Behavioral Health Specialists

  Behavioral health is medical care that helps manage emotions and behaviors. The main health care providers who work in behavioral health are psychologists and psychiatrists.

• Health Care Providers: Cardiologists

  A cardiologist is a doctor who a doctor who studies, diagnoses, and treats medical problems that affect the heart and blood vessels.

• Health Care Providers: Cardiothoracic Surgeons

  A cardiac (or cardiothoracic) surgeon is a doctor who does surgery to treat problems that affect the heart and chest.

• Health Care Providers: Child Life Specialists

  Child Life refers to care that helps kids and their families overcome challenging events and cope with stress during medical experiences, especially kids who are hospitalized.

• Health Care Providers: Dentists

  A dentist is a doctor who studies, diagnoses, and treats mouth and teeth conditions, and also helps people maintain good oral care.

• Biobanks

  A biobank is a special lab that stores samples donated by patients. Scientists use them to study what causes a sickness or disease and to find treatments.

• Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis)

  A joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) involves withdrawing (aspirating) a sample of fluid from a joint using a needle and syringe.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Cervical Spine

  A cervical spine MRI can help evaluate various symptoms and also help diagnose tumors, bleeding, swelling, infections, or inflammatory conditions in the vertebrae or surrounding tissues.

• Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Fetal MRI)

  Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (also called a fetal MRI) uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed pictures of an unborn baby.

• When Your Child Outgrows Pediatric Care

  Help your teen or young adult make the transition from pediatric health care to adult health care. Get tips on finding a new doctor and getting health insurance.

• Finding Respite Care

  Finding that perfect person to care for your child can be a challenge. These resources can help.

• Getting Teens Involved in Their Health Care

  Involving teens in their health care can help prepare them for managing it on their own as adults.

• Camps for Kids With Special Needs

  There are many camp choices for kids with special needs. From highly specialized camps to regular camps that accommodate kids with special needs, options abound.

• Caring for Siblings of Kids With Disabilities

  Kids love their siblings. Often, those who have a brother or sister with special needs want to help. Here's how to help them feel loved and secure about their place in the family.

• Getting Support When Your Child Has Special Health Care Needs

  You might have more on your plate than most parents, but it doesn't mean you have to do it all alone. Here's how to ask for help and avoid caregiver burnout.

• Balancing Schoolwork and Hospital Stays

  When your child has a serious or chronic illness, it's hard to think beyond the next treatment. But with some planning, you can help your child balance schoolwork with hospital stays.

• How to Find Affordable Health Care

  Your kids could be eligible for health care coverage right now and you might not know it. Here are some options that may be available to your family.

• School-Based Health Centers

  School-based health centers provide a range of services to meet kids' and teens' health care needs. Centers usually are inside a school building or right next door.

• Financial Planning for Kids With Disabilities

  These steps can help take the anxiety and worry out of your child's financial future and make sure that your child will be taken care of even after you're gone.

• Sports Physicals

  Just as professional sports stars need medical care to keep them playing their best, so do student athletes. That's why it's important to make sure that kids and teens get a sports physical.

• Can Anesthesia Hurt Brain Development?

  Find out what the experts say.

• What Is Informed Consent?

  Informed consent is a legal term that means a person is aware of the facts of a situation (such as a surgical procedure) before agreeing to it.

• Relaxation Techniques for Kids With Serious Illness

  Help ease your child's pain and anxiety with these exercises, complete with step-by-step instructions.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Chickenpox Vaccine

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis Vaccine (DTaP)

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Hepatitis A Vaccine (HepA)

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Hepatitis B Vaccine (HepB)

  Find out when and why your child needs this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Hib Vaccine

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Influenza Vaccine (Flu Shot)

  Find out when and why kids need to get the flu vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Meningococcal Vaccines

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Pneumococcal Vaccines (PCV, PPSV)

  Find out when and why your child needs to get these vaccines.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Polio Vaccine (IPV)

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Rotavirus Vaccine (RV)

  Find out when and why your child needs to get this vaccine.

