Well Child Checks: What to Know

A Well Child Check is a visit where a physician or pediatrician evaluates the overall health, development, and wellbeing of a child. These visits follow an age-appropriate schedule of screenings, assessments, and immunizations.

Your child’s visit schedule may vary based on their provider’s recommendations. Below is a general guide to a typical schedule Well Child Check schedule, from birth to 18 years of age.

Well Baby Visits: Birth to 2 Years

During the first two years, newborns and infants are closely monitored to track growth, weight, and overall development.

Recommended Schedule:

• Newborn Visits: 3-5 days post-hospital discharge, at 1.5 weeks, and at about 2.5 weeks
• Subsequent Visits: 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 21 months, and 24 months

Well Child Visits: 3 to 10 Years

From ages 3 to 10, annual Well Child Checks are recommended. These visits primarily focus on developmental screenings and immunizations, while topics such as injury prevention, safety, and nutrition may also be addressed.

Well Child Visits: 11 to 18 Years

From ages 11 to 18, annual Well Child Checks remain important for monitoring growth, addressing any health concerns, and supporting both physical and mental health.

These visits may include:

• Developmental screenings
• Immunizations
• Counseling on topics like nutrition, maintaining a healthy weight, tobacco and alcohol education, sexual health, and mental health assessments

Insurance and Billing

Before scheduling any services, it’s important to clarify your insurance benefits, deductibles, copays, and payment responsibilities. Contact your insurance provider directly to avoid any unexpected costs.

Note: Sports physicals are billed separately and are not included as part of a Well Child Check.

By staying up-to-date with Well Child Checks, you are prioritizing your child’s health and setting them up for a strong, healthy future. These visits offer essential support and guidance for each stage of your child’s growth.