Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/542735
Medical Profile • 9 Guiding parents through the first year and beyond by providing a trusted medical home is a top priority at APA, where patient families often span generations. "There is something special about forging a continuing relationship with a family over the long term," says Dr. Gilmartin. "Quality medical care is not just about health crises and medical procedures. It is about establishing a framework for health and vitality within which a child can thrive." Dr. Clancy agrees, adding: "Having a baby is exciting and intimidating at the same time. New parents face many trying and wonderful times ahead. And we will be with them every step of the way." Few things are harder on new parents than seeing their baby sick or in distress. The staff at APA understands that illness and injury can happen any time of the day or night. APA's Patient Care Line makes scheduling same-day and Saturday appointments very convenient for parents with sick children. APA's registered nurses are available to answer questions regarding breastfeeding, newborn care, or illness symptoms during regular business hours, and an Advanced Pediatrics' on-call physician works in conjunction with registered nurses from Children's Hospital Colorado to handle any urgent concerns whenever the offices are closed. "We provide caring, experienced, and highly trained registered nurses to speak with parents," says Dr. Bird Gilmartin of the Aurora office. "They are an integral part of our care team, have access to our patients' medical records, and can always reach our providers as needed." This access to nurse advice is important because illnesses are common in baby's first year and can be serious. "Once the need for emergent care is ruled out, our nurses provide guidance in caring for baby," says APA Registered Nurse Audra Bailey. "Having a new baby in the house is not easy. Everyone's world can be turned upside down," she says, adding that common new parent worries include colic and breastfeeding issues. "Parents can feel helpless if they are struggling with breastfeeding or their infant cries and is not easily consoled. Bailey adds, "When a parent calls us, we listen and reassure them and then offer solutions, as well as resources for additional help." At APA, monitoring both physical and behavioral development plays an important role at every well care visit. Between the ages of 2 months and 5 years, parents are asked to complete Ages and Stages Developmental Screening Questionnaires (ASQ) before every well care visit. "Most brain development occurs between birth and age 5. A newborn's brain is only about one-quarter the size of an adult's, yet it grows to about 90 percent of adult size by age 5," says Dr. Alison Auster of the Stapleton office. Research shows that using standardized screening tools identifies developmental problems, such as autism or language delays, earlier than clinical observation. APA also uses the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) at 18 and 24 months, making it possible to identify children at risk for autism as early as 18 months. This early identification is significant, since historically many children have not been identified until 4 – 5 years. "Regardless of whether a child has a very mild developmental delay or something more complex like autism, the earlier a child begins treatment, the greater his/ her progress will be," explains Auster. In cases of autism, Auster notes, "Evidence-based early intervention services have been shown to reduce core symptoms and improve daily functioning for life." MONITORING DEVELOPMENT Like 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 A MEDICAL HOME PARTNERS IN HEALTH 24/7 Newborn Care, Illness, Vaccine Information and More … Just a Click Away Want to learn more about vaccines, breastfeeding, calming a crying baby, common infant illnesses, or how to tell if baby is sick? APA's website provides a trusted resource for new parents at www.AdvancedPediatricAssociates.com 1st Year Well Care Schedule 1st office visit (1 – 3 days after discharge from hospital) 2 weeks • 2 months • 4 months • 6 months • 9 months • 1 year 1st Year Vaccines Protect Against: Hepatitis B • Diphtheria • Tetanus • Pertussis • Polio • Haemophilus Influenzae B • Pneumococcal Disease • Rotavirus • Measles • Mumps • Rubella • Chickenpox • Hepatitis A Childhood vaccines are critically important to a child's long term health. They save lives and protect children from life-altering diseases. – Dr. Jill Kramer, APA Parker Dr. A lison Aus ter, A PA S t apleton