A well visit involves more than simply checking your child’s weight and height. Pediatric well-child visits play an integral role in maintaining your child’s health. At Vickery Pediatrics, checkups at our Cumming pediatric clinic include growth assessments, developmental screenings and age-specific health guidance.
During these visits, parents also have the opportunity to discuss any concerns about their child’s health with our pediatric primary care doctor. Understanding what to expect during these visits can help you make the most of your child’s next appointment.
What to Expect During a Well-Child Visit
If your child is due for a well-child visit, you may be wondering what your pediatrician will be assessing at that time. It’s completely normal to have questions, and knowing what will happen during the appointment can help put your mind at ease. Checkups depend on your child’s age and specific needs and will vary a bit. Use the basic overview below to learn what a pediatric primary care doctor will check during a well visit.
Height, Weight and Growth
Your child’s growth is one of the first things a pediatrician will check during a well visit. In addition to height and weight, other measurements and growth patterns may also be assessed. For example, the head circumference of infants and younger children may be measured, while the body mass index (BMI) of children 2 and over may be calculated. For older children and teens, physical changes related to puberty may also be assessed.
Keeping track of these measurements over time allows your pediatrician at Vickery Pediatrics to gain a better understanding of your child’s overall growth and development.
Developmental Milestones
Developmental progress is another important component of a pediatric well visit. While every child is different and reaches developmental milestones at their own pace, your pediatrician will check to make sure that your child is progressing as expected.
Language, movement, gross and fine motor skills, cognition and social interaction are just some examples of the developmental milestones that may be assessed. You’ll likely be asked questions about the behaviors and milestones you’ve observed, and whether you’ve noticed any concerns or changes since your last visit.
Checking developmental milestones helps your pediatrician monitor your child’s progress and helps determine if they’re on track for their age.
Vision, Hearing and Other Screenings
Well-child visits can also include basic screenings to identify concerns that could affect your child’s health. Vision and hearing are vital to your child’s overall condition, so your pediatrician may examine both during a checkup. Depending on your child’s age and individual needs, additional screenings may also be recommended, such as blood pressure and behavioral assessments.
By performing these screenings, your pediatric primary care doctor can uncover potential concerns early-on and determine if further evaluation is needed.
Overall Physical Health
Typically, a well-child visit also includes a comprehensive physical exam. A pediatric primary care doctor may listen to your child’s heart and lungs, examine their ears, nose and throat, and assess their eyes, abdomen and skin.
The specifics of the physical exam vary based on your child’s age, health history, and any observations or potential concerns you may have. During infant and toddler well visits, for example, additional assessments may be conducted to monitor early growth and development.
A physical exam allows your pediatrician to establish what is normal for your child, and monitor their health as they grow.
Contact Our Cumming Pediatric Clinic Today
Regular well-child visits help you stay aware of your child’s overall health and well-being at every stage of development. At Vickery Pediatrics we’re proud to provide families in Cumming, GA with comprehensive, personalized pediatric care in a welcoming, supportive environment. Call (678) 990-2501 or schedule an appointment today.
