Welcome to Pediatric Associates of Springfield

Loving Care, Caring People

Who We Are

We are the only independent pediatric group practice in Springfield. What this means for our patients is that your needs are our primary concern. We do not need to meet any artificial efficiency goals and always put your needs above those of an insurer, hospital or insurance plan. We feel that we have developed a practice that is more responsive to the needs of the modern family, with easier access of care, than is found anywhere else in Springfield.

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Appointments, Call Us, Continuity of Care

Scheduling

Contacting us regarding sick children early in the office day enables us to schedule any necessary appointments promptly. Our telephone triage staff will ask you the exact nature of your concern.

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Forms, Insurance

Forms and Policies

Before your appointment with us, quickly and conveniently access patient forms and policies from our practice. Upon your first visit, this will allow the check in process to go quickly.

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Education, Home Birth, Home Care and more

Parent Resources

Our website cannot ever replace the advice of your pediatrician, but the staff and doctors at Pediatrics of Springfield have searched the web for some of the best and most credible online resources. Check back often for updates to this list:

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We offer same day sick visits to meet the needs of our patients and families!

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Informative Articles For You

By Pediatric Associates of Springfield 20 Mar, 2024
What is Bedwetting? Bedwetting is a common issue for many children. In fact, there are about 5 million children in the U.S. who wet the bed past the recommended age. Many children are toilet trained between the ages of 2-4, but some children develop and train at their own rate. If your child has accidents at night, they are not alone. And as a parent, neither are you. Effects of Bedwetting Bedwetting can cause strain on children and parents, and may worsen social anxiety, depression, and isolation from peers. If your child experiences bladder control problems after age five and it is bothersome to them and your family, it may be worth reaching out to the child’s pediatrician to seek help. Types of Bedwetting There are two types of bedwetting: #1) Primary bedwetting is the focus of this article and describes children who never achieved dry nights since potty training (typically these children have no accidents during the daytime). #2) Secondary bedwetting is when a child achieved consistent dry nights for at least 6 months but has started bedwetting again. This can be related to many factors, including urination dysfunction, constipation, or neurologic dysfunction. This type of bedwetting is an urgent concern so please call your PCP promptly. Common reasons for bedwetting Communication between the brain and bladder . If the brain is sensing the bladder is filling up and sends a message to empty, bedwetting will happen. On the contrary, if the brain does not recognize that the bladder is filling, your child may not wake up to use the restroom, and bedwetting will happen. Stress or trauma . Sometimes when children experience stress or traumatic events, such as an illness or life stressor, they can have bouts of bedwetting. This can occur even if the child was previously dry at night. Medical concerns . Rarely, some children begin to wet the bed because of a medical problem. Managing bedwetting Keep the following tips in mind: Do not blame your child . It is not your child’s fault. Offer support, not punishment, for wet nights. Be honest with your child about what is going on . Let your child know it is not their fault, and that most children outgrow bedwetting. Protect the bed . A plastic cover under the sheets protects the mattress. Let your child help . Encourage your child to help change the wet sheets and covers. This can teach responsibility, as well as keep your child from feeling embarrassed if the rest of the family knows . Important note : if you child views this as a punishment, it is not recommended. Bedwetting Treatment The initial treatment for bedwetting includes behavioral and lifestyle changes. These may include, but are not limited to: limiting fluid intake after a certain time at night eliminating bladder irritants such as carbonation or artificial colors constipation management creating a schedule for bathroom use You can reach out to your child’s pediatrician for guidance on what changes may work best. If bedwetting does not stop after behavioral changes, there are additional medical treatments that may be warranted. Please discuss these options with your child’s pediatrician if other methods have not been effective. For further details, you can read more about bedwetting here and here Clayton Brinkley MS 3 University of Missouri School of Medicine Springfield Campus
By Pediatric Associates of Springfield 15 Dec, 2023
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that is due to insulin resistance, the body’s hormone that regulates sugar, which leads to increased sugar levels in the body known as hyperglycemia. There are two common types of diabetes mellitus:  Type I is an autoimmune form that leads to destruction of cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Children with type I are typically born predisposed to the disease and are often diagnosed early in life.  Type II is the acquired form of diabetes that is due to insulin resistance in the body. Insulin is produced in pancreas normally, but constant exposure of insulin in the body due to persistent high sugar levels leads to resistance. Type II diabetes (T2DM) is mostly associated with obesity. While T2DM is more commonly diagnosed in adults, increasing rates of obesity in children has led to more cases of T2DM in children, typically adolescents. While T2DM in children develops slowly, there are some signs of hyperglycemia:  Increased thirst and/or hunger  Frequent urination  Fatigue  Darkened areas of skin, commonly around neck, armpit, or groin  Frequent infections  Blurry vision It is recommended to screen your child for diabetes if they have started puberty, or at least 10 years old, and are overweight or obese. Consider screening your child for diabetes if they have these risk factors: o Family history of diabetes o Overweight o Poor diet o Inactivity o Adolescent girl o Black, Hispanic, American Indian and Asian American ethnicity o Low birth weight or preterm birth o Maternal gestational diabetes Prevention Instilling healthy lifestyle habits in your children is the best way to prevent T2DM. Encourage the household to eat healthy foods and get more physical activity. Healthy foods include whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Cut down on processed foods, sugary drinks, and fatty foods. References Tillotson CV, Bowden SA, Shah M, et al. Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes. [Updated 2023 Nov 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Sai Supriya Vuda MS3 University of Missouri School of Medicine Springfield Clinical Campus