• The Danger of Antibiotic Overuse

  Taking antibiotics too often or for the wrong reason has led to a dangerous rise in bacteria that no longer respond to medicine. Find out what you can do to prevent antibiotic overuse.

• Reye Syndrome

  Reye syndrome is an extremely rare but serious illness. Cases have dropped greatly since the finding of a link between the illness and aspirin use in kids and teens.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Viral Testing

  People might want to get tested for coronavirus for different reasons. Here is what viral testing involves.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Understanding the COVID-19 Vaccine

  Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus and protect families from serious illness. Watch this video to learn about how the vaccines work.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Kids & Medical Care During the Pandemic

  Kids should see their doctors for well-child visits and other care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's what parents should know.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tests: Which One Is Best?

  Two kinds of tests can see if someone is infected with coronavirus: molecular tests (such as PCR) and antigen tests. Find out how they differ and which might be best for you or your family.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Antibody Testing

  Antibody testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) involves taking a small blood sample to check for antibodies that the body may have made to fight the virus.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Getting Tested

  As coronavirus spreads in communities, parents might wonder if their family should get tested. Here's how health care providers test for it.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Booster Shots

  The immune protection from the COVID-19 vaccine can fade over time. Booster shots are recommended for everyone age 6 months and older. Here's why.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): Questions & Answers About Vaccines

  As COVID-19 vaccines become available, here are some questions many parents have.

• COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Ages 6 Months to 5 Years

  Children 6 months old to 5 years old now can get vaccinated against COVID-19. Here's what parents should know.

• What Should I Do if I Can’t Find Cold & Flu Medicines for My Child?

  Many stores and pharmacies are struggling to keep children’s cold and flu medicines in stock. Here are some ways parents can handle the current shortage.

• Basic Blood Chemistry Tests

  Doctors order basic blood chemistry tests to assess a wide range of conditions and the function of organs.

• Blood Culture

  A blood culture is a test that looks for germs (such as bacteria or fungi) in the blood.

• Blood Test: Complete Blood Count

  The complete blood count (CBC) is the most common blood test. It analyzes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

• Getting a Urine Test

  Testing a urine sample can help doctors find out what's going on when someone has an infection or other problem in kidneys, bladder, or other parts of the urinary tract. Here's how urine tests are done.

• Stool Tests

  Your child's doctor may order a stool collection test to check for blood, bacteria, ova, or parasites. Find out how this test is performed and when you can expect the results.

• Strep Test: Throat Culture

  Is your child having a strep test or a throat culture? Find out how these swab tests are done.

• Urine Tests

  Is your child having a urine culture or urinalysis performed? Find out why urine tests are done and what to expect when a doctor orders one.

• The COVID-19 Vaccine

  Questions about the COVID-19 vaccine? Find answers here!

• What’s a Nurse Practitioner?

  What are nurse practitioners, and how do they differ from medical doctors?

• What Is Gene Therapy?

  Gene therapy carries the promise of cures for many diseases and for types of medical treatment most of us would not have thought possible.

• Biopsies

  Doctors order biopsies to examine tissue or cells when they're concerned about a problem such as an infection, inflammation, or cancer.

• Blood Test: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

  An erythrocyte sedimentation rate test (ESR) detects inflammation that may be caused by infection and some autoimmune diseases.

• Blood Test: Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)

  A partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test is used to evaluate blood's ability to clot. It may be done as part of an evaluation for a bleeding disorder or to monitor the effects of blood-thinning medicine.

• CT (CAT) Scan: Chest

  A chest CT scan uses a special X-ray machine to take pictures of a patient's lungs, heart, blood vessels, airway passages, ribs, and lymph nodes.

• CT (CAT) Scan: Neck

  A neck CT scan uses a special X-ray machine to make images of the soft tissues and organs of the neck, including the muscles, throat, tonsils, adenoids, airways, thyroid, and other glands.

