About paediatricians
A paediatrician is a medical doctor with special training and skills in the health, growth and development of babies, children and teenagers.
Paediatricians know a lot about the many different conditions that can affect children’s health, wellbeing, behaviour and learning. They also understand how different medical conditions relate to each other.
Some paediatricians specialise in areas like neonatology (treatment of newborn babies), cardiology (heart problems) or development and behaviour.
If your child has health or development concerns, health professionals like paediatricians are there to care for your child and help you understand your child’s condition and treatment. With the support and expertise of these professionals, you can help your child thrive.
Why your child might see a paediatrician
Your child might see a paediatrician if your GP wants a specialist opinion about your child’s health, growth and development, or the GP thinks your child needs specialised care and treatment.
For example, your GP might refer your child to a paediatrician for further assessment and treatment of:
- asthma and allergies
- ADHD
- autism
- behaviour challenges
- brain conditions like epilepsy
- developmental delay
- disabilities like Down syndrome, cerebral palsy or fragile X syndrome
- faecal incontinence or constipation
- learning problems
- muscle or bone problems like developmental dysplasia of the hip or bow legs
- poor growth
- sleep problems.
A paediatrician might also be present at your child's birth or see your baby immediately after birth to make sure everything is OK.
To see a paediatrician, you’ll need a referral from your GP. Your GP is always a good place to start if you’re worried about your child’s health or development. Your GP can help you decide about seeing a paediatrician and help you find someone who’s right for your child.
Before going to a paediatrician
If your GP refers your child to a paediatrician, it’s a good idea to talk with your GP about things like the following:
- Why you’re going – talk with your GP about why your child needs to see a paediatrician.
- Appointments – do you need to make the appointment, or will the GP make it for you? Does the appointment need to be in person, or can it be via telehealth?
- Waiting lists – how long before you can get an appointment to see the paediatrician?
- Is there anything you can do while you’re waiting for the appointment? For example, can your child start some treatment or therapy?
- Costs – how much will the appointment with the paediatrician cost? Check whether you can get money back from Medicare or private health insurance.
- Locations – find out where you have to go to see the paediatrician – for example, public hospital, private hospital, community health centre or clinic.
- Preparation – what do you need to bring to the appointment? For example, should you bring your child’s test results or their child health and development book?
You can ask your GP these and any other questions before you go to the paediatrician. You could also ask the paediatrician’s clinic when you make your appointment. Writing down your questions can help you remember them.
If you’re seeing a paediatrician in a specialist clinic in a public hospital or community health centre, there are usually no extra costs. But if you’re referred to a private paediatrician, Medicare might not cover the whole cost of the appointment. This means you’ll have to pay any extra cost.