Well Child Exams

Why are well-child exams important?

Well-child exams are the cornerstone of preventive care. These visits keep track of your child’s development and identify possible health issues while treatment is most effective.

Routine well-child exams performed at Northern Virginia Internal Medicine and Pediatrics follow American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines. 

How often should my child have a well-child exam?

Until your child reaches the age of 2, they come to visit the office every few months. After age two, providers recommend your child have a yearly well-child exam. Some children with health concerns, like asthma or diabetes, may require more frequent visits. 

What can I expect during a well-child exam?

What happens at a well-child exam depends on their age and health status. The exam begins with a review of their health and a detailed account of any concerns you have or symptoms your child is experiencing. This is also the time to raise any questions about your child’s behaviors or development.

A nurse records the following information about your child:

• Height
• Weight
• Body temperature
• Blood pressure (older children)
• Oxygen saturation
  
  

Your child undergoes a thorough physical exam at which the doctor evaluates their general skin health and feels their abdomen for signs of swelling or other internal issues. The team also provides age-appropriate vision and hearing screenings. 

The team screens younger children for behavioral conditions or developmental disorders, including learning disabilities and autism. They offer dietary, exercise, and general safety recommendations like wearing a helmet during biking and a seatbelt or car seat in vehicles.

Well-child exams are a time for your child to get necessary vaccines to protect them from serious contagious diseases, like measles, polio, and chickenpox.

The providers at Northern Virginia Internal Medicine and Pediatrics provide you with a comprehensive vaccination schedule, so you know what to expect at each visit. 

How do well-child exams change if my child has a health condition?

Children with a chronic disease or illness may require more frequent exams to evaluate the effectiveness of their treatment plan and progression of the disease. They may need specific diagnostic testing, like regular blood tests or spirometry, to measure lung capacity. 

If your child sees a specialist for their condition, the Northern Virginia Internal Medicine and Pediatrics team coordinates care and manages any medication prescriptions.

Schedule your child’s well-child exam today. Call the office of Northern Virginia Internal Medicine and Pediatrics or book an appointment online today.