Doctors & Hospitals

Articles In This Section

• Frequently Asked Questions About Immunizations

  Immunizations have protected millions of children from potentially deadly diseases. Learn about immunizations and find out exactly what they do - and what they don't.

• 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.

• Finding Respite Care for Your Child With Special Needs

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

• Teaching Your Child How to Swallow Pills

  Swallowing a pill is something that many of us take for granted. But just like any skill, learning to swallow a pill takes practice.

• The Medical Home

  A medical home is a new term in health care. But what does it mean? Find out what a medical home is and why your child needs one.

• 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.

• 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.

• How to Safely Give Ibuprofen

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

• How to Safely Give Acetaminophen

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

• Vaccines & Antibiotics: A Safe Combo?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 21 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 21.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 20 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 20.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 19 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 19.

• Prenatal Tests: Third Trimester

  Find out what tests may be offered to you during weeks 27 through 40 of pregnancy.

• Prenatal Tests: Second Trimester

  Find out what tests may be offered to you during weeks 13 through 26 of pregnancy.

• How Can Obamacare Help Kids?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 18 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 18.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 17 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 17.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 16 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 16.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 15 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 15.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 14 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your son or daughter is 14.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 13 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your teen is 13.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 12 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your child is 12.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 11 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve when your child is 11.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 10 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the tenth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 9 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the ninth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 8 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the eighth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 7 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the seventh year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 6 Years

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by the sixth year.

• Your Child’s Checkup: 2.5 Years (30 Months)

  Find out what this doctor's visit will involve and what your child might be doing by two and a half years.

• 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.

• Prenatal Tests: First Trimester

  Find out what tests may be offered to you during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

• Do My Kids Need Vaccines Before Traveling?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Tracheostomy: Parents Talk (Video)

  Here, three parents share their tips and experiences on raising a child with a tracheostomy.

• G-Tube: Parents Talk (Video)

  In this video, parents discuss caring for a child with a gastrostomy tube (G-tube).

• How Can I Comfort My Baby During Shots?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

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

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

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Rotavirus Vaccine

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

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

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

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Meningococcal Vaccine

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

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Chickenpox Vaccine

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

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

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

• Your Child’s Immunizations: Influenza Vaccine

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Find out when and why your child needs this vaccine.

• Support for Parents of Kids With Special 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.

• Cardiac Catheterization

  This minimally invasive procedure helps doctors perform diagnostic tests on the heart and even treat some heart conditions.

• Financial Planning for Kids With Special Needs

  These 10 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.

• The NICU: Parents Talk (Video)

  Hear from parents whose babies were in the NICU, and learn how they managed their lives during this stressful time.

• When Your Child Needs a Liver Transplant

  If your child needs a liver transplant, you're probably feeling lots of emotions. Fortunately, many kids who undergo liver transplants go on to live normal, healthy lives.

• How to Find Affordable Health Care

  Finding coverage for your kids may be difficult, but it's not impossible. Many kids are eligible for government or community programs, even if their parents work. Learn what resources are available to your family.

• 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.

• 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 get a sports physical.

• Palliative Care

  The goal of palliative medical care is to prevent and relieve pain and suffering while also easing stress, anxiety, and the fear associated with serious illness.

• End-of-Life Care for Children With Terminal Illness

  End-of-life medical care focuses on preventing and relieving pain and suffering, and easing the fear and anxiety associated with serious illness.

• Is My Child Too Sick to Go to School?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Taking Care of You: Support for Caregivers

  It's common to put your own needs last when caring for a child you love. But to be the best you can be, you need to take care of yourself, too. Here are some tips to help you recharge.

• Is a Clinical Trial Right for Your Child?

  Deciding to enroll your child in a clinical study will depend on its potential benefits and risks, as well as your child's particular illness. Learn more.

• When Your Child Needs a Cast

  Casts keep bones in place while they heal. Depending on the severity of the injury, a cast can be worn for a few weeks to a few months.

• 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.

• Stem Cell Transplants

  Stem cells help rebuild a weakened immune system. Stem cell transplants are effective treatments for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.

• 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.

• 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) is a tube inserted through the abdomen that delivers nutrition directly to the stomach.

• Laryngoscopy

  Laryngoscopy, a visual examination below the back of the throat, can help discover the causes of voice and breathing problems, throat or ear pain, and other bothersome symptoms.

