Well Child Checks are important to maintaining your child’s health. A Well Child Check (WCC) is a preventative and regularly scheduled checkup for children that begins at birth and lasts through the 18 years old. WCC visits are done by Pediatricians and Family Medicine providers every few months for children under two years of age and annually for older kids.
Each appointment is on average 20 minutes and includes the standard height and weight checks, developmental age milestone screening, and other screening tests that are needed. Your provider will also go over any concerns you may have along with the child’s growth charts, screening tests, age milestones, and a full physical exam.
Dr. Varsha Raghavan, DO shares a list of reasons why Well Child Checks are important below.
- Monitoring growth and development
- Getting vaccinations updated in a timely manner based on CDC immunization schedule
- Screening tests for vision and hearing
- Screening for autism starting at 18 months and addressing other behavioral concerns such as ADHD.
- Screening for anemia and high lead in kids ages 1-5 years old
- Screening and counselling for mental health concerns, substance use, STD’s and other safety concerns in adolescents
- Access to behavioral health and nutrition services if needed
Dr. Raghavan also shares that during Well Child Check visits, parents can address other health concerns and requests such as sports physicals, vaccine and dental hygiene counseling, school paperwork, and behavioral health concerns. Each visit includes access to help with health insurance (if needed), interpreter services, and providers who can see children with complex needs.
To speak to a HealthPoint provider about your child’s health, schedule an appointment with your local HealthPoint clinic.