How to Find the Right Pediatrician for Your Child
When you find a great pediatrician, naturally, you want to stay with that person. Most people do, unless something changes in their lives or where they live. If you are looking for pediatricians in Jacksonville, here are some hints on how to choose one who is right for you. Why keep to one doctor? Pediatricians are specially trained to handle a child’s health, from birth to the young adult years. That’s a long time in a child’s life, but obviously, a doctor who knows the child through all those years is ideal since they will have intimate and thorough knowledge of the child’s health history. A good pediatrician in Jacksonville is well trained and has a wealth of specializations. Knowing that you have found a doctor you trust, and that your kids like, is a big relief. Where can you find that doctor? If you have recently moved to Jacksonville and need a new doctor, what is the best way to go about it? One way of finding pediatricians in Jacksonville is to ask around for recommendations. Check with friends and family or ask the doctors where you used to live for their advice. Remember, you are not just looking for a great doctor; you also want one who is always available and who is easy to find in your neighborhood. You are looking for pediatricians in Jacksonville who are located in your area, and if they can see you any time, day or night, that is important too. The best pediatricians are available in an emergency. You don’t want to be scrambling during an emergency to find an available doctor you trust. When you are considering the right pediatrician in Jacksonville for you, don’t forget to look at their website. The pediatrician’s office should be easy to contact, or appointments easy to schedule, and the site itself should be filled with useful information, instead of having to take your child into the clinic for every small thing. A pediatrician’s website that has helpful advice can be very calming in an emergency, or when something happens that feels like an emergency. Questions to ask Here are some questions to ask and things to think about when you are trying to find the right pediatricians in Jacksonville for your child. • Which hospital is this clinic attached to? If your child needs hospitalization, where will that be and who will be the doctors or surgeons that they will see? • Is this pediatrician’s office part of a network, or is it a stand-alone clinic? What if you have an emergency and your pediatrician is unavailable at that moment? • What are the office hours? Are they convenient for you? Is there someone always on hand to answer the phone and make appointments? • How do you feel about this office? Do you like the staff? Are they friendly, courteous and always willing to answer questions? Does your child like this doctor and this office and enjoy seeing them? • Are the billing costs, insurance charges and other fees fully managed and explained? When you are looking for the right pediatricians in Jacksonville, you want to find one who will be there for you at all times, when you and your child need them most. Learn more about Pediatric Care Centers and how we may be a fit for you.
COVID-19 Updates
As we continue to see rising cases, Pediatric Care Center is committed to keeping our employees and patients safe. We ask for everyone’s assistance during these transitions. Please answer the COVID 19 questionnaire accurately. You will not be turned away because of your answer. This is simply guiding the staff on best practices to keep everyone safe. We are discharging families that are inaccurately reporting their symptoms or exposures. Avoid bringing additional individuals to appointments that do not need to be seen. This minimizes unnecessary exposure. No adults appearing for the visit can have COVID-related symptoms. They will be asked to stay in your car. If you have COVID-related symptoms please call the office upon arrival to check-in. We will greet you at your vehicle when a room becomes available. Please do not enter the building. Due to limited availability, we cannot guarantee you will receive a COVID test during your visit. At this time, the FDA has approved the COVID 19 vaccine for ages 16 and up. Our providers are waiting for official guidelines from the Academy of Pediatrics and further research before we determine if we will be offering this vaccine. We will keep you posted on those changes on our Facebook page.
Introducing Dr. Maria Martinez
We’re excited to introduce our newest doctor at the Point Meadows office, Dr. Maria Martinez. Born in Havana, she grew up in Central Florida where her family was sponsored by a local United Methodist Church. She earned her medical degree from the University of South Florida and practiced general pediatrics in her private practice in Miami. She returned to central Florida to work as an outpatient pediatrician for four years before joining pediatrics on December 8. Dr. Martinez has two children; one daughter and one toy poodle. In her free time, she enjoys reading mystery novels and exploring new places, cultures, and cuisines. Learn more about Dr. Martinez’ background on her Bio page.
