Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine
Welcome to Acton Medical Pediatrics were we provide comprehensive care for pediatric patients from birth through college. New patients aged 18 or older are referred to our Adult Medicine department for continued care.
Immunizations
At Acton Medical, we incorporate the recommended CDC Vaccine Schedule and AAP schedules for pediatric immunizations. We strongly believe in the protective benefits of immunizations as one of the most important tools in keeping children healthy. A copy of your child’s immunization record will be available on Healow. This record satisfies the requirement for most colleges, schools, activities, sports and camps. Immunizations given at a physical exam may vary depending on current recommendations. Your child’s pediatrician is happy to discuss the recommended immunizations and answer any questions.
Acne Management
Acne is a normal but frustrating part of adolescence. Fortunately, acne is highly treatable and does not require a specialist appointment. Your pediatrician will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan for your acne.
Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine
At Acton Medical, we see patients ages 0 to 23. At Acton Medical, we work with parents and patients as they navigate the path to adulthood. We are trained to manage all aspects of a young adult’s medical care and will work to help our young adults develop confidence and independence in managing in their health.
ADHD Assessment and Management
Our Pediatric Care team offers on-site ADHD Assessment and Management through our dedicated medical team.
Asthma Management
Our Pediatric Care team offers on-site Asthma Management support through our Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.
Concussions
Concussions are mild brain injuries. They are caused by a hit to the head or body that causes the brain to quickly snap back and forth. Though the trauma is considered “mild” and is usually temporary, it can dramatically impact a child’s life. Children and teens experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and poor concentration which can go on for days to months. At Acton Medical, our pediatricians are skilled at both the diagnosis and management of concussions. We will design a recovery plan that will allow your child to heal while helping you navigate the return to sports and academics.
Ear Piercing
Acton Medical Associates is proud to offer ear-piercing to our patients. We use the Studex medical ear-piercing system. This system uses individual sterile disposable cartridges that are replaced with every piercing. We believe it is beneficial to have your ear pierced in a medical office where you have professional care from a pediatric provider before, during, and after the procedure. Please call the office with any questions you may have or to schedule an ear-piercing appointment.
Fluoride Varnish
In order to provide the best possible care for our patients, Acton Medical Associates will now be offering topical fluoride varnish to all eligible children starting at the 6-month well child check (if their first tooth has erupted) and every 3 months at regularly scheduled physicals until your child establishes care with a dentist.
What is fluoride varnish?
Fluoride varnish (5% sodium fluoride) is used to prevent tooth decay (30-70% reduction in caries). Since it is applied topically, it is not considered to be systemic. It works by lowering cavity-causing oral bacterial levels, which as a result repairs and strengthens teeth. It is endorsed by the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics and approved by the FDA. Fluoride varnish does not replace regular teeth brushing or taking a fluoride supplement.
Who can get fluoride varnish?
Any child starting at 6 months of age once they have their first tooth. It works best when started then and applied 2-4x/year. Even if your child has an early cavity, the fluoride can help harden the softened enamel and dentine, which prevents early teeth decay from progressing.
Is there anyone who cannot get fluoride varnish?
Though rare, children with allergies to colophony (colophonium) and pine nuts could have an allergic reaction to fluoride varnish.
How is it applied?
The varnish is quickly painted on the teeth and sets within a minute of contact with saliva. It does not require dental equipment and does not cause any pain. It comes in several child-friendly flavors so it should not taste bad. Sometimes your child’s teeth may look a little yellow after the fluoride varnish is painted on, but this will be gone by the next day.
What is the cost?
Since the US Preventive Services Task Force started recommending this as part of preventative care in May of 2015, most insurances will pay for it up to 4 times per year; however, some insurance companies are only paying for it once a year. We recommend that you reach out to your insurance company with any questions.
Does fluoride varnish cause fluorosis?
No, fluorosis occurs when children consume too much fluoride on an ongoing basis. For example, children using excessive amounts of fluoride toothpaste or using systemic fluoride supplementation when the water supply is already fluoridated.
If you have any additional questions, please ask your child’s provider at their next visit.
*Adapted from the Fluoride Varnish Training Manual for Massachusetts Health Care Professionals, 2023*
Immunizations
Why vaccinate? Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect our child from life-threatening infections. They work by showing the immune system a tiny harmless piece of a virus or bacteria, so the immune system learns to recognize and fight these serious infections before they make us sick.
Acton Medical follows the immunization schedule created and updated by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) which is part of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Your pediatrician will work with you to be sure you have a good understanding of the recommended vaccines, so you can make informed decisions about your child’s care.
Lactation Support
Our Pediatric Care team offers on-site Lactation support through our Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioners.
Mental Health
Mental health is a critical part of a child and adolescent’s overall health. At Acton Medical, our pediatricians work with a team of social workers and nurse practitioners to help patients understand and navigate these challenging diagnoses. We provide medication management for diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, and OCD. We also provide assistance in finding therapists and understanding available services.
The COPE program offers an evidence-based approach to supporting pediatric mental health, equipping children and adolescents with essential cognitive-behavioral skills to manage stress, anxiety, and depression effectively. Designed for seamless integration into schools, healthcare practices, and community programs, COPE empowers young individuals to build resilience, enhance emotional well-being, and achieve their full potential. Join us in fostering a healthier, brighter future for the next generation.
Reproductive Health
Pediatrics is not limited to the care of small children. An important part of care for our teen and young adult patients is reproductive health. We therefore provide routine pap smears, birth control counseling and prescribing, as well as STI testing and treatment.
Sick Visits
Illness does not follow schedules! Acton Medical offers same day care for acute illness. We also offer nurse advice 24 hours per day. We treat everything from fever and sore throats to injuries and headaches. For same day care, please call as early in the day as possible, since spots are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Warts
Warts are caused by a virus and spread from person to person. They will sometimes go away on their own, but more often they require treatment either at home or in the office. At Acton Medical, providers will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for you or your child. We offer treatment with curettage (scraping off part of the wart), liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery) and with cantharidin (chemical treatment).
Well Child Visits
Well care visits (also called Physicals) are the cornerstone of pediatric preventative care. At these visits, your doctor will assess your child’s physical and emotional growth and development. Your pediatrician will also address your concerns about topics such as sleep, nutrition, behavior and development.
Acton Medical follows the AAP Bright Futures well care schedule below.
- newborn (3 to 5 days old)
- 2 weeks old
- 1 month old
- 2 months old
- 4 months old
- 6 months old
- 9 months old
- 12 months old
- 15 months old
- 18 months old
- 2 years old (24 months)
- 2 ½ years old (30 months)
- 3 years old and then yearly
Physical Exams
The Pediatricians of Acton Medical strongly believe in prevention and early detection. We recommend annual physicals for ages 2 years and older. Infants and toddlers are seen more frequently as recommended by your pediatrician. A physical exam performed within one year is accepted by most colleges, schools, camps and foreign travel situations. Children with specific needs may require individualized care beyond a physical exam.