• Retinopathy of Prematurity

  Retinopathy of prematurity, which mostly occurs in premature babies, is a disease that causes abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. Sometimes surgery is needed to prevent vision loss or blindness.

• What Is Informed Consent?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• What Is “Minimally Invasive” Surgery?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• What Is Elective Surgery?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Appendectomy

  It's important to understand the ins and outs of an appendectomy so you know what to expect if your child undergoes this procedure.

• When Your Child Needs a Heart Transplant

  If your child needs a heart transplant, you're probably feeling lots of emotions. Fortunately, many kids who undergo heart transplants go on to live normal, healthy lives.

• Urine Test: 24-Hour Analysis for Kidney Stones

  This test can show if certain substances are found at high concentrations in the urine, and might be causing kidney stones.

• X-Ray Exam: Pelvis

  A pelvis X-ray can help find the cause pain, swelling, or deformity in the pelvic, hip, or upper leg regions, and can detect broken bones.

• Ultrasound: Bladder

  Doctors order bladder ultrasounds when there's a concern about bladder problems, such as difficulty urinating or daytime wetting.

• Ultrasound: Scrotum

  Doctors order a scrotal ultrasound when they're concerned about symptoms such as scrotal pain or swelling.

• Ultrasound: Pelvis

  A pelvic ultrasound can detect tumors or cysts and help diagnose pelvic pain, some urinary problems, or abnormal menstrual bleeding.

• Wound Drainage Culture

  Doctors order wound drainage cultures when they suspect wounds are infected.

• Urine Test: Microscopic Urinalysis

  A microscopic urinalysis can help detect a urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney problems, diabetes, or a urinary tract injury.

• X-Ray Exam: Cervical Spine

  This X-ray can, among other things, help find the cause of neck, shoulder, upper back, or arm pain. It's commonly done after someone has been in an automobile or other accident.

• Stool Test: Ova and Parasites (O&P)

  This exam may be done if your child has diarrhea for an extended period, blood or mucus in the stool, abdominal pain, nausea, headaches, or fever.

• Stool Test: Giardia Antigen

  This test may be done if a child has watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, large amounts of intestinal gas, appetite loss, and nausea or vomiting.

• Stool Test: C. Difficile Toxin

  A doctor may request a C. difficile toxin stool test if your child has taken antibiotics in the past month or so and has had diarrhea for several days.

• Urine Test: Automated Dipstick Urinalysis

  Automated dipstick urinalysis results may point to a urinary tract infection (UTI) or injury, kidney disease, or diabetes.

• Blood Test: Uric Acid

  Doctors may order this test if they suspect high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. Some kids with leukemia or other types of cancer can have high levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia).

• Blood Test: T3 Resin Uptake (T3RU)

  Doctors may order the T3 resin uptake when a child's symptoms or previous blood tests seem to suggest thyroid dysfunction.

• Blood Test: Prothrombin Time (PT)

  Doctors may order a PT test to evaluate a bleeding disorder, monitor the clotting ability of people with liver disease or vitamin K deficiency, or monitor the effects of blood-thinning medication.

• Ultrasound: Infant Hip

  Doctors order a hip ultrasound when they suspect a problem called developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

• Ultrasound: Abdomen

  Doctors order abdominal ultrasounds when they're concerned about symptoms such as abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, abnormal liver or kidney function tests, or a swollen belly.

• Ultrasound: Head

  Doctors order head ultrasounds when there's a concern about neurological problems in an infant.

• Spirometry: Pre and Post Beta-Agonist

  This test measures the effectiveness of beta-agonist medications and gauges how well the lungs are working with and without the medication.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Lumbar Spine

  A lumbar spine MRI is a painless test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the bones, disks, and other structures in the lower back.

• Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis)

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

• Urine Test: Creatinine

  Low levels of creatinine in the urine may point to a kidney disease, certain muscular and neuromuscular disorders, or an obstruction of the urinary tract.

• Urine Test: Calcium

  A urine calcium test can help monitor or determine the cause of kidney stones and other kidney diseases, or detect overactivity or underactivity in the parathyroid glands.

• Urine Test: Routine Culture

  A urine culture is used to diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) and determine what kinds of germs are causing it.

