By: Shanna McGinnis, MD, FAAP
A lthough summer is a great time for fun in the sun and family vacations, it is also an ideal time to schedule a check-up with your child’s doctor. Below are a list of frequently asked questions regarding routine check-ups. Get informed and determine if you should schedule a check-up for your kids this summer.
What is a check-up?
Also known as an annual physical, routine exam, health maintenance visit, or well-child visit, a check-up is a visit with a doctor or other qualified provider where the provider reviews the medical history, performs age-appropriate health screenings, and updates immunizations as needed. In addition, growth and development are monitored and discussed. It provides an opportunity for patients and parents to ask questions about any concerns regarding the patient’s health and well-being.
How often should my child have a check-up?
In general, check-ups should be done once per year. During the first 2 years of life, check-ups are performed more frequently. After the initial discharge from the hospital, newborns are typically seen during the first week of life. After that, there are regular exams at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months. Other visits are scheduled on an as needed basis if there are any concerns regarding growth or development. During the second year of life, check-ups are done at 15, 18, and 24 months.
Can we just do a check-up during our next sick visit?
For the sake of convenience, some parents prefer to have their child’s annual physical done when they are in the office for another reason. For example, your child is in the office during the winter due to fever and flu-like symptoms. The receptionist asks you to update some demographic and insurance information because it has been over one year since your child has been seen in the office. You ask if the doctor can go ahead and complete your child’s annual physical since you are there anyway. You are a busy mom and it will save you a trip later.
Unfortunately, the “killing two birds with one stone” philosophy does not work well in this scenario. Most physicians allow more time for a check-up visit than for a sick visit. That is not to say a patient cannot discuss an acute medical issue during their check-up visit; however, since more time is available for check-up visits, it allows your doctor to ensure that all of the important objectives are covered.
Is there any special paperwork needed for school?
According to the Kentucky Department of Education website, students who attend public or private primary or secondary schools or preschool programs must have an official immunization form on file at their school. This should be done within two weeks of their attendance. Additionally, students who are entering a Kentucky public school for the first time or starting 6th grade must have an exam within one year of starting school as well as a Kentucky Preventative Health Care Examination Form completed by a qualified provider.
If your child is in one of those categories, but had a check-up within 12 months of the start of school, they do not necessarily need another check-up. They simply need to have the form completed. If you are moving from another state, regardless of what grade your child is in, they need to have a form completed as well. There are also requirements for dental and vision screenings. It is in your best interest to schedule your appointments and get your forms completed early rather than at crunch time.
Uh-oh! School starts in 3 days and our doctor cannot get us in for a check-up visit for 2 weeks. Can we go to a convenient care for a check-up?
Although the providers at convenient cares are qualified to perform a physical and complete your school forms, their primary role is to treat patients for acute illnesses after hours. There is an emerging concept in medicine called a “medical home.” It describes an approach where a primary care provider gives ongoing care to patients that is family-centered and built on mutual responsibility and trust. It is difficult for a provider who you have only met once to accomplish this goal. From a practical standpoint, they may not have access to your past records or be able to provide immunizations in a convenient care setting.
Should I do anything to prepare for my child’s check-up?
Write down a list of questions or concerns you may have. If you have an older child, let them make a list as well. This will not only help start a dialogue, but will help you make the most of the time you have with your doctor. Also, make sure to arrive on-time or even a few minutes early in case you need to fill out paperwork or update information.