Please take a moment to read our most commonly asked questions. If your question is not answered below, our office staff will be happy to help during regular business hours.
What is a pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of children. Pediatricians complete special training in the health and illnesses of infants, children, teens and young adults, and most are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics after passing a comprehensive exam.
Pediatricians provide preventive health care for children who are well and medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill. They also support parents with advice on growth and development, safety, nutrition and emotional wellness to foster a lifetime of good health.
What ages does your practice care for?
We care for newborns, children, adolescents and young adults through age 21.
Can I meet my pediatrician before my baby is born?
Yes. We strongly encourage parents-to-be to visit our office for a prenatal appointment. It is a great way to get acquainted with our office and our doctor and to ask questions about our practice or your new baby. Visit our expecting parents page for more information.
How often should my child see the pediatrician?
Your child should not see the pediatrician only when they are sick. It is also important to schedule well-child exams regularly, beginning in infancy. These routine checkups give the doctor the best opportunity to follow your child's physical and mental growth and development, provide screening tests and immunizations, counsel parents and get to know your family. Well-child visits are also a good time to raise questions about development, behavior, nutrition, safety and overall well-being.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine well-child visits at:
- 3 to 5 days old
- 1 month
- 2, 4, 6 and 9 months
- 12, 15 and 18 months
- 24 and 30 months
- 3 years and 4 years
- Once every year after that, through adolescence
Annual visits include a physical exam as well as developmental, behavioral and learning assessments. Read more in our article on the importance of well-child visits.
What is the best way to schedule an appointment with your office?
You can schedule an appointment by contacting our office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. See our appointment request page for details.
Is your office accepting new patients?
Yes, we welcome new patients. Visit our new patient page to learn what to bring to your first visit.
Do you offer same-day sick visits?
Yes. When your child is sick, we offer same-day visits whenever possible. Our office has separate waiting rooms for sick and well children.
Can we receive care in Spanish?
Yes. Dr. Ramirez is bilingual and fluent in English and Spanish.
Where is your office located?
Our office is at 6602 Church Hill Road, Suite 400, Chestertown, MD 21620. Our former Queenstown office closed on June 27, 2020, and all patients are now seen in Chestertown. Directions are on our location page.
Which insurance plans do you accept?
We participate with a number of commercial insurance plans and Maryland Medicaid plans. You can review the list on our location page. Because networks change, please confirm coverage with your insurer before your visit.
Why does my child need to receive vaccinations?
Immunizations are given at different ages to help protect children from serious, and potentially fatal, childhood diseases. Making sure your child receives immunizations on schedule is the best way to help protect them. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, vaccinations have reduced the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90%. If you have concerns about vaccines, please talk with us. You can also read our immunization policy.
Do you offer telemedicine visits?
Some concerns can be addressed through a video visit. Learn how virtual visits work and which problems are a good fit on our telemedicine page.
When should I call 911 instead of the office?
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if your child has trouble breathing, turns blue, is unresponsive or very difficult to wake, has a seizure, has a serious injury, shows signs of a severe allergic reaction, or if you believe your child's life is in danger.