• Urine Test: Protein

  The urine protein test is most commonly used to screen for kidney disease and also can help monitor kidney function.

• X-Ray Exam: Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG)

  A VCUG can help evaluate the bladder's size and shape, and look for abnormalities, such as a blockage. It can also show whether urine is moving in the right direction.

• 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.

• Balancing Academics and Serious Illness

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

• Aspiration and Biopsy: Bone Marrow

  A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are performed to examine bone marrow, the spongy liquid part of the bone where blood cells are made.

• Biopsy

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

• Blood Test: Hemoglobin Electrophoresis

  A hemoglobin electrophoresis can help diagnose diseases involving abnormal hemoglobin production, and often is performed as part of newborn screening tests.

• Blood Test: Gliadin Antibodies

  The gliadin antibody test is used to help diagnose celiac disease or monitor its treatment.

• Blood Test: Ferritin (Iron)

  Doctors may order a ferritin test when they suspect kids have too little or too much iron in their bodies.

• Blood Test: Amylase

  An amylase test may be ordered if a doctor suspects inflammation of the pancreas, gallstones, or other pancreatic problems. The test may also be used to help monitor cystic fibrosis.

• Urine Test: Microalbumin-to-Creatinine Ratio

  The microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio test is most commonly used to screen for kidney problems in teens with diabetes. It may also be used to monitor kidney function in kids and teens who have a kidney disease.

• Blood Test: 17-Hydroxyprogesterone

  The 17-hydroxyprogesterone test is mainly used to check for the most common form of the genetic disorder congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in infants and children.

• Blood Test: Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies

  The thyroid peroxidase antibodies test is primarily used to help diagnose and monitor autoimmune conditions involving the thyroid gland, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves disease.

• Blood Test: C-Peptide

  A C-peptide test can help doctors tell the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It also can help find the cause of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

• Blood Test: Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate (DHEA-S)

  Doctors may order a DHEA-S test if boys or girls show signs of sexual development earlier than expected. It can rule out certain diseases of the testes or ovaries, or help diagnose damage or disease of the pituitary gland.

• Giving Teens a Voice in Health Care Decisions

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

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Brain

  A brain MRI, a safe and painless test that produces detailed images of the brain and the brain stem, can help detect cysts, tumors, bleeding, and other problems.

• Blood Test: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

  Doctors may order TSH blood tests to diagnose and monitor treatment of a thyroid disorder or evaluate pituitary gland functioning.

• CAT Scan: Neck

  A neck CAT scan can detect signs of disease in the throat and surrounding areas. Doctors may order one to detect abscesses, birth defects, cysts, or tumors.

• Blood Test: Insulin

  This test is often used to evaluate the cause of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or any other conditions related to abnormal insulin production.

• Blood Test: Prolactin

  A prolactin test can help diagnose prolactinoma, a usually benign tumor of the pituitary gland, irregular menstrual periods, thyroid or adrenal gland dysfunction, and other problems.

• Blood Test: Lipase

  A lipase test may be done if a doctor suspects pancreatic dysfunction, gallstones, or a blockage of the pancreatic duct; or to help monitor patients with cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.

• Blood Test: Valproic Acid

  Doctors may order a blood test for valproic acid, an anticonvulsant drug prescribed mainly to prevent seizures, to monitor how well the liver is processing the medication.

• Strep Test: Rapid

  A rapid strep test is done to help quickly determine whether a sore throat is caused by a strep infection vs. other germs (usually viruses) that don't require antibiotic treatment.

• CAT Scan: Head

  A head CAT scan is a painless test that uses a special X-ray machine to take pictures of a patient's brain, skull, and sinuses, as well as blood vessels in the head. It might be done to check for any number of conditions.

• 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 medication.

• Blood Test: Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)

  Lactate dehydrogenase (also called lactic acid dehydrogenase, or LDH) is an enzyme found in almost all body tissues. The LDH test is generally used to screen for tissue damage.

• Stool Test: H. Pylori Antigen

  A doctor may request an H. pylori antigen stool test if your child has symptoms that indicate a peptic ulcer, such as indigestion, abdominal pain, a full or bloated feeling, nausea, frequent belching, or vomiting.

• Blood Test: Tissue Transglutaminase IgA, IgG

  The tissue transglutaminase IgA, IgG test is usually done to help doctors diagnose celiac disease.

