What Are Paediatricians?
This guide explains what paediatricians do, when children need specialist care, and how referrals, costs, and choosing the right paediatrician work.
Written by: Dr Vivek Akkera, Paediatrician, MBBS, MD, FRACP
Published: 30 December 2025
What Are Paediatricians?
Paediatricians are doctors who specialise in the health and development of children, from newborn babies through to adolescents up to around 18 years of age. Unlike general practitioners (GPs) who care for patients of all ages, paediatricians focus exclusively on children’s healthcare, giving them deep expertise in childhood growth, development, and the unique medical needs of young people.
Families are often referred to a paediatrician when concerns arise that need specialist assessment or ongoing management. This article explains what paediatricians do, when you might need to see one, how referrals and costs work, and how to choose the right paediatrician for your child.
What Do Paediatricians Do?
Paediatricians provide specialist medical care tailored to the developmental stages and specific health needs of children. They assess, diagnose, and manage a wide range of childhood conditions, from common illnesses to complex or chronic health concerns. Their training gives them a detailed understanding of how children grow, learn, and develop, both physically and emotionally.
A paediatrician’s role often includes:
- Growth and developmental assessments to track milestones and identify concerns early
- Diagnosis and management of acute and chronic childhood illnesses
- Behavioural and developmental concerns, such as attention or learning difficulties
- Autism spectrum disorder assessments and ongoing developmental support
- Feeding difficulties, sleep problems, and growth concerns in infants and children
- Ongoing care for children with complex or long-term medical conditions
- Collaboration with allied health professionals like speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and psychologists
Paediatricians take a whole-child approach, considering not just physical health but also emotional wellbeing, family circumstances, and developmental progress. They work closely with GPs and other health professionals to coordinate care and ensure children receive the support they need.
How Do Doctors Become Paediatricians?
Becoming a paediatrician requires years of specialist training beyond a general medical degree. After completing medical school, doctors undertake extensive postgraduate training in paediatrics, including hospital-based rotations, supervised clinical practice, and specialist exams. This training is overseen by organisations like the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), which sets rigorous standards for specialist accreditation.
The pathway to becoming a paediatrician typically takes at least six additional years after medical school, meaning paediatricians bring over a decade of study and hands-on experience to their work. This depth of training ensures they have the knowledge and skills to manage the full spectrum of children’s health concerns, from everyday childhood illnesses to rare and complex conditions.
When Should You See a Paediatrician?
Families are often referred to a paediatrician when health or developmental concerns are ongoing, complex, or require specialist input. Your GP may suggest a referral if symptoms persist despite initial treatment, if your child’s development raises questions, or if a more detailed assessment would be helpful.
Developmental Delays
Children who aren't meeting expected milestones in speech, motor skills, or social interaction may benefit from specialist assessment.
Behavioural Concerns
Learning difficulties, attention problems, or persistent behavioural challenges often require paediatric evaluation and support.
Feeding and Growth
Poor weight gain, feeding difficulties, or concerns about your child's growth pattern warrant specialist review.
Recurrent Illnesses
Unexplained or frequently recurring illnesses that don't respond to usual treatment may need further investigation.
Autism Assessments
Families seeking a formal developmental assessment or concerned about autism spectrum disorder are often referred to paediatricians.
Chronic Conditions
Long-term conditions like asthma, allergies, or eczema often need specialist management and monitoring.
How to Choose a Paediatrician
Choosing a paediatrician often comes down to finding someone who has experience with your child’s specific age or concern, communicates in a way that works for your family, and fits into your practical needs. Some paediatricians specialise in areas like behavioural health, newborn care, or chronic conditions, while others offer broad general paediatric services.
When considering a paediatrician, you might think about:
- Their experience with your child's age group or health concern
- How they communicate and whether you feel comfortable asking questions
- Their approach to working with GPs, allied health professionals, and families
- The location of their clinic and how accessible it is for your family
Finding a paediatrician close to home can make regular appointments and follow-up care much easier to manage. Local clinics also tend to have established relationships with nearby allied health services, which can streamline coordinated care.
Ultimately, the right paediatrician is someone you trust, who listens to your concerns, and who takes the time to explain what’s happening with your child in a way that makes sense to you.
Do You Need a Referral to See a Paediatrician?
In Australia, you generally need a referral from your GP to see a paediatrician if you want to access Medicare rebates. A GP referral is valid for 12 months from the date it’s written, unless your GP specifies a shorter period. During that time, you can attend multiple appointments with the same paediatrician without needing a new referral.
It is possible to see a paediatrician without a referral, but you won’t be eligible for Medicare rebates, meaning you’ll pay the full consultation fee out of pocket. For this reason, most families start by speaking with their GP, who can provide a referral and help coordinate care between your child’s healthcare providers.
Your GP plays an important role in your child’s overall healthcare. They receive reports from the paediatrician after each visit, ensuring everyone involved in your child’s care is informed and working together.
How Much Does It Cost to See a Paediatrician?
The cost of seeing a paediatrician in Australia varies depending on the type of appointment and the complexity of your child’s needs. With a valid GP referral, you’re entitled to a Medicare rebate, which covers a portion of the consultation fee based on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).
Out-of-pocket costs vary between clinics and paediatricians. Initial consultations typically cost more than follow-up appointments, and some clinics bulk-bill certain patients. It’s worth asking about fees when booking so you know what to expect.
Summary
Paediatricians are specialist doctors trained to care for children from birth through adolescence, offering expertise in childhood health, growth, and development. Families often see a paediatrician when concerns are ongoing, complex, or need specialist input, and many find reassurance in having a doctor who focuses entirely on children’s wellbeing.
If you have concerns about your child’s health or development, speaking with your GP is a helpful first step. They can discuss whether a paediatrician referral might be useful and guide you towards the right support for your family.
About Dr Vivek Akkera
Dr Vivek Akkera is a Consultant General Paediatrician and Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP), with over 16 years of clinical experience in paediatric care across India, the United Kingdom, and Australia. He has worked extensively within the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, managing a broad range of general paediatric, neonatal, and developmental presentations. Dr Akkera has a particular clinical interest in neonatology, developmental and behavioural paediatrics, and autism assessment, and holds specialised training in ADOS-2. His practice focuses on evidence-based care tailored to the individual needs of children and families.