Pediatric services
Well-Child Visits
Preventive visits at set ages that track your child's growth, development and health from infancy through the teen years.
Well-child visits are preventive visits scheduled at specific ages, from the first days of life through the teen years. They are different from sick visits: we check growth and development, give the vaccines due at that age, do recommended screenings and make time for your questions. The AAP recommends many visits in the first years, then one every year starting at age 3.
Who it's for
Every patient, from newborn to age 26. Following the American Academy of Pediatrics' Bright Futures schedule, visits are usually at 3–5 days, by 1 month, and at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24 and 30 months, then at 3 years and once a year after that.
What happens at the visit
- Height, weight and (for young children) head size, plotted on growth charts
- A full physical exam
- Development and behavior: movement, speech, learning and social skills
- Vaccines that are due
- Fluoride varnish on the teeth for babies and young children, to help prevent cavities
- Vision, hearing and other screenings recommended for your child's age, including developmental and autism questionnaires for young children (ASQ, M-CHAT-R/F) and a yearly depression questionnaire for teens from age 12 (PHQ-2/PHQ-9)
- Nutrition, sleep, safety and school questions; for teens, private time to talk
How to prepare
- Bring the insurance card and any forms for school, daycare or camp.
- Bring the vaccine record if your child had shots somewhere else.
- Write down questions and any changes since the last visit.
When to contact the office
Call if your child is due or overdue for a well-child visit, needs a form filled out, or you have a concern about growth, behavior or development that can't wait until the next visit.
Our approach
Seeing your child at regular well-child visits over the years makes it easier to notice changes in growth or development early.
Insurance
Coverage depends on your child's plan. See our insurance page and check your child's benefits with your insurer.
Frequently asked questions
How often does my child need a well-child visit?
About 11 visits between birth and 30 months, then once a year from age 3. See the schedule above.
Can a well-child visit count as a school physical?
Often, yes. Bring the school's form to the visit. See school and sports physicals.
Will my child get vaccines at a well-child visit?
If any are due, yes. We'll review the schedule with you. See vaccinations.
Are well-child visits covered by insurance?
Most plans cover well-child visits as preventive care, often with no copay. Ask your insurer about your plan.
Related
Sources for parents
Schedule a well-child visit
Call the office to book.