• Blood Test: von Willebrand Factor (vWF) Antigen

  Doctors order the vWF antigen test to help diagnose or monitor the treatment of von Willebrand disease.

• Blood Test: von Willebrand Factor (vWF) Activity – Ristocetin Cofactor

  A von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity - ristocetin cofactor test lets doctors evaluate the functioning of a protein that helps blood to clot.

• Blood Test: Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT)

  Testing for GGT helps doctors evaluate diseases of the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. It also can be used to check for liver damage related to ingestion of toxic substances or alcohol abuse.

• Stool Test: Bacteria Culture

  A stool culture helps doctors determine if there's a bacterial infection in the intestines.

• Blood Test: Factor VIII Activity

  A factor VIII activity blood test enables doctors to evaluate the functioning of a protein that helps blood to clot.

• X-Ray Exam: Upper Gastrointestinal Tract (Upper GI)

  An upper GI X-ray can help find the cause of swallowing difficulties, unexplained vomiting, abdominal discomfort, severe indigestion, ulcers, reflux, hiatal hernia, or blockages.

• X-Ray Exam: Leg Length

  Some kids may have significant differences in the length of their legs, a condition known as leg length discrepancy. This X-ray exam can help doctors determine the exact difference in leg length so they can decide on a treatment.

• X-Ray Exam: Bone Age Study

  A bone age study can help evaluate how a child's skeleton is maturing, which can help doctors diagnose conditions that delay or accelerate growth.

• X-Ray Exam: Forearm

  A forearm X-ray can help find the causes of pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity. It can detect broken bones, and after a broken bone has been set, help determine whether it has healed properly.

• Blood Test: IGF Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP-3)

  The main reason doctors order the IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) test is to see if a person is producing a normal amount of human growth hormone.

• Blood Test: Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb)

  The thyroglobulin antibodies test is used to help diagnose autoimmune conditions involving the thyroid gland, or when thyroid disorders are suspected.

• Blood Test: Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

  The immunoglobulin E (IgE) test is often performed as part of an initial screen for allergies. High IgE levels also may indicate a parasitic infection.

• X-Ray Exam: Scoliosis

  Kids with scoliosis have a spine that curves, like an S or a C. If scoliosis is suspected, a doctor may order X-rays to measure the curvature of the spine.

• X-Ray Exam: Knee

  A knee X-ray can help find the causes of pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the knee, and detect broken bones or a dislocated joint.

• Blood Test: Glucose

  The blood glucose test, which measures the amount of sugar in the blood, may be done as part of a routine physical, to help diagnose type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or during pregnancy to check for gestational diabetes.

• Blood Test: Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE)

  This test is done to check for allergies to specific allergens. It's especially useful in kids who've had life-threatening reactions to a certain allergen and for whom a skin-prick test would be too dangerous.

• X-Ray Exam: Lower Leg (Tibia and Fibula)

  An X-ray of the tibia and fibula can help find the cause of pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the lower leg. It can detect broken bones, and after a broken bone has been set, help determine if it has healed properly.

• Blood Test: Immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM)

  Evaluated together, immunoglobulins (antibodies in the blood) can give doctors important information about immune system functioning, especially relating to infection or autoimmune disease.

• Blood Test: Immunoglobulin A (IgA)

  Checking IgA levels can help doctors diagnose problems with the immune system, intestines, and kidneys. It's also used to evaluate autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and celiac disease.

• X-Ray Exam: Neck

  A neck X-ray can help diagnose many conditions, including stridor, croup, hoarseness due to swelling in or near the airways, and problems with tonsils and adenoids.

• X-Ray Exam: Hip

  A hip X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as limping, pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity in the hip area. It can detect broken bones or a dislocated joint.

• X-Ray Exam: Humerus (Upper Arm)

  A humerus X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the upper arm. It can detect a broken bone, and after the bone has been set, help determine whether it has healed properly.

• X-Ray Exam: Abdomen

  An abdominal X-ray can help find the cause of many abdominal problems, such as pain, kidney stones, intestinal blockage, a hole in the intestine, or an abdominal mass such as a tumor.

• Blood Test: T4 (Thyroxine)

  Doctors may order the T4 blood test if symptoms suggest any kind of thyroid disorder.