Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/329829
Medical Profile • 9 "By having a consistent medical home, developmental issues may be identifi ed earlier and treated earlier," says Dr. Melissa Michels of the Aurora offi ce. "If they go undetected, they can affect many aspects of a child's life, including school and social and emotional development." A consistent medical home is essential when it comes to diagnosing and treating both acute and chronic illness. APA's electronic medical records make each child's complete medical history readily available, allowing providers to quickly review symptom history and past treatment effectiveness, as well as track emerging problems such as childhood obesity or behavioral health issues. The most common behavioral health concern among school age children is ADHD. APA maintains a special ADHD clinical committee to review the latest developments in evaluation and treatment, ensuring the best training possible for their providers. According to Michels, partnership is key to successful diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. "Regular follow up with parents and teachers allows us to monitor a child's progress very closely and make medication adjustments when necessary," Michels says. For families, having a medical home for their children can really pay off in the teen years. "My goal as a pediatrician is to help adolescents navigate the transition to adulthood by caring for both their physical and emotional health," Payne says. Having a long-term relationship with a pediatrician whom they have known since they were little to look up to and ask for advice helps teens feel more comfortable talking about tough issues, sometimes talking to their doctor even before talking to their parents. APA providers use a confi dential screening survey (RAAPS) to help identify struggles teens are having, including depression, stress, suicidal thoughts, social problems, peer pressures and substance abuse. "Common behavioral concerns among teenagers include depression and anxiety," Payne says. "I remind teens that emotional health concerns are nothing to be embarrassed about and that I am here to help them." Any teen concern is on the table with APA physicians, from puberty and sex, to sports and auto injuries (the leading cause of death in teens). "At well-care visits, I remind teens to wear their seatbelt every time they are in a car, to never text while driving, and to never get in the car if the driver has been drinking alcohol or using any other type of drug, such as marijuana." Having a consistent medical home in today's changing health- care environment has become critical for receiving quality care. At Advanced Pediatric Associates, families have access to a wealth of services and the comfort of knowing that the pediatric provider coordinating their child's healthcare is a caring expert. "We know that children are not just 'little adults' and have their own special needs," Carvajal says. "Having a pediatric medical home can provide consistency and support for all of the changes kids experience as they grow." When asked about the main benefi t of having a long-term pediatric medical home, Dr. Carvajal responds, "Trust, trust, and more trust… By forming a strong relationship with patients and their parents during the childhood years, we establish a level of comfort and trust to help us guide them through even the toughest challenges." Whether that be a life-threatening illness, a developmental issue, or just the struggles of adolescence, APA's goal is to help parents give their children the best opportunity for a happy and healthy life. TEENAGE YEARS A PLACE TO GROW Find Us on Facebook! 1300 S. Potomac St., Suite # 156 80012 5657 S. Himalaya St., Suite # 100 80015 9397 Crown Crest Blvd., Suite # 330 80138 2373 Central Park Blvd., Suite #202 80238 AURORA CENTENNIAL PARKER STAPLETON New Of fi ce! My teen plays high school sports. Why should she have a well-care exam with her pediatrician instead of a sport's physical at a retail or urgent care clinic? A well-care exam is more comprehensive than a sport's physical. We make sure teens are up-to-date on vaccines, review their medical history for prior concussions or injuries, and examine for any orthopedic issues. As a teen's pediatrician, I am a respected "other" adult that she can confi de in. Sometimes teens want me to be with them to discuss tough issues with their parents. I can be a sounding board to help them make good choices about alcohol, drugs and sexuality. I talk with teens about body image, social concerns such as "fi tting in," and dealing with the demands of school and getting into college. As a teen's primary care pediatrician, I was here before she played sports. I will be there for any injuries or problems she may experience while playing sports. And I will be there for her physical and emotional health on and off the fi eld. I don't think a retail or urgent care clinic can do that. ~ DR. NANCY MCDERMOTT — APA PARKER Medical Profile • 7