Well child visits (or physicals) are important, even when children are healthy. Well child check-ups will help to keep your child healthy. Your child’s pediatrician will evaluate his or hers general health, growth and development. Your child’s pediatrician will also give you information and give your child needed medical services, such as:
- Health exams
- Tests, such as vision, hearing and lab services
- Shots (vaccinations)
- Tracking growth and development
- Medical referrals to specialists, if needed
With the help of regular well child visits, your child’s pediatrician can often detect and address health problems before they become more serious. Your pediatrician will review your child’s health and family history. Well child visits let you and your child get to know the provider and the provider can get to know you and your child. Ask your questions…these visits are the time to ask and receive information about:
- Health and safety
- Nutrition and diet
- Physical fitness and general health care
- Sleep habits
- Growth and development
- Behavior and discipline
- Problems such as emotional, socialization, learning, or concerns about family problems or about puberty and teenage years
It is important to have a primary care provider and to use the same provider as much as possible for your child’s health care needs. Our providers:
- Help you get care for your child
- Provide care when your child is sick
- Know your child’s medical history and the family history
- Keep track of your child’s medical services, such as immunizations (shots)
- Can give you important information about your child’s growth and development
- Refer your child to a specialist when needed
- Help to coordinate your child’s health needs
An exam when your child is sick focuses on the illness or problem, and your provider will not likely have as much time to do a full exam. Your child will get a complete exam at the well child visit. Make your appointment right away!
