Pediatric Care in Anne Arundel County

Finding good pediatric care is crucial for your child’s health and development. Anne Arundel County has many pediatric practices serving families throughout the county.

Finding a Pediatrician

When to Start Looking

During Pregnancy:

Interview pediatricians while pregnant
Many offices have enrollment forms ready
Establish relationship before baby arrives
Some offer prenatal classes

After Birth:

First visit typically 3-5 days after birth
Some offices see baby at hospital before discharge
Schedule before leaving hospital if possible

What to Look For

Qualifications:

Board certified pediatrician
AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) member
Appropriate hospital privileges
Experience with your child’s needs

Practical Considerations:

Office location convenient for you
Office hours that work with your schedule
Wait time for appointments
After-hours care availability
Phone responsiveness

Office Environment:

Child-friendly space
Clean and organized
Staff friendly with children
Equipment for infants and children

Questions to Ask Offices

Schedule:

How soon for well-child visits?
Same-day sick visits?
After-hours phone coverage?
How to reach doctor after hours?

Practices:

Do you meet before birth?
What’s your vaccination philosophy?
How do you handle school sports physicals?
Do you offer developmental screening?

Logistics:

Where do you admit patients?
What hospital do you use?
Do you have sibling policies?
How long are appointment slots?

Major Pediatric Practices

AAC Pediatric Associates

Locations: Multiple offices throughout county
Services: Comprehensive pediatric care
Website: Check current website

Children’s National Hospital Affiliated Clinics

Locations: Various clinics
Services: Primary care, specialties
Connection: Children’s National Hospital, Washington DC

Individual Pediatric Practices

Options Throughout County:

Many solo and small group practices
Some specialize in specific needs
Different philosophies and approaches
Varying office styles

Hospital-Based Pediatrics

AAMC Pediatrics:

Affiliated with Anne Arundel Medical Center
Some pediatricians practice here
Emergency services available

Well-Child Visits Schedule

Recommended Schedule (AAP Guidelines)

Newborn: 3-5 days after birth
1 month: 1-month checkup
2 months: Vaccinations begin
4 months: 4-month checkup
6 months: 6-month checkup
9 months: 9-month checkup
12 months: 1-year checkup
15 months: 15-month visit
18 months: 18-month visit
24 months: 2-year checkup
30 months: 30-month visit
Annually: Yearly visits ages 3+

What Happens at Visits

Physical Exam:

Height and weight measurement
Head circumference (infants)
Vision and hearing screening
Developmental milestones

Vaccinations:

Given at recommended ages
Parent can ask questions
Side effects discussed
Record kept in vaccine card

Developmental Screening:

Age-appropriate milestones
Speech, motor, social skills
Concerns addressed
Referrals if needed

Parent Questions:

Sleep, feeding, behavior
Developmental concerns
Safety questions
Any other issues

Vaccinations

Standard Schedule

Infants:

Hepatitis B (birth)
DTaP (2, 4, 6 months)
Hib (2, 4, 6 months)
Polio (2, 4, 6 months)
PCV (2, 4, 6, 12-15 months)
Rotavirus (2, 4, 6 months)
MMR (12-15 months)
Varicella (12-15 months)
Hepatitis A (12-15 months, 2 doses)
Annual flu shot (age 6 months+)

Children:

Boosters at ages 4-6
Tdap at 11-12 years
HPV vaccine (11-12 years)
Meningococcal vaccine (11-12 years)

Vaccine Records

Keep Your Own:

Get vaccine card at each visit
Keep in safe place
Bring to new doctor if moving
School requires records

Office Records:

Office maintains records
Can request copies
State immunization registry may have records

Vaccination Concerns

Common Questions:

Safety of multiple vaccines
Side effects
Vaccine schedules
Alternative schedules

Resources:

CDC vaccine information
AAP vaccine info
Talk to pediatrician about concerns

Sick Visits

When to Call Doctor

Same-Day Visit Needed:

Fever over 100.4°F in infants under 3 months
High fever not responding to medication
Difficulty breathing
Severe pain
Signs of dehydration
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Rash with fever
Ear pain
Suspected infections

After-Hours Care:

Many offices have nurse advice line
After-hours phone service
Urgent care or ER if severe

Common Childhood Illnesses

Respiratory:

Colds and upper respiratory infections
Ear infections
Strep throat
Asthma episodes

Gastrointestinal:

Stomach flu
Vomiting and diarrhea
Constipation

Skin:

Rashes
Eczema
Infections

Emergency Care

When to Go to ER

Call 911 or Go to ER For:

Breathing difficulties
Severe injury
Loss of consciousness
Seizures
Severe allergic reaction
Poisoning or overdose
Head injury with concerning symptoms
Severe burns
Broken bone with deformity

After Hours

Options:

Pediatrician’s after-hours line
Urgent care centers
Emergency rooms
Telehealth services

Anne Arundel ER Options

AAMC Emergency: Main county hospital
Holy Cross: Glen Burnie location
MedStar: Various locations with ER

Developmental Milestones

Important Ages

6 months: Sits without support, babbling
9 months: Crawling, saying “mama/dada”
12 months: Walking, first words
18 months: Walking well, 10+ words
2 years: Running, 50+ words, 2-word phrases
3 years: Riding tricycle, 3-word sentences

Developmental Concerns

Signs to Discuss:

Not meeting expected milestones
Loss of skills
Significant delays
Unusual behaviors

What Happens:

Further evaluation
Possible referrals
Early intervention services
Speech therapy, occupational therapy

Early Intervention

Maryland Early Intervention:

Services for children under 3
Developmental delays
Physical therapy
Speech therapy
Occupational therapy
Family support

Contact: Maryland Department of Education Early Intervention

School Health Services

School Physicals

Requirements:

Sports physicals (annual)
School entry physicals
Some camps require physicals

Timing:

Schedule 4-6 weeks before needed
Many schools have clinics
Pediatrician can complete forms

School Health Forms

Common Forms:

Sports participation
School enrollment
Camp attendance
Travel requirements

What’s Included:

Medical history
Physical exam findings
Immunization records
Doctor signature

Mental Health for Children

Pediatric Mental Health

Signs to Watch:

Significant mood changes
Behavioral problems
School difficulties
Social withdrawal
Anxiety or depression signs

Resources:

Pediatric mental health providers
School counselors
Community mental health
Therapy for children

ADHD & Learning Issues

Evaluation:

Pediatrician can start evaluation
School testing available
Neuropsychological testing
Multiple professionals may assess

Treatment:

Medication if appropriate
Behavioral interventions
School accommodations
Therapy

Pediatric Dentistry

First Dental Visit

Timing: First tooth or first birthday
What Happens: Gentle exam, cleaning, fluoride
Establishing Care: Find pediatric dentist early

Dental Coverage

Medicaid: Covers children’s dental
Private Insurance: Varies by plan
County Programs: Some assistance available

Insurance for Children

Tricare

Military Families:

Comprehensive pediatric coverage
Network providers
Low or no copays
Vaccines covered

Finding Pediatrician:

Check Tricare network
Many pediatricians accept Tricare
Verify before enrolling

Medicaid

Eligibility:

Income-based
Children often qualify
Comprehensive coverage
No or low cost

Private Insurance

Through Parents:

Employer coverage
Marketplace plans
Check pediatric network
Verify coverage details

Special Needs Pediatric Care

Developmental Disabilities

Care Coordination:

Developmental pediatricians
Care coordinators
Multiple specialists
IEP services at school

Chronic Conditions

Examples:

Asthma
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Heart conditions

Specialist Care:

Disease-specific specialists
Care coordination
Emergency plans
School accommodations

Referrals

How to Get:

From pediatrician
Insurance may require referral
Some specialists accept self-referral
Insurance authorization may be needed

Tips for Parents

Choose carefully - Pediatrician relationship matters
Keep records - Maintain vaccine and health records
Ask questions - Don’t hesitate to ask about anything
Be honest - Share all concerns with pediatrician
Prepare for visits - Write questions ahead of time
Know after-hours - Understand how to reach help
Keep vaccinations current - Protect your child
Watch milestones - Address concerns early
Establish care early - Before baby arrives
Trust your instincts - You know your child best

Emergency Contacts

Pediatric Emergency: 911
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
Maryland Health Connection: 1-855-642-8027
AAMC Pediatric Emergency: 410-571-5000

For more pediatric info:

Official Government Resources

Anne Arundel County Government

Official County Website

Main County Site: www.aacounty.org
County Services: www.aacounty.org/departments
OpenData Portal: data.aacounty.org

Maryland State Government

Official State Portal

MD.gov: maryland.gov
State Departments: maryland.gov/agencies
State Services: maryland.gov/services

Last updated: May 2026