Well-Child Visits in Robbinsville, NJ
The Difference Between Pediatric Physicals And Well-Child Visits
Do you think alligators and crocodiles are the same? How about jam and jelly, or concrete and cement? These are examples of things that are similar but not the same. It is a roundabout way to get to our topic: the difference between pediatric physicals and well-child visits. Both are necessary, somewhat similar, but NOT the same.
What Is The Main Difference?
We would guess that most parents are not really sure of the difference. The main difference between the two is the well-child visit always includes a pediatric physical, but is more inclusive.
What they have in common is they should be done periodically and consistently, and they both are preventative measures so your child remains healthy.
Schedule a well-child visit in Robbinsville, NJ, or the surrounding areas of Hamilton, East Windsor, and Allentown by calling by calling (609) 808-3123 today.
The Stand-Alone Physical
This type of exam is usually done at the start of a new school year or if your child is intending to play sports. It covers the basics like checking height, weight, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, blood pressure and blood oxygen levels. Hummingbird Pediatrics will check for growth and development and if there are any problems before they participate in sports. It will probably include a check of your child’s heart and lungs along with their musculoskeletal system. It is a simple and forthright examination.
Continuity of Care Exam
The well-child visit is more of a “continuity of care” exam. Physicians want to prevent fragmented care where issues can be missed or overlooked.
These well-child visits have several purposes:
- To prevent illness
- To promote a child’s well-being
- Keeping parents informed of their child’s development
In addition to the physical exam, children who are school age between 6 and 12 will most likely have their vision and hearing screened, their spinal health will be checked, and social interaction will be discussed.
Kids who are 13 through 17 will have some additional subjects covered. These can include nutrition, physical activity, signs of anxiety or depression, difficulties with puberty, acne issues, smoking, drugs and alcohol problems, and pre-menstrual issues.
The goal of these visits is to prevent anything from getting out of hand. Issues including eating disorders, self harming behaviors, and untreated heavy menstrual flow could all be prevented and handled with regular well visits. Sadly, as kids get older these well-child visits decrease or become non-existent, unless they are sick.
It is essential these annual visits continue. When a teenager trusts their caregiver, they are more likely to discuss issues bothering them. Detecting problems early can prevent years of unhappiness or health problems.
Well-Child Visit Schedule
Each well-child visit is strategically planned based on the child’s age. These types of appointments provide an excellent opportunity for a pediatrician to examine the child and determine whether or not they are meeting the normal developmental milestones.
Children are advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics to attend a well-child visit at the following ages:
- 2 – 5 days
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 2 years
- 2 and a half years
Once the child reaches 3 years of age, it is recommended that they participate in a well-child visit once each year until they are 21 years old.
Contact Hummingbird Pediatrics at 609-808-3123 to schedule your child’s next well visit in Robbinsville, NJ.
