CAREFUL CARE?
When it comes to children, a level of unique and specialized care is necessary. “There are a number of considerations in children you have to focus on, whether dealing with an infant, a neonate (less than 28 days old), a child or an adolescent,” says Dr. Pierog. “There are many different features that are obvious, as well as those from a physiological standpoint that determine how their systems function,” says Dr. Pierog.
UNIQUE NEEDS
“Kids are much more prone to have facial and intracranial (brain) injuries than adults because of their larger head-to-body size. Because of their propensity to fall, we see a higher number of upper extremity injuries such as wrist and elbow fractures,” says Dr. Pierog. In addition, because they have a higher hydration requirements, children need two to three times as much fluid than do adults.
EMERGENCY ROOM ETIQUETTE
“Children require special treatment, not just for their size, but also when it comes to the equipment needed to treat their conditions,” says Dr. Pierog. CHOC’s emergency department has all the bases covered, including master’s prepared child-life specialists who are trained to understand and treat the emotional and physiological needs of little ones. “There are a number of features that pediatric emergency physicians are aware of and prepared to treat, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, and environmental conditions, such as pesticide exposure from children putting items in their mouths.”
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
For adults, medication dispensing is generalized, but not for children. To ensure parents are giving the right amount, pay attention to the levels. “The dosages of common medications are going to be on a weight-based formula,” says Dr. Pierog.
FAST FACTS
- What is the decrease in childrens illnesses because of the use of vaccines: 90%
- What is the amount of body fluids children turns over: 25%
- What is the average number of colds an adolescents get each year: 2 to 4
HEALTH PLANS
CHOC contracts with most major public and private health care programs including Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs.) Click here for a list of hospital contracted health plans. You are advised to check with your health plan or insurance network to confirm that CHOC and your physicians are contracted providers. For questions regarding your insurance or eligibility, please contact the CHOC Admitting Department at 714-509-8400. When you choose your physician and medical group, call the office and make sure they refer to CHOC.