By Pediatric Associates of Springfield 24 Oct, 2023
Have you ever wondered why your provider didn’t order an x-ray? Like many medical tests, there are benefits and risks to imaging studies. Medical imaging is useful for diagnosing many medical problems and can help determine the treatment for some patients. Certain forms of imaging such as X-rays and CT scans contain ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation can damage the DNA in our cells, which may increase the risk of developing cancer. The harmful effects from radiation are seen with large doses and lots of doses given in a short amount of time. Children are more sensitive to radiation and have a longer life expectancy, so it’s especially important to reduce their radiation exposure. While medical imaging may sound dangerous, it’s important to consider that we are all exposed to low levels of radiation every day. This “background radiation” comes from rocks, soil, building materials, and space. Some forms of medical imaging use higher amounts of radiation than others. For example, a single chest x-ray is comparable to 1 day of background radiation, while a CT scan of the abdomen is equivalent to 20 months of background radiation. Healthcare providers are aware of these risks, which is why they try to order imaging only when medically necessary. It is recommended to use the lowest amount of radiation possible that still provides a good quality image. Techniques are used to lower radiation doses for pediatric patients. Additionally, radiation is focused only on the area of the body that needs imaged rather than the entire body. What you can do to reduce radiation risk for your child: Keep a record of your child’s imaging studies and share them with your healthcare team. This can help reduce the need to repeat imaging if you need to switch providers. Ask your healthcare provider or imaging facility if the radiation dose is lowered for pediatric patients. Ask your provider if it is possible to use imaging methods that do not require radiation, such as MRI and ultrasound. More information: FDA CDC Image Gently Sally Heil MS3 University of Missouri School of Medicine Springfield Campus
By Pediatric Associates of Springfield 23 Aug, 2023
Preventing Postpartum Maternal Mortality in Missouri: A Guide for Moms While becoming a new parent is a joyous time, it is also important to consider the postpartum period is a vulnerable time for mothers. Postpartum maternal mortality, though rare, is a serious concern. In Missouri, where we rank 44/50 worst in maternal mortality, understanding the signs, symptoms, and taking preventive measures us essential in helping to ensure a healthy postpartum experience. This article hopes to discuss how moms can play an active role in preventing postpartum maternal mortality by recognizing signs and symptoms early. Importance of Postpartum Maternal Health: The postpartum period, spanning the first few weeks after childbirth, is a critical time for a mother's physical and emotional well-being. Complications can arise during this time, so being vigilant about signs and symptoms is crucial. Maternal mortality is defined as the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 365 days of delivery, and addressing this issue requires awareness and action.
 Recognizing Signs and Symptoms: Moms should be attentive to any unusual physical or emotional changes during the postpartum period. Some common signs and symptoms that may indicate a potential issue include: Excessive bleeding: If bleeding is heavy and doesn't seem to be slowing down, it could be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage, which requires immediate medical attention. Severe headache, vision changes, and high blood pressure: These could be symptoms of preeclampsia, a serious condition that can occur after childbirth. Shortness of breath, chest pain, or palpitations: These may indicate blood clots or heart-related problems. Intense mood swings, extreme sadness, or thoughts of self-harm: These could be signs of postpartum depression or anxiety, which should be addressed promptly. Preventive Measures: Moms can take several steps to prevent postpartum maternal mortality: Attend postpartum check-ups: Regular visits to healthcare professionals can help identify and address any potential health issues early. Educate yourself: Learn about common postpartum complications, their signs, and the steps to take in case of emergencies. Reach out for support: Don't hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, or support groups. Emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. Remember mental health is just as important as physical health: post-partum patients with substance use history or intimate partner violence are at increased risk of overdose death. Additionally, suicide risk is highest between 43 days to one year postpartum with 92% of cases involve white women, aged 20-29 years, living in metropolitan counties. Follow healthcare provider's advice: If you're given medications or instructions for recovery, follow them diligently. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Optimizing your BMI with proper nutrition, hydration, and gentle exercise can reduce the risk of complications. Seatbelt safety: Always wear seatbelts correctly, with the lap belt positioned low over the hips and the shoulder belt crossing the chest between the breasts. Adjust the seat and steering wheel for comfort and to ensure a safe distance from the airbag. Preventing postpartum maternal mortality requires a collaborative effort between healthcare professionals, families, and mothers themselves. By being aware of the signs and symptoms of potential complications and taking proactive steps, moms in Missouri can help ensure their own well-being during the postpartum period. Remember, seeking prompt medical attention and fostering an open dialogue about any concerns are crucial elements in safeguarding maternal health after childbirth. 2018-2020 Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review Rebecka Ernst MS3 University of Missouri College of Medicine Springfield Clinical Campus
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