what is a well-child exam?
A well-child exam is a health checkup that ensures your child is developing properly and isn't experiencing any underlying medical conditions. Children grow rapidly and undergo so much change, from the time they are born through early adulthood. This is why it's so important to keep up with routine pediatric and preventive care with your doctor. Family practitioner Dr. Priti Ranjan can discuss how often you should bring your child in for a wellness exam and set up an appointment schedule, depending on their age and overall health. Nest Family Medicine in Plano, TX takes great pride in providing high-quality pediatric care so your child can grow up healthy and strong.
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What does a well-child exam consist of?
A well-child exam will vary, depending on the age and specific health needs of your child. Generally, it includes a physical exam and a series of diagnostic tests that focus on the following objectives:
- General wellness: documents vitals, height, weight, vision, hearing, and blood pressure
- Prevention: discussing nutrition, physical fitness, immunizations, and safety at school
- Tracking growth and development: reviewing growth patterns, milestones, social behaviors, and learning
- Health concerns: assessing sleep, eating, emotional issues, medical emergencies, and how to handle sudden illness
Another main goal of ours at Nest Family Medicine is to ensure a positive and trustworthy relationship with you and your child. Our team will do our best to perform tests gently and quickly. Your child's comfort and safety are our top priority, and we work diligently to promote a welcoming and fun experience during these checkups.
Well-Child Exams FAQ
What is included in a well-child exam?
A well-child exam can include any number of examinations, though it usually involves testing blood pressure levels, vision, and hearing. Additionally, we may listen to the lungs and feel the abdomen. Throughout the exam, we are constantly looking for signs of conditions, such as anemia, lead exposure, and tuberculosis.
At what age should I take my child to a well-child exam?
Children will need multiple well-child exams throughout their first few years of life. We recommend parents schedule well-child exams at the following ages:
- 2 weeks
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 1 year
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 2 years
- 2.5 years
- 3 years
- 4 years
- 5 years
Are well-child exams covered by insurance?
In most cases, well-child exams are completely covered by medical insurance. However, it's important to always be in touch with your insurance provider to ensure what exactly your plan entails.
what to do After your child's physical
If any alarming issues are discovered during your child's wellness exam, additional tests may be necessary and appropriate treatment measures will be discussed. While Dr. Ranjan is an expert medical professional, we understand that you are an expert on your child. You know them best, and we encourage parents to ask questions and raise any concerns they have regarding their child's health, mental, and social well-being.
how to schedule your well-child exam
Well-child exams help monitor the health of your child, from infancy on through adolescence. They can identify any physical, mental, and social concerns early on and aid in preventing serious illnesses. Keeping up with these assessments and building a good relationship with your primary care physician is essential for promoting the long-term health of your kids. Contact Nest Family Medicine in Plano, TX today to book your child's wellness exam. Our office accepts a large number of insurance plans, including Medicaid.