• CT (CAT) Scans

  A CT scan, also called a CAT scan, is a type of imaging test. It uses computers and a rotating X-ray machine to take cross-sectional pictures of the body.

• Getting an Ultrasound

  An ultrasound scan is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create live images from the inside the body. Here's what to know if your child is getting this test.

• Central Lines (Central Venous Catheters)

  A central line, or central venous catheter, is much longer than a regular IV. Doctors use them to give medicine, fluids, blood, or nutrition to patients.

• Implanted Ports

  An implanted port is a type of central line that goes up to a vein near the heart or just inside the heart. A child can get medicine, fluids, blood, or nutrition through one.

• Tunneled Central Lines

  These surgically placed tubes let kids get blood drawn and receive intravenous (IV) medicines and fluids without repeated needle sticks.

• Anesthesia – What to Expect

  Here's a quick look at what may happen before, during, and after your child gets anesthesia.

• Helping Kids Get Ready for Surgery

  Kids who will be having surgery may feel stressed about it. Here's how parents can help them.

• Medicines: Using Them Safely

  Giving kids medicine safely can be complicated. Here's how you can help treat your child's illness while you prevent dangerous reactions.

• Do My Kids Need Vaccines Before Traveling?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Wound Healing and Care

  How well a wound heals depends on where it is on the body and what caused it. Good home care is an important part of healing.

• What Is a Medical Record?

  A medical record is a history of someone’s health. Most hospitals and doctor’s offices use electronic health records.

• Surgery for Tear Duct Blockage

  Blocked tear ducts are a fairly common problem in infants. Sometimes surgery is done to treat them.

• Is My Child Too Sick to Go to School?

  It can be hard to know if kids are well enough to go to school or childcare. Here are some guidelines.

• When and Where to Get Medical Care

  Should you head to the ER when your child is hurt or ill? What about an urgent care center? Different problems need different levels of care, and you have many options.

• Occupational Therapy

  Occupational therapy can help improve kids' cognitive, physical, and motor skills and build their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.

• Physical Therapy

  Doctors often recommend physical therapy for kids who have been injured or have movement problems from an illness, disease, or disability. Learn more about PT.

• Going to the Emergency Room

  Knowing what to expect when you need to take your child to the emergency room can help make it a little less stressful.

• What’s a Laryngoscopy? (Video)

  Laryngoscopy is when a doctor uses a special camera to look down the throat to see the voice box (larynx) and vocal cords.

• Preventing Infections When Your Child Has Surgery (Video)

  Learn how to prevent surgical site infections both before and after your child's surgery.

• Getting an ECG (EKG or Electroencephalogram) (Video)

  An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) measures the heart's electrical activity. This can help doctors tell how the heart is working and identify any problems.

• Does My Child Need an Antibiotic? (Video)

  Antibiotics are powerful medicines that can help kids feel better -- but only when they have certain illnesses. Find out if an antibiotic is right for your child.

• What’s a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?

  PCPs are health care providers that offer routine checkups, vaccines, and non-emergency medical care. Learn more about PCPs and how to choose a great one.

• Can Kids Get a COVID-19 Vaccine Along With the Flu Vaccine?

  It's safe for kids to get a COVID-19 vaccine along with any other routine vaccine, including the flu vaccine.

• Vaccines & Antibiotics: A Safe Combo?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• How to Safely Give Acetaminophen

  What kind? How much? How often? Find out how to give this pain and fever medicine.

• Your Child’s Immunizations

  Immunizations protect kids from many dangerous diseases. Find out what vaccines your child needs to grow up healthy.

• Your Child’s Checkup: Newborn

  Find out what this doctor's checkup will involve after your baby arrives.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 1 Month

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the first month.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 2 Months

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your baby might be doing by the second month.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 3 to 5 Days

  Find out what this doctor's checkup will involve a few days after your baby is born.