Well child visits are incredibly important in promoting the physical, mental, and social health of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Regular well child visits help parents, children and physicians:
- Identify and address concerns of parents and patients
- Identify and address possible concerns in the child's environment that may affect parenting and the child's well-being
- Identify and address developmental, behavioral, and health concerns that are identified through measurements, screens, tests, history, and physical examination at the visit
- Follow up on prior concerns and ongoing conditions
- Provide information, guidance and resources
The most important purpose is developing a trusting, caring relationship between parents, children, and their health care team.
What happens at a well child appointment?
- Based on your child's age, we may perform screening tests, such as blood tests or hearing and vision tests, to look for potential problems
- Your child's growth and vital signs will be obtained and evaluated
- Your provider will perform a thorough history and physical examination
- Any concerns identified through the above processes will be addressed
- A personalized plan of care and follow-up will be created between you and your child's health care provider
Please plan for 60-90 minutes at our office for each well child visit. Patients age 18 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Well child visits are scheduled to take place at the following ages:
- Birth (1-3 days after discharge from the hospital)
- 2 weeks to 4 weeks
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
- 14 months
- 18 months
- 24 months
- 30 months
- 3 years
- Yearly from 4-21 years
Well child visits are often also scheduled to comply with school and/or sports physical requirements for school-aged children. Visit our frequently requested forms section to download copies of school/sports physical forms.