Depending on the illness, you are most likely to take your child to the doctor when they are sick. Recognize that the exam at that appointment focuses on your child’s’ specific illness or problem. As such your doctor doesn’t have time to complete a full exam.
Well-child visits are when you and your doctor have the opportunity to evaluate your child’s ongoing growth, development and overall health. These appointments also help your child become more comfortable with their doctor, and it’s the perfect time for you and the pediatrician to ask questions and communicate important information.
Along with a complete physical exam including height and weight, each visit may include:
- Tests, such as vision, hearing and lab services
- Shots (vaccinations)
- Lead screening (children under 3 years or as needed for older children)
- Tracking growth and development
- Providing you with information about normal development, nutrition, sleep, safety and diseases that are “going around.”
- Medical referrals to specialists, if needed
(By the way well-baby visits include all these areas as well as head circumference.)
Bring Your Questions
Well-child visits are key times to talk with your doctor. Before your visit, write down and bring with your questions and concerns.
As you can tell, well child visits help you as a parent stay in touch with your child’s’ healthcare needs. Preventive care can also keep your kids healthy. With regular well child visits, your doctor can often detect and address health problems before they become more serious.
Contact Us (859-525-8181) if you have any questions!
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About Pediatrics of Florence
We believe that children are more than just “little adults.” They have unique personalities, challenges, and life circumstances and we have made every effort to make our offices and care as “kid friendly” as possible. We have an aquatic theme in the waiting rooms (separated for sick and well children) as well as themed examination rooms. All of our physicians are Board Certified Pediatricians and members of the American Academy of Pediatrics and our nurse practitioners are all licensed Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and are available to see both well and sick children.
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