Cost of pediatrician visit by state

When should you see a pediatrician?

You should see a pediatrician with your child at least once per year for a general physical exam.  Your child should see a pediatrician more frequently depending on age, with infants and toddlers requiring closer monitoring for routine vaccinations and to ensure that the child is growing properly and achieving developmental milestones.

Typically, an infant and toddler is seen every few months for routine vaccinations, up to age 4 years old, and every year thereafter for a general physical exam, up to age 18 years old, although some physicians will treat patients up to age 21 years old.

Additionally, if your child is sick, including with a fever, seizure, or a medical issue that is of concern, you should book an appointment with the pediatrician for further evaluation.

What can I expect at a pediatric appointment?

Your expectations for a pediatric appointment will depend on the nature of the office visit.  If your child is feeling well and the visit is routine, you can expect to have vital signs taken, height and weight recorded, and the vaccination record reviewed.  Your child should receive a routine physical exam.  The pediatrician will likely speak with you about developmental milestones and growth issues that are routine for the child’s age.  He or she will likely ask you questions about how your child is functioning at home and at school, both socially and academically.  Healthy lifestyle practices should be discussed, including dietary intake, sleep habits, and hygiene practices.  The physician will give you advice on what to expect of your child as he or she grows over the next year.  This is also an opportunity to discuss any concerns you have about your child’s well-being or receive answers to issues you are noticing with your child’s development.

If your child is ill and the appointment is scheduled as a sick visit, you can expect your child’s vital signs, including temperature, to be taken and height and weight to be recorded.  You will be asked questions about the nature of your child’s illness, including what symptoms you are noting, and when the problem started.  The doctor will examine your child and may prescribe medication or order further testing as appropriate for the condition.

What does a pediatrician do at a checkup?

At a routine checkup, the pediatrician will assess the child’s height and weight, measure vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature, and review his or her immunization record.  The physician will also conduct a head-to-toe physical exam and order labwork or other testing as might be indicated. 

You will be given advice about the prevention and treatment of common illnesses and conditions that might occur.  The doctor should also discuss how to assess for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of your child.  The specific information on these topics depends on the child’s age.

When should a baby’s first pediatric appointment be?

The baby’s first pediatric visit is usually 3-5 days after birth.  Be sure to dress your baby comfortably with clothing that is easy to remove, so the doctor can do a careful physical exam.  The doctor will be measuring the baby’s head circumference, evaluating ears and eyes, listening to his heart, and inspecting the hips and genitals, among other things.  You should bring your insurance information, and discharge paperwork from the hospital, including the baby’s weight at time of discharge home after birth.  You will be given information about what to expect in terms of your child’s growth and development, as well as things to look out for, and which conditions warrant further evaluation by the doctor.

What is included in a well-child visit?

The well-child visit includes a check of vital signs, recording of height and weight, and assessment of the vaccination record.  A physical exam is performed to ensure that your child is developing appropriately. Depending on your child’s age, you will be given information on what to expect over the coming year, in terms of your child’s physical, emotional, and social development.  This can include tips on healthy habits for your elementary school child, and information about sexual development for preteens and teenagers. 

During these visits, you should also discuss any concerning behaviors or physical issues you are noting with your child, so they can be evaluated properly.

At what age do well child visits stop?

Typically, well child visits at pediatrician’s office end at age 18 years old, although some accept patients until age 21 years old.  After this time, your child should have yearly visits with a primary care physician, which is typically either a family practitioner or an internal medicine doctor (internist).  These physicians can monitor, evaluate, and treat all the typical health issues and illnesses in adults.

If your child reaches the age limit for your pediatrician’s office, you can ask for his or her recommendation for a trusted primary care doctor.  You should also request a copy of your child’s medical records, so the new physician has all the necessary background medical information.