Hearing and Vision Screening
Screening for vision and hearing issues is integral to the development and health of your child. At Cardinal Pediatrics, we use SPOT vision screening and OAE hearing screening tools. With these instruments we are able to start vision screening as young as 6 months of age, and hearing screenings as young as the newborn. We are able to detect near-sightedness, far-sightedness, blurred vision/eye structure problems (astigmatism), pupil size deviations, and eye misalignments with the SPOT vision tool. With the technology of the OAE device we are able to assess for hearing issues very early on. If it is determined that further evaluation is necessary, we will refer you to the appropriate specialist.
Wart Removal
Warts are caused by different strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can be found on various parts of the body, including hands, feet, toes, knees, and face. They appear as a non painful fleshy lesion on the skin surface. Our providers can recommend different treatments to resolve these. Usually over-the-counter medication such as salicylic acid is recommended. In the office we are able to use a portable cryosurgical system to freeze the wart. In the event that these treatments do not resolve the wart, we will refer you to a specialist for further treatment.
Fluoride Treatment
Our office offers fluorine varnish from the time of the appearance of a first tooth until age 14. Good oral hygiene is important to your child’s overall health, and will be discussed at each well visit you have with us. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, fluoride varnish should be applied to teeth 2 to 4 times per year.
Staple/Suture Removal
In the event that your child has had staples or sutures placed to close an injury, our office is able to remove these without the additional visit to the Emergency Department.
Confidential STI Testing
At Cardinal Pediatrics, our mission is to build a relationship of trust from the moment you join our practice as parents of a newborn, child, or teen. As our patients get older we ask that parents extend this trust to allow their children time to speak with their provider confidentially. Patient-provider confidentiality is guaranteed and is only able to be broken if the adolescent is at risk to themselves or others. We may provide information and advice regarding recommended screenings, including STI, and pregnancy, as well as provide contraception education when medically necessary. Through this, we promise to encourage our patients to be open with their parents and guardians. Our goal is to provide the best care possible to our patients while maintaining trust and confidentiality.
Concussion Screening
Concussions are on the forefront of any parents mind with active children and teenagers. Here at Cardinal Pediatrics, the health and safety of your children is our top priority. Our providers have been trained in the CDC’s program HEADS UP, to assess, diagnose, and treat concussions. Following the diagnosis of a concussion we devise an individualized plan on rest and the slow return to activity with close monitoring from the office.
Lead and Anemia Screening
Patients under 5 are at an increased risk of lead poisoning. To monitor and prevent high levels of lead in our patients, we test them annually for the first 5 years of life. At the 9month, 2 year, 3 year, 4 year, and 5 year appointments we will order a lead level and complete blood count. We are conveniently located across the parking lot from the Lowell General Hospital Lab, allowing for quick easy access to complete lab work.
Vaccinations
We follow the current CDC guidelines for vaccine and immunization schedule - https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/; https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/why-vaccinate/vaccine-decision.html
Recommended Schedule
Birth - Hep B
1 Month - Hep B
2 Months - Pentacel (DTaP, Hib, IPV), PCV13, Rotavirus
4 Months - Pentacel (DTaP, Hib, IPV), PCV13, Rotavirus
6 Months - Pentacel (DTaP, Hib, IPV), PCV13, Rotavirus
9 Months - Hep B
12 Months - MMR, Varicella, Hep A
15 Months - Pentacel (DTaP, Hib, IPV), PCV13
18 Months - Hep A
4 Years - Kinrix (DTaP, IPV), ProQuad (MMR, Varicella)
11 Years - Menactra (Meningococcal ACWY), TdaP, Gardasil (HPV)
2nd HPV vaccine to be given 6 months after 1st dose
16 Years - Menactra (Meningococcal ACWY), Men B (Meningococcal)
2nd Men B vaccine to be given 6 months after 1st dose
*Influenza Vaccine is to be administered yearly. Patients can start receiving this vaccine at 6 months of age. This vaccine is offered September through March each year.
*Gardasil (HPV), can start to be administered by the age of 9. If given <15 years of age is a 2 dose series vaccine. If given >15 years of age is a 3 dose series vaccine