What happens at a well-child check?

Well visits are scheduled yearly with your provider. He/she will check your child’s physical and mental health and overall sense of well-being. Well-child checks are important parts of comprehensive pediatric care. More time is allotted for well-child checks than sick visits because there is more to be accomplished.

During a well-child check, our objectives are:

• the observation of growth and development,
• detection of illness by screening examinations,
• immunization maintenance,
• counseling and education of parents and children, and
• promotion of mental health.
  

This is a great time to discuss any concerns you might have about your child. Your provider can help you access many resources, such as other medical professionals, counselors (child and/or family) or tutors to name a few.

Click here to view the Well Child Visit & Immunization Chart

Click here to view and print Sports Physical Forms

How to prepare for a well-child check?

• Preparing for a well-check is simple. Before the visit, come up with a list of things you would like to discuss with your provider. Don’t be afraid to bring up a subject you are worried about. Talk to others around you who spend time with your child – teachers, grandparents, parents of peers, etc. They can help you identify any issues you might not have noticed.

Turn a Page. Touch a Mind.

We are excited to join the "Turn a Page. Touch a Mind" program of the Kansas Pediatric Foundation. Children ages newborn to 5 years will receive a book at each well child visit, and you will receive age-appropriate early literacy advice. TAP-TAM has distributed over one million books to Kansas kids since 2004!

Benefits of well-child checks

Prevention

Your child gets scheduled immunizations to prevent illness. You also can ask your provider about nutrition and safety in the home and at school.

Tracking growth and development

See how much your child has grown in the time since your last visit and talk with your doctor about your child’s development. You can discuss your child’s milestones, social behaviors, and learning.

Raising concerns

Make a list of topics you want to talk about with your child’s provider such as development, behavior, sleep, eating, or getting along with other family members. Bring your top three to five questions or concerns with you to discuss at the start of the visit.

Team approach

Regular visits create strong, trustworthy relationships among pediatricians, parents, and children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends well-child visits as a way for providers and parents to serve the needs of children. This team approach helps develop optimal physical, mental, and social health of a child.

Insurance

Most well-child checks are completely covered by health insurance carriers. Please check with your insurance carrier to make sure of your benefits. Often there can be patient financial incentives by insurance to have well-child checks done.