Well visits are important to the overall health of your child. They should be part of a regular “medical home” routine. A medical home is not a specific place, but a concept that incorporates interdisciplinary care to monitor the health of your child. Essentially, a medical home is where all doctors, family members, and medical facilities are on the same page. Well visits are just a small component of this approach.
How Does a Pediatrician Fit Into the Medical Home?
With this approach, your pediatrician will help you monitor your child’s health and provide ongoing care. He or she will help you access and coordinate other healthcare services and educational services when necessary. You can also get help if you’re in need of family support or other nonmedical services.
What Happens at a Well Visit?
Well visits are scheduled yearly with your pediatrician. The pediatrician will check your child’s physical and mental health and overall sense of well-being. Well child checkups are important parts of comprehensive pediatric care. More time is allotted for well child visits than sick visits because there is more to be accomplished.
During a well child visit, our objectives are
- the observation of growth and development
- detection of illness by screening examinations
- immunization maintenance
- counseling and education of parents and children
- promotion of mental health
Well child visits and immunizations are vital to achieve and maintain the physical and emotional well-being of the children under our care.
This is a great time to discuss any concerns you might have about your child. If he or she isn’t doing well academically, socially, or if there are problems in the family, this is an excellent time to reach out for help. Your pediatrician can help you access many resources, such as other medical professionals, counselors (child and/or family) or tutors to name a few.
How to Prepare for a Well Visit
Preparing for a well visit is simple. Before the visit, come up with a list of things you would like to discuss with the pediatrician. Don’t be afraid to bring up a subject you may be 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.
Your pediatrician will offer advice or set up appointments with specialists and help you find other services. A medical home depends on teamwork, and your pediatrician is an important part of that team. As the saying goes: “It takes a village to raise a child.”
To learn more or to schedule a well visit, contact Green Hills Pediatric Associates.
The information and content on our website should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or advice from your doctor.