Employee of the Quarter: Victoria Billings
Employee of the Quarter ~ Carlos Tandron
Carlos is not only outstanding in customer service when dealing with our patients but he is a true team player. He has worked at all three locations, all possible shifts, including overnights and weekends, and is always willing to help anywhere the managers need him. He has a fun personality and motivates others to stay positive! We are lucky to have him on our team! How long have you worked with us? Exactly 18 months Where are you from? Jacksonville, FL Where did you go to high school? Bishop Kenny What did you study at school? Health Science What are your hobbies? Running, Working out, beach/pool time Do you have any children or pets? No What are your future goals? Continue to work in healthcare What is your favorite part of your job? The people that I work with are amazing! Best moments at work are? Holidays when we get to do Potlucks with the entire office
Employee of the Quarter ~ Lisa Fellis
Meet our 1st Employee of the Quarter for 2016! Lisa is an amazing team player and everyone at every location recognizes her hard work! How long have you worked for us ~ September 14, 2015 Do you have any pets ~ My roommate has 2 cats but I live with them Tell me about your education ~ I went to high school at Pedro Menendez in St. Augustine and I have a B.S. in Psychology. Working on a Masters for Physician’s Assistant. It will be a little over two years before I get in. How do you spend your time off ~ I have been dancing since I was three but I haven’t done any since high school, except at the gym in Ignite Class. I like shopping, going to the beach and hanging out with friends. What is the favorite part of your job ~ Working with kids, since I have always wanted to do that. I even wanted to be a pediatrician my freshman year of college. Also, all the people I work with!
Zika Virus: What Does It Mean for Jacksonville Families?
Q&A With Team Member Katrina Cinca
Katrina Cinca, ARNP, is a highly skilled and compassionate team member at Pediatric Care Centers. We think we know her well because she has worked with Dr. Benitez for more than 15 years. However, we wanted to gain more insights into just what makes this wonderful team member tick. Here’s what we learned in a recent interview. Q: Tell us something about you that nobody knows. A: Well, I don’t think anybody knows I grew up on a farm and trained horses for riding. Q: No, we didn’t know that! What’s your favorite thing to do in Jacksonville? A: We’re so fortunate to have all of the beautiful beaches here. I take every opportunity I can to walk on the beach. Q: You’ve been with us for years, but what was the first job you ever had? A: I worked at Blue Ice Boutique in Atlantic Beach selling beachwear and scooping ice cream. The boutique stood in the spot where Ragtime is now. I wonder if anyone else remembers it. Q: If you hadn’t chosen to be a nurse practitioner, what do you think you’d be doing instead? A: Actually, at one point I thought I’d like to be a singer and performer. Q: Really? So, let’s say you were a contestant on “American Idol.” What song would you choose to sing? A: (Laughs) That’s a no-brainer. I’d sing “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack. Q: Good to know music makes you happy. What is it you do that makes you happiest? A: Definitely it’s traveling in Europe with my family. The history there is amazing! Q: Is there anyone in particular who has inspired you during your lifetime? A: Oh yes, that would be Lucy Trice, ARNP, DNP. She was my professor and mentor throughout undergrad and grad school. She is a great role model who always supported me in my studies. Q: Speaking of things that inspire you, if you had a chance to witness any historical event, what would it be? A: The first artificial pancreas transplant — such a big step forward in curing diabetes. My 22-year-old son has Type 1 diabetes, and any medical advance is a positive for my family and the many sufferers of the disease. Q: Are there any special wishes you have for the future? What are five line items on your “bucket list?” A: Hmmm. I’d say more travel, like visiting Aruba and Lourdes in France, seeing every castle in Scotland. After that, I’d love to watch the filming of “Outlander.” Meeting Keith Urban would be on the list for sure. Q: Along those same lines, let’s say you won $20 million in the lottery. What would you do with the money? A: No question, I’d contribute it to finance research for an artificial pancreas to cure Type I diabetes. Q: That’s a big goal, Katrina. Lottery or not, we’ll join you in hoping that happens soon. Thanks for your time. We’ll wrap this up on a lighter note. What did you have for breakfast? A: You might not believe this, but it was a ham sandwich on rye bread with lettuce, tomato and Gouda cheese, mayo and mustard. One of my favorites!
New Program Certifies Higher Quality of Care at
Patient Care Centers is currently working toward receiving certification from the NCQA, National Committee for Quality Assurance, as a Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH). NCQA, the leading organization for health care certifications in America, has established an extensive process that takes months to complete, ensuring that only the best practices qualify. “At we’re always learning, always striving for ways to improve the quality of care for our patients,” said Dr. Norberto Benitez. “Going through this nationally recognized certification process is one more way we have to test ourselves on how we’re doing and ways we can serve patients better every day. We’re grateful for this opportunity to assess ourselves against the highest possible standards of practice.” The Patient Centered Medical Home model is a way of organizing primary care that emphasizes care coordination and communications, leading to higher quality and lower costs. The goal is to improve patients’ and providers’ experience of care. Emphasis is on aligning patient preferences with payer and provider capabilities. The outcome ensures that families will receive the highest standards of pediatric support, information, coaching and connection to community resources as needed to address health issues. In short, the Patient Centered Medical Home model is a way to keep our practice in line with what you want it to be. “Our round-the-clock hours and various means to communicate via email, patient portal, phone or mobile devices have gone a long way toward helping us relate better to our patients’ families and save them time as we work together for the benefit of their children,” said Dr. Benitez.
Spotlight on Dental Health
With the major winter holidays just around the corner, treats may be in abundance whether you’re at home or visiting family and friends. We all recognize that too many sweet treats are a threat to dental health. Here’s some advice on good dental hygiene for your young ones from your Pediatric Care Centers pediatricians and nurse practitioners, the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Association of Pediatric Dentistry. Cavities in Baby Teeth Cavities matter, even in baby teeth. Cavities are caused by the bacteria that collect on teeth after sugars are eaten. The longer and more frequently the teeth are exposed to sugars, the more likely cavities will occur. Studies show that one in 10 two-year-olds have one or more cavities. Because cavities in baby teeth can negatively affect permanent teeth, it’s a good idea to start good dental hygiene habits early. Here are the most important steps to take once the first tooth has erupted: For babies and toddlers to age 3, the teeth should be brushed gently twice a day with a soft-bristled brush using just a rice-sized dot of fluoride toothpaste. By age three, use a pea-sized dot of toothpaste. Clean each tooth thoroughly, top and bottom, back and front. Supervise your toddlers as they brush so they’re sure to reach each surface. Children about age six to eight should be able to brush by themselves. Experts agree that by age one year, your young child should see a pediatric or general-care dentist to begin regular checkups. Cut the Sugar! Maintaining a balanced diet with few sweet snacks is the best way to ensure healthy teeth. Sticky foods like chewy candies, dried fruit, and gum are the biggest offenders. Sugar-containing beverages also pose risks for your child’s dental health, especially when given in a sippy cup or bottle. Here are some tips for making your child’s diet more tooth-friendly. Limit sugary treats to special occasions. Make sure your child brushes under your supervision after eating sugary treats. Avoid giving your child a bottle containing juice or milk at naptime or bedtime. Substitute plain water. Limit the time your child carries around and drinks juice or other sweet beverages in a sippy cup. Substitute plain water for hydration between meals. It’s never too early to show your child that good dental care is part of the family’s daily routine. Make twice-daily brushing a fun, stress-free experience for your child, and the result will be a lifetime of dental health. One Final Thought: Thumb Sucking and Your Child’s Teeth Thumb sucking and finger or pacifier sucking are not unusual in babies. The habit may continue through the toddler years, usually ending by the time the child is four. Experts say there is usually no reason to worry about a sucking habit until around age six – about the time the permanent front teeth come in. After age four, have your dentist reassess the teeth for any changes caused by sucking at each dental visit. We welcome your questions about dental care issues during your child’s regular checkups. The Pediatric Care Centers staff will be happy to advise you about ways to prevent cavities and encourage good dental hygiene.