Well Child Visits Matter

Generally, no one disputes that there is value in seeing the doctor when your children are sick. It can be harder to understand the value of a clinic visit when your children seem well.  I understand this way of thinking but I am hoping to shed some light on why as a provider I would argue that well child visits are one of the best investments you can make for your child.

The idea of a medical home was first developed back in 1967 by the American Academy of Pediatrics and was advocated for by Dr. Calvin Sia. However, it wasn’t until 1992 that the AAP established the principles of providing care that is accessible, continuous, comprehensive, family-centered, coordinated, compassionate, and based on trusting relationships. The goal of this model of care is to have better access to your provider, to achieve better health outcomes, and to be more satisfied with the care that you receive.

The goal of our clinic is to be a valuable asset for your family. Having a relationship with you and your family makes it easier to quickly spot changes in your child, warning signs become more obvious, targeting treatment to your child is possible, and better outcomes are achieved. Practicing medicine is a science but there is also an art to it. Each person is unique and therefore medications or other treatments will not work the same for every person. Having a longstanding relationship with your child makes it possible to tailor treatments to their unique needs.   

Listed below are some of the important benefits of a yearly well child visit:

1. Early detection of health conditions.
2. Administration of immunizations to prevent life threatening illness.
3. Regular assessment of your child’s growth and development.
4. Counseling about nutrition, exercise, safety, injury prevention, and behavior issues.
5. Creating another health adult relationship for your child so that if they are ever in need, they have a safe place to report their concerns.

In order to best serve your child, the schedule of well visits is more frequent during the first two years of life because that is a time of rapid growth and development.  Bright Futures recommends check ups at 3-5 days of life, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 24 months, 30 months, 3 years, and then yearly thereafter. Each of these visits will include a physical exam and you will be offered any recommended vaccines but it is also a great opportunity to talk with parents about how things are going at home. We only get to see your child for a short period of time. You are the expert on your child. Getting to talk with parents about their children’s habits, difficulties, food preferences, safety concerns, etc… allows us a clearer picture of how your child is developing. By getting to know each child’s strengths and weaknesses we are better able to help your child reach their highest potential.

For more information about a medical home for your child you can visit healthychildren.org or talk with us about it at your next visit. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve your children.

Author

Sarah Elliott Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in primary care. Practicing in Nashville, TN.