There are different types of well child visits. First of all the term well child is used to describe any visit that takes place during the period of a child’s life from birth to the age of two. It can be called a well-child visit when a doctor wants to check on the health of the child and it concerns the safety of the baby. The term well child visit is also used in the United States of America for non-medical screening of a newborn baby. Well, visits can also be referred to as well child visits to family doctors and other health professionals for the purposes of evaluating a health issue that requires further evaluation and assessment.
Usually parents encourage their children to visit their pediatricians and receive regular well visits. This helps both children and their parents understand the importance of having regular well checks and screenings. Children can be encouraged to ask questions about their well-being, health, and development. If the child is not happy with his or her health or the way that he or she is developing there could be possible problems which could be hazardous if not properly diagnosed and cared for. The best way to encourage a healthy self-image is to make sure that your child feels confident about his or her own health and the state of his or her development.
A well child visit can include many different aspects of a regular health screening visit. Interviews may be done with the child and/or parents to learn more about the child’s health history, any concerns he or she has and what the child needs to be doing at this young age. An initial physical is usually scheduled for the purpose of determining how the child is progressing physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. The physical may include blood tests, urine tests, x-rays, and stool samples. The results of the physical exam will help the physician evaluate the child’s health and determine what care the child needs to be receiving and which treatments might be helpful.
In some cases the doctor will schedule a well child visit as part of a routine physical examination for another reason. If a problem or concern is detected during the visit it will allow the physician and the parents to work out a solution together to address the issue before it becomes a more serious health concern. Once a child has had a well visit his or her parent(s) can be encouraged to take the child to the doctor regularly for checkups. This will also allow the doctor to catch any potential problems early enough to begin proper treatment before the issue becomes a more serious concern. It will also allow the parents to better understand their child’s reactions to various medical issues and the need for ongoing medical care and attention.
A well child visit is most effective when it includes the parent and the child in the same room. It allows the child to see and hear the doctor and parent and give them time to work out a plan for care. It gives the parents an opportunity to build a support system for the child. The visits give the well child time to get used to his or her new surroundings and become accustomed to the staff and the office environment. This also allows the parents to see if the child is settling into his new environment.
Well, visits should be planned ahead of time. It will allow the family to make plans that will include the amount of time the visits will take and what days the visits will take place. It will also allow the family to set up expectations with the staff and doctor and to have a discussion about any conditions or symptoms that need to be addressed. It will also provide the parents with a timeline outlining when various aspects of care will occur. Such details as bedtime, lunch, light activities, etc., can be discussed and planned in advance.