Making the Most of Your Childs Well-Child Visit

Use this Time to Ask Questions or Address Any Concerns About Your Child’s Development

I know that when I go to the doctor’s office that I always forget what I want to ask the doctor about my baby’s growth. If you do have any questions for your child’s doctor, it is best to write them down either on a piece of paper or use the memo app on your smartphone. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you think that they might sound stupid. The only stupid question is the unasked one.

The well child visit is about making sure that your child remains healthy and to address any concerns that you might have.

My child’s doctor office often had a packet of questions that I had to fill out before he saw the doctor. This questionnaire was developed to ask parents about the development about your child. If you feel that your child has a developmental delay ask your child’s doctor. Remember that each child develops at different rates and your doctor will be able to determine if there are any developmental delays that are concerning.

Ask For a Referral for Specialist Visits for Any Ongoing Special Needs

If you have a special needs child, use this time to make sure any specialist referrals are up to date. Of course, if you don’t need a referral at the time of your child’s visit you can usually call to speak to the nurse to get a referral.

Medication Refills

If you child is taking medications on a daily basis, don’t forget to bring them with you to your child’s appointment. If you need refills, you can ask your doctor to refill any of your child’s medication especially if they use it sparingly like an inhaler. It is better to have medication on hand in case your child needs it. If you don’t have it on hand, it could lead to an sick appointment at your doctors office, urgent care, or emergency room.

Immunizations

According to Molina Health Care, you should get your child immunized to help protect them from getting sick. When I take my own child to their well visits, I always ask the nurse to make sure that my kids are up to date on their shot record especially school aged children because they can’t go to school if their shots aren’t up to date and it helps prevent last minute doctor visits to get the kids their shots. Don’t forget to bring your child’s shot record to your child’s appointment.

Don’t forget to get your child’s flu shot to prevent them from getting sick with the flu. The shot might not prevent your child from getting sick since there are so many different strands of flu each year but if they do get sick they usually get a milder case.

Physicals

As your child gets older and needs a physical to participate in sports, most of the time you can get your doctors office to fill out the paperwork during a well-child exam. It is a great way to make sure that your child is healthy and get their school forms filled out in one office visit. I love it when I can get two things accomplished in one doctor visit. Plus, as I mentioned earlier the insurance company will pay for a well child visit but they won’t cover a physical.