Pediatric Primary Care

From birth through their teenage years, our pediatric team is here for your child — and you. We’ll see them for regular checkups (well visits), give them the vaccines they need and treat them when they get hurt or sick. We can help with general health issues like colds, sore throats, ear infections and acne, to name just a few. We also provide specialized care for everything from allergies and asthma to childhood weight management and diabetes. And when you have questions, we’re here to help. We can talk you through everything from sleep problems, toilet training and nutrition questions to concerns about temper tantrums and ADHD.

We work with you from birth through the time your child is a young adult. This means you’ll meet with many different providers in different specialties. We help guide you so that you see the right people for what your child needs. Some of the providers you might see can include:

Primary care pediatricians

Your pediatrician is the provider your child will see the most — typically from birth or soon after. They’ll start with well-baby care visits and keep seeing your child as they grow and develop into young adults. They’re your go-to person for all the questions that come up throughout childhood. You can count on your pediatrician to be by your side, supporting and guiding you through all the bumps, bruises, breaks and illnesses that your child might have. Your pediatrician will see your child for regular wellness checkups and vaccines. And they’ll check them out when they’re not feeling well — whether it’s physically, emotionally or socially. Your pediatrician can also do sports physicals and other exams when needed. They’re here for all of your child’s general healthcare needs.

Pediatric specialists

Sometimes, your child might need more specialized treatment for complex conditions. At Cleveland Clinic Children’s, we have a network of pediatric services across our system so we can make sure your child receives the most personalized care for their needs. We can connect your child with the specialist they need, including cardiologists, child psychologists, endocrinologists, neurologists, oncologists and more.

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants

Some of our pediatricians work closely with nurse practitioners or physician assistants on their team. Sometimes, you may see one of these providers at your child’s appointments. Your child might see a nurse practitioner or physician assistant as their primary care provider. These providers do physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications and do many other things that your pediatrician does.

Finding the Right Pediatric Provider for Your Child

We recommend that you start looking for a pediatrician during pregnancy so you have one lined up at birth. Or maybe you’re looking to make a switch. That’s OK. Finding the right healthcare provider can take time. And you want to find a pediatrician you can trust — one who will understand your child and your family.

When meeting with providers for the first time, it’s a good idea to have some questions ready. Think of this as a first meeting with a potential friend. You’re trying to get to know each other and see if it’s a comfortable fit. We want you to feel confident with the provider you pick — after all, this is a relationship that’ll last decades into young adulthood.

Pediatric Care Virtual Visits

It’s not always easy to get kids ready, out the door and to an appointment on time. Especially if they aren’t feeling all that great. That’s why we offer pediatric virtual visits. They’re a great way for your child’s provider to check out their symptoms without leaving the house. If you think your child has a headache, a bad cold or even ADHD, it’s the perfect time to try a virtual visit. You can also do virtual visits if you’re traveling. All you need is an internet connection and a smartphone, computer or tablet.

Taking the Next Step

Kids go through a lot of ups and downs as they grow and develop. And, chances are, they’ll also get sick or hurt a few times along the way. Having a pediatrician you trust is an important part of your family’s healthcare. At Cleveland Clinic Children’s, we’re there for you when you need us. From the questions that keep you up at night to the routine vaccines and checkups, our team can guide you to the care your child needs.