Richard Merkler, MD, FAAP, provides thorough, understanding newborn care and well-baby visits at his Midtown West in Manhattan, New York City practice. By listening to each parent’s experiences and concerns and taking the time required to investigate, respond, and reassure, he builds confidence in new parents and ensures top-of-the-line care for newborn patients.
Quite simply put, a well-baby visit is a check-up for infants. These important appointments allow the pediatrician to monitor baby’s health and wellness when it is critically important, as well as identify potential problems and intervene early. Well-baby visits also ensure vaccines are administered according to the recommended schedule.
Well-baby visits are recommended 1-2 weeks after birth and then at 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 9 months old. Additionally, office visits can be scheduled any time parents are concerned about the child’s health or wellness.
During a well-baby visit, the Dr. Merkler and his team:
Almost all insurance policies cover well-baby visits. Parents who are unsure can call member services at their insurance provider to find out more about their coverage and personal responsibility.
Well-baby visits are an opportunity for Dr. Merkler to evaluate newborns for problems at a critical time in their development. When developmental delays or health problems are caught early, intervention can be taken and the chance of positive outcomes improve. An important aspect of well-baby care is parental education, which assists parents in providing adequate nutrition, learning opportunities, and caring for their children, as well as teaching parents how to identify signs and symptoms of a problem.
Parents can prepare for well-baby visits by:
The best step parents can take is to familiarize themselves with the well-baby schedule and show up for all scheduled appointments.
We accept the majority of health insurance plans. Please contact our office if you do not see yours listed or have any other questions.
"My children have been seeing Dr. Merkler for 4 yrs now. He have an easy going attitude, speaks softly, and the office decor makes my kids feel comfortable"
"Warm, caring, patient, calm are all words that describe Dr. Merkler. We love our pediatrician. His gentle manner put me at ease as a new mother"
"Dr. Merkler is the best doctor I have ever encountered in our life. He is accurate, prompt, kind, compassionate and also very thorough"
"I love Dr. Merkler! He's so nice, so attentive, doesn't make you feel like he's rushing through your appointment, and answers questions thoroughly."
"Lovely, soft-spoken pediatrician who takes time to talk to you and your child. Old-fashioned in the best possible sense."
"Dr. Merkler has special qualities - focus combined with caring and amazing communication ability. He is everything a doctor should be!!!"
