Pediatrics

NorthShore’s pediatric care covers everything from newborn hospital visits to adolescent health, offering comprehensive services including well-child check-ups, immunizations, and acute illness care. With a commitment to optimal physical and mental health, our pediatricians ensure your child reaches developmental milestones and receives necessary care, including hospital services when required.

Schedule Appointment

Pediatrics

Schedule Appointment

Pediatrics

NorthShore Health Centers’ pediatricians and pediatrics nurse practitioners are committed to achieving optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults in the communities of Northwest Indiana. NorthShore Health Centers’ Pediatric Department provides care for your children. This encompasses a broad spectrum of health services ranging from preventative health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute/chronic diseases. Services include hospital visits for your newborn child, well child office visits, immunizations, school and sports physicals, timely same day appointments sick children, office visits for mild injuries and chronic conditions. Our pediatricians focus on the development, care, and treatment of children from birth through adolescence. Our goal is ensuring children are scheduled for their well-child visits at the appropriate ages. At these visits the pediatric staff at NorthShore will make sure your baby is reaching each developmental milestone at the appropriate age. NorthShore provides immunizations for children free of charge for anyone who does not have health insurance coverage for this service. Acute illness is always addressed when your child is sick. Our staff can be reached anytime during our hours of operation to assist parents in deciding if they need to have their child assessed by our physician.

Minor Consent Policy

Minor Consent Policy NorthShore Health Centers’ policy is that a parent/guardian must fill out a consent form giving permission for another adult to accompany their child to the child’s medical, dental or vision appointments. For the protection of your child, we are no longer accepting written permission letters or verbal consent over the phone as acceptable documentation of minor consent. Please print out the Minor Consent Form below and return to any NorthShore Health Centers’ locations or stop by one of our locations for a copy of the form. Once you complete the form, it will be documented in the child’s patient file and referenced for all future appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a well child visit and why are they important?

Parents know to bring their child to the pediatrician when they are sick, but remember a trip to the doctor is just as important for healthy children.

The Bright Futures/American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) developed a schedule which recommends each age from infancy through adolescence a child should see the pediatrician along with suggested screenings and assessments to be completed for each well-child visits.

Your pediatrician will discuss immunization options to prevent illness as well as discuss, safety and address any other concerns you might have as your child grows. You will also be able to see how much your child has grown since your last visit as well as and talk with your pediatrician about your child’s development. Your doctor might discuss your child’s milestones, learning and social behaviors.

What vaccines are recommended for my child at their age?

Visit https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html to see Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age chart.

When should I take my child in for a sick visit?

If your baby is not feeling well, you should contact your pediatrician or health care provider if your baby is experiencing any of the symptoms below.

• Fever of 100.3 degrees or higher
• Hard to wake up or less active
• Poor eating
• Crying without stopping & hard to comfort
• More than 4 watery stools in 8 hours
• Decreased urine or fewer than 6 wet diapers in 24 hours
• Eye redness/drainage
• Redness, swelling, or pus around cord or genitals
• Cough that disrupts baby’s sleep
• Heavy breathing
• Rash with or without fever
• Vomiting

If your child is not feeling well, watch carefully for signs and symptoms. Some children may not be able to tell you about their symptoms, which can delay your response to their illness.

Fever
A fever is a temperature measured by mouth with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius). If you are not able to measure a temperature, signs and symptoms that may indicate your child has a fever include chills, feeling very warm to the touch, having a flushed appearance, or sweating.

Flu
Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and tiredness. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.