As a parent, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to keep your child healthy and happy. One of the best things you can do for your child’s overall health and well-being is to establish a relationship with a primary care provider and visit them annually.

Why is it important to have a primary care provider?

A primary care provider is a medical professional who is trained to provide comprehensive and ongoing healthcare for patients of all ages. They can help you manage your child’s overall health, and provide personalized care tailored to your child’s individual needs.  By establishing a relationship with a primary care provider, you can build a level of trust and familiarity that can help you feel more comfortable asking questions and discussing concerns. They can also help you navigate any medical issues that may arise, and help you stay on top of your child’s health by monitoring their growth and development and recommending appropriate health screenings.

What happens during an annual visit?

Regular well-child visits with a primary care physician are essential for the overall health and well-being of your child. During these visits, your child will receive a comprehensive physical examination, which includes measuring their height and weight, checking their heart rate and blood pressure, and looking for any signs of physical or developmental issues. The physician will also assess your child’s growth and development, and provide guidance on how to support it. These check-ups provide an opportunity for you to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about your child’s health and receive advice on how to maintain or improve their overall well-being. For example, you can ask the physician about the best ways to address specific behaviors or concerns, such as difficulty sleeping or picky eating.  Additionally, well-child visits are a good time for your child to receive their vaccinations, which can protect them from serious and potentially deadly diseases. By keeping your child up-to-date on their vaccinations, you can ensure that they are protected against serious illnesses and are less likely to spread them to others.

 

Many families choose not to schedule annual visits and only visit their primary care physician when they are sick or a health crisis arises.    We strongly encourage families to schedule annual visits as a preventative measure. Annual visits allow for early detection and intervention of potential health issues.    By regularly monitoring a child’s health, the doctor can identify and address any problems early on, before they become more serious. This can help prevent long-term health complications and improve the overall quality of life for the child. These appointments allow for regular monitoring of your child’s growth and development, including height, weight, and head circumference, as well as the development of their motor skills, speech, and social behavior. Your child’s doctor can also check for any signs of chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes, and provide any necessary treatment or referrals. Overall, annual doctor visits are an important part of keeping your child healthy and ensuring that any potential health problems are caught and addressed early on.   Your doctor can provide advice and recommendations for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, addressing specific behaviors or concerns, and identifying any potential health risks.

Do you feel overwhelmed at your children’s annual doctor visits?   Visit the handouts section of the Hub for a full list of questions you should ask at your annual appointment.   Please remember that annual well-child visits with a primary care physician are crucial for maintaining your child’s overall health and well-being and provide a valuable opportunity for parents to stay informed about their child’s health, address any concerns, and take proactive steps to support their child’s growth and development. Overall, annual doctor visits can help ensure that any health concerns are identified and addressed in a timely manner.