Research has shown that children who visit the same pediatrician have better health in the long run.  Getting to know your child can help your pediatrician make the best recommendations and suggest individualized care, which is especially important considering how quickly children grow and develop. Continuity of care with one pediatrician has been shown to increase successful screenings at checkups and decrease the number of illnesses that lead to emergency room visits. Unless it is a true emergency, your pediatrician should always be the first person you contact when your child is sick or injured. They know your child best and often have an easier time discerning what symptoms should be concerning and which ones are not. The majority of medical concerns can be handled at your pediatrician’s office, and are often much quicker and less costly than a visit to an emergency department.