Well Child Exam Specialist

Why should I schedule a well-child exam?

Well-child exams are an important part of preventive health care for children of all ages. These visits are necessary even when your child isn’t sick, as they allow your pediatrician the opportunity to monitor your child’s health from one visit to the next. 

There are health conditions that can develop in childhood. Through well-child exams, your pediatrician can identify early warning signs of underlying health problems to prevent long-term complications. The medical team can also evaluate how your child is growing and developing on a regular basis.

You should schedule well-child exams with the team at Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics regularly based on your child’s age and your pediatrician’s recommendation. 

What is involved in a well-child exam?

Well-child exams for children start soon after birth and should continue into their teenage years. During each evaluation, your provider takes the time to discuss your child’s overall health, as well as their behaviors at home, school and in social situations. They also review your child’s personal and family medical history to identify any potential concerns that need to be monitored.

Each well-child exam also includes a physical where your pediatrician checks your child’s skin health, tests their reflexes, and checks their abdomen for signs of swelling or pain. Your Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics provider also notes important information about your child’s:

• Height
• Weight
• Lung function
• Heart rate
• Blood pressure
• Vision and hearing
  
  

If your child has a chronic health issue, your provider can review the effectiveness of current treatments and ensure the condition is well-managed. 

Well-child exams are also the ideal time for your child to receive necessary vaccinations to protect against contagious diseases, like mumps, measles, and chickenpox. 

The Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics staff also offers medically supervised ear piercing to reduce risk factors for infection.

How often does my child need a well-child exam?

The Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics team recommends that newborns and infants receive a well-baby checkup every 2-3 months until they reach age two. Routine visits then continue annually throughout childhood and into adolescence. 

If your child has a chronic health issue such as asthma or diabetes, your pediatric specialist may recommend checkups in between well visits to monitor your child’s overall health and their existing treatments. 

To learn more about the benefits of well-child exams or to schedule one for your child, call Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics today or request an appointment online now.