Finding a pediatric practice is an important step, whether you are expecting a baby, have recently moved to the Savannah area, or simply need a new medical home for your child. This new patient guide explains how to prepare for your child’s first visit at Pediatric Associates of Savannah and how well visits and sick visits serve different needs.
Pediatric Associates of Savannah accepts new patients and provides pediatric care from birth through age 21. The practice has served Savannah-area families since 1971, with board-certified pediatric providers, same-day sick appointment availability, and three convenient locations in Savannah and Pooler.
Start with the new-patient checklist and forms
Completing paperwork before your appointment can help make check-in simpler and give the care team the information needed to begin your child’s record. Visit the new patient checklist for current steps for families who are new to the practice. You can also access the patient forms page to complete required forms before arriving.
As you prepare, gather the information that may be relevant to your child’s care, such as:
- Your child’s current insurance information.
- Photo identification for the parent or legal guardian bringing the child.
- Available medical, immunization, and growth records from a previous pediatric office.
- A list of current medications, allergies, past health concerns, and questions you want to discuss.
Families who have questions about coverage or payment can review the practice’s current insurance information. Because insurance plans and requirements can change, it is wise to confirm your own plan details before a visit.
Well visit vs. sick visit: Which appointment does your child need?
A well visit is preventive care for a child who is not currently ill. These routine visits provide time to follow growth and development, discuss age-appropriate health concerns, review recommended immunizations, and plan for the next stage of childhood or adolescence. Pediatric Associates of Savannah follows Bright Futures guidance for health and development from birth through age 21. Families can learn more about this preventive-care framework through Bright Futures.
A sick visit is for a new health concern or symptoms that need clinical attention, such as a fever, cough, ear pain, sore throat, vomiting, rash, or another change that worries you. The purpose is to evaluate the current concern and determine appropriate next steps. A sick visit is not a substitute for emergency care when a child may have a medical emergency.
Keeping well care and illness care distinct helps protect the time needed for each. At a well visit, you can focus on preventive questions: Is my child growing as expected? What developmental changes should we watch for? Are there school, behavior, sleep, nutrition, or sports concerns to discuss? At a sick visit, lead with what has changed, when it started, and what you are seeing now.
What to expect at your child’s first well visit
Your child’s first well visit at a new practice is a chance to establish a relationship with the pediatric team. Depending on your child’s age and health history, the visit may include review of prior records, measurements such as height and weight, a health and developmental discussion, a physical examination, and a conversation about recommended immunizations.
Bring your questions. A written list is useful because appointments can move quickly, especially with a baby, toddler, or busy school-age child in the room. Consider asking about:
- Development, learning, behavior, sleep, nutrition, and physical activity.
- School forms, sports physical needs, or camp requirements.
- Any ongoing concern you have noticed at home.
- How to contact the office when a new concern arises.
- Recommended vaccines and the immunization record your child needs.
Pediatric Associates of Savannah follows CDC and ACIP childhood vaccine guidance. For general information about childhood immunizations, parents can also review the CDC’s vaccines for children resources. Your child’s provider can discuss recommendations in the context of your child’s health history.
Well visits are not only for infants and young children. Regular preventive care remains valuable for school-age children and teens, when conversations may include growth, emotional well-being, school, activities, and changing health needs.
How to prepare for a sick visit
When your child wakes up sick, a few notes can make your call and appointment more efficient. Before contacting the office, write down the main symptom, when it began, whether it is getting better or worse, and any relevant changes in eating, drinking, sleep, behavior, or activity. Have your child’s current medications and temperature information available if applicable.
Pediatric Associates of Savannah offers same-day sick appointments. Availability can vary, so contact the office as early as possible when you believe your child needs to be seen. For a more detailed calling checklist, read Same-Day Sick Appointments in Savannah: What Parents Should Know Before Calling.
At the visit, explain what you have observed rather than trying to diagnose the problem. Useful details include when symptoms started, possible exposures, recent travel, changes in urination or bowel habits, and anything that makes symptoms better or worse. Ask the clinician when to follow up and what changes should prompt another call.
If your child has severe symptoms or you believe there is an emergency, seek emergency evaluation immediately or call 911. Do not wait for a routine or same-day office appointment in a potentially life-threatening situation.
Choose the location that works for your family
Pediatric Associates of Savannah has multiple locations for Savannah, GA, and Pooler-area families:
- Waters Avenue/Main Office: 4600 Waters Ave, Suite 100, Savannah, GA 31404 | 912-355-2462
- Pooler Parkway: 110 Medical Park Drive, Pooler, GA 31322 | 912-330-5010
- Whitemarsh Island: 1001 Memorial Dr, Savannah, GA 31410 | 912-898-9800
The Waters Avenue main office offers limited weekend and holiday urgent care and is described by the practice as open 365 days a year. Regular weekday and urgent-care hours may change, so review the locations page or call ahead to verify the current location and hours before you go.
Expecting a baby? You can begin before birth
Choosing a pediatrician before delivery gives expecting families time to ask practical questions and understand how newborn care will begin. Pediatric Associates of Savannah offers free prenatal consultations for expecting families choosing a pediatrician. Visit the prenatal consultation page to learn more.
A prenatal consultation can be a helpful time to ask about the practice’s approach to newborn visits, scheduling, office locations, immunizations, and how families can get support after bringing baby home.
A simple first-visit plan
- Review the new-patient checklist and complete needed forms.
- Gather insurance and available prior medical records.
- Choose the appropriate appointment type: well visit for preventive care or sick visit for a current concern.
- Write down your questions and your child’s current medications or relevant health history.
- Confirm the appointment location and current hours before leaving home.
For additional practice questions, including common questions about well care, visit the Pediatric Associates of Savannah FAQ page. A little preparation can help your family spend less time sorting out logistics and more time focusing on your child’s health.
