Frequently Asked Questions
- I would like to transfer to your practice, what should I do?
- What is a primary care provider? How do we expect to be involved in your child's life?
- What is well child care? What is the schedule for well child visits?
- What is our immunization philosophy? What schedule do we recommend?
- What is the role of fever?
- When do we use antibiotics?
I would like to transfer to your practice, what should I do?
Just call Polar Pediatrics at 907-522-KIDS (5437) and make an appointment for a complimentary 30 minute non medical appointment to get to know us. Or if you have already made up your mind feel free to call and make a well child check for your child. At that time you can fill out a request of information form and we will obtain your previous records. Be sure to bring your child's immunization record with you so we can check to see if any shots are due.
What is a primary care provider? How do we expect to be involved in your child's life?
A primary care provider is the person who knows your child's health well and helps you make decisions relating to your child's needs.
Monique M. Karaganis M.D. serves as primary care provider. We will get to know you and your children, their medical history, lifestyle and habits. We care for you as a whole family and can act as coordinators and experts in navigating the medical system. We learn about your child and can help you make important decisions about large and small things, from which healthy foods to feed your child to decisions when your child is very ill. We ask you to have all other providers participating in your child's care to supply us information about what care they give (i.e. homeopaths, naturopaths, physical therapists, psychologists, etc). This enables us to provide comprehensive care.
What is well child care? What is the schedule for well child visits?
Well child care in our office is recommended at ages: birth, one week, two weeks and then 2,4,6,9,12,15,18, 24, and 30 months. Starting at age three years we like to see children and adolescents on or around their birthdays regardless of health status. Well child checks are an opportunity to complete a full physical at different stages in a child's life. This helps us monitor height and weight, achievement of developmental milestones, and answer any questions you or your child may have relating to physical and emotional health.
What is our immunization philosophy? What schedule do we recommend?
We strongly recommend immunizations. Our providers and staff will supply you with the most recent and important information relating to vaccines. The clinic has published information you can receive at your visits and this web page gives you links for websites related to immunizations.
We encourage every parent to research and ask questions. Our office is here to work with you through the process and make sure all your concerns get answered.
It is important to realize that if you elect not to immunize you need a plan in case of illness or epidemic
What is the role of fever?
Your child's body is designed to mobilize an immune response to any foreign invader. The first line of body defense is a temperature above normal (99.8 degrees F or 37.5 degrees C).
Temperature elevation in your child over three months of age can sometimes be as high as 105 degrees and not cause harm. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used if your child is uncomfortable. A fever (greater than 100.4) in a child under 2 months of age is an emergency and you should go to the ER, remember to ask the triage nurse to call Dr. Karaganis who may be able to see you there.
If you need help in deciding whether to use anti-fever meds, please call the nurse help line at 212-4900. The comfort of your child is always our first priority.
When do we use antibiotics?
Antibiotics have been used to prevent the growth, destroy the cell covering or disrupt the internal metabolism of bacteria. Overuse of antibiotics has lead to bacterial resistance to the commonly prescribed medications as well as systemic changes in children's bodies.
Illnesses in children are predominantly caused by respiratory, intestinal or skin viruses which cannot be affected by antibiotics. Our practice uses antibiotics for specific infections where the bacteria have been identified, viral causes have been eliminated or in the presence of other chronic conditions requiring protective antibiotics.
We believe children's bodies have the resiliency to overcome most infections with supportive methods relieving